Aspasia Papathanasiou

Born

1918-10-20

Died

2020-06-08

Birthplace

Amfissa, Phocis, Greece

Biography

Aspasia Papathanasiou (October 20, 1918 - June 8, 2020) daughter of Efthimios was a Greek writer and actress, one of the best-known tragedians, awarded with many distinctions. Born in Amfissa on October 20, 1918, she carried out classical studies in theater art, while she traveled abroad (USSR) where she participated in performances of ancient tragedy, performing the role of Medea et al. Apart from her artistic work, she was involved in politics. During the Occupation, she was in the ranks of the reserve ELAS, together with her colleagues she had created the "People's Theatre" in the center of Athens, while she also took part in the December 1957. In 1957 she participated as a founding member in the "Piraeus Theatre" of Dimitris Rodiris. The military coup of April 21, 1967, finds A. Papathanasiou on a tour of the former Soviet Union. In protest, he exiles himself and decides to stay in London. Throughout the years of the Junta, he took an active part in the anti-dictatorship activities. In September 1969, he gives a series of performances for the 100th anniversary of Berlioz's death, with the "Trojans". At the invitation of Covent Garden Opera, she will perform the role of Andromache. He returned to Greece in 1975. She was married to Kostas Mavrommatis. Until old age, she made interventions with her public statements, in the political events. He passed away on June 8, 2020 at the age of 101.