Shadow Theatre and Working Class Entertainment

Working-class entertainment venues took the form of kafeneia (coffee houses) and tavernas, which often played host to public shows. Shadow theatre performances starring Karaghiozis, the artful oriental rogue, were often held at Katsantonis' coffee house by the Chania Gate or in the open air. Performances given by magicians and conjurers were also common. Musical entertainment was provided by folk musicians playing Cretan, Symrna and Turkish tunes, as well as by barrel organs and the celebrated if somewhat notorious cafes aman. In addition, the presence of European troops and the increase in maritime activity attracted more "morally dubious" forms of entertainment, such as prostitution.