Thanassis Sarantos : Iranian students' interest in learning is amazing
Iran Theater-The 42nd Fadjr International Theater Festival is holding master class workshop by famous Greek writer and director Thanassis Sarantos.
Thanassis Sarantos is very surprised to see the potential and interest of Iranian students in learning. He hopes for cooperation between Iran and Greece.
Born in Athens, he studied English Literature in Athens, Acting at the Carolos Koun Drama Theater School in Athens and Film Direction at the New York Film Academy on scholarships from the Fulbright Foundation, the Onassis Foundation and the Greek Film Centre. He worked as an actor and assistant director under Robert Wilson at the Watermill Center (2000) and went on to perform in Wilson's production of Prometheus at the Megaron Athens Concert Hall (2001). On his return to Greece, he founded the Ithikon Akmeotaton production company, directing Albert Camus' Caligula (2000), Antoine de Saint Exupery's The Little Prince (2003) and two plays by Marius von Mayenburg-The Ugly One (2008) and The Dog, the Night and the Knife (2009)-for the stage. Thanassis Sarantos has adapted, acted and directed the novel "The American" by the prestigious Greek writer Alexandros Papadiamantis and toured it in many cities and islands of Greece. (2009-2011).
He said about the three-day workshop he held in Iran: "During these three days, we discussed the role of chorus in classical Greek Dramas and in modern theater."
He went on to say: "It is true that the importance of the chorus goes back to the ancient Greece, but it is definitely one of the essential elements in modern theater; because it is the chorus who convey the feelings of the actors to the audience. Their role is still important in this century."
He continued: "On the first day, we presented details about the chorus and practical exercises about the actor's cooperation with them. On the second day, we rehearsed parts of the Sophocles masterpiece Oedipus Rex with the students and they played with their instruments, and on the final day we performed this part as the result of this workshop."
The Greek artist said: "I am happy that there was this preparation for a workshop in these three days. I don't feel tired and I get energy from the students. I’m surprised to see the potential and interest in Iranian students. Besides, seeing the work of Iranian artists has excited me. We have many common cultural characteristics that can be dealt with more relationship and more detailed planning in joint projects. "
Thanassis Sarantos hopes that his presence at the Fadjr International Theater Festival will be a start point for cooperation between Iran and Greece, adding: "I watched works by Iranian artists that were excellent in form, direction and content, and I enjoyed very much."
Thanassis Sarantos said: "I wanted to stage the play American at the 2024 FITF; But due to budget and lack of support from the Greek Minister, it was not possible for the troupe to participate in the stage section. "
