In modern times, the ancient theatre of Elis was used for performances, theatrical plays and other events of the Cultural Festival of Elis, which was established in the early 1990s on the initiative of the Society of Friends of Ancient Elis and later was set under the curatorship of the Municipality of Amalia.

Thousands of spectators were taught the morals and ideals of antiquity by attending many of the famous tragedies and comedies of renowned authors, which were staged by major theatrical companies with famous Greek actors as protagonists.

However, at the beginning of the first decade of the millenium, the ancient Theatre of Elis ceased to be granted by the Ministry of Culture for the hosting of performances/ shows, due to the damage caused to the sensitive archaeological remains by the temporary installation of props, seats and other infrastructure.

It was then deemed necessary to build a new theatre where the events of the now renowned Elis Festival will be hosted. This project was achieved with the construction by the Ministry of Culture of a wooden theatre at a short distance from the ancient agora of Elis on a plot of land which was offered at the expense of the Municipality of Elis.

In fact, at the site of the construction of the theatre during the earthworks, an extensive cemetery of prehistoric times was revealed, which was excavated by the competent Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia (then 7th EPCA) between May 2004 – April 2005.

A total of 23 chambered carved tombs in four successive rows containing burials decorated with pottery, tools and jewellery were unearthed. A short distance away, the remains of a Hellenistic pottery workshop with a well-preserved ceramic kiln were uncovered. Due to their vulnerability, the antiquities were documented in accordance with the relevant decision and are preserved under the installation of the modern theatre.

In 2006 the wooden theatre of Elis, with a capacity of 1200 spectators, begun hosting major artistic and cultural events presented mainly in the frame of the Festival of Ancient Elis, an institution that has met 35 years of success !

The implementation of theatrical plays, music concerts and athletic events in the modern theatre of Elis is subject to a decision and supervision of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia.