Aspasia Papathanasiou
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.
Known For & Full Filmography2 Titles
Drama Series - 1965, 16 episodes • as Helen of Troy
An anthology of short plays shown on BBC Television between 1965 and 1973, used in part at least as a training ground for new writers, on account of its short length, and which therefore attracted many writers who later became well known.
Movie - 1976, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
The days of May 1936 in Thessaloniki and the events that led to the bloody clashes between the tobacco workers and the army are described in this film in a clear way. The people are the protagonists, and the narrative does not insist on drama or exaggeration. Of particular importance is also the presentation of the way in which the country was led, through a specific plan, to the dictatorship of Metaxas, on August 4, 1936.