09 August 2004	Monday	22 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

ATHENS, Aug 8: The director of the opening ceremony for the Athens Olympics promised on Sunday what he called a dream show full of surprises, despite media reports purportedly leaking details.

Dimitris Papaioannou signalled in a rare interview he was unfazed by the reports and confident an estimated global television audience of four billion was in for a treat on Friday.

"Nothing has been spoiled. What happens there on the ground is always the surprise," Papaioannou, who is also directing the closing ceremony at the August 13-29 Games, told the Greek Sunday newspaper Kathimerini.

"The ceremonies will tell the world a very ancient story, using contemporary techniques. They will present a dream show inspired by Greek history and art, but approached from a modern perspective and using the latest technology," he said.

Games officials were angered last month when Britain's Sunday Mirror said it had information the Olympic stadium would be flooded with water during the opening ceremony, a boat would sail across it and a comet would fall in the middle.

Papaioannou, one of Greece's most influential modern dancers and choreographers, gave little away but said about 9,000 artists, technical staff and others would take part in the show.

More than 75,000 spectators are expected at each ceremony. "The participation of the public is the deciding factor in creating the right atmosphere in the stadium, said Papaioannou, who has won considerable critical acclaim in Europe and the United States.

Games sources have said the opening ceremony will not be anything like previous ones. "I can only say that it will be nothing you have ever seen before. It is a completely different concept from any other opening ceremony, including the parade of athletes," said one official, who declined to be identified. -Reuters