Long before the days of television, radio, or even cinema, there was a different form of entertainment in Greece derived from folkloric traditions. Known as Shadow Theatre, or the so-called "Karagiozis" art (named after the main character of Modern Greek shadow theatre - thus becoming a synonym of the theatre it belongs to), it includes paper-made puppets handled by a puppeteer who stands behind a white screen that is illuminated by some source of light and devises his own original tales. One of the most prominent artists that kept the Greek shadow puppet tradition alive was Eugenios Spatharis (1924-2009), whose 11th death anniversary is marked tomorrow, May 9, 2020.
The Spatharis family’s legacy
The son of Sotiris Spatharis, himself a pioneer in this field and a founding member of the Pan-Hellenic Association of Shadow Players, Eugenios Spatharis was progressively introduced to his father's art, despite his father's early wishes that he become an architect. However, due to the hardships brought on by the German occupation in Greece, Eugenios devoted himself to his father’s art. In fact, the Spatharis family case confirms the saying about “the student becoming the master”: in 2007, the Greek Ministry of Culture awarded Eugenios Spatharis the title of "Grand Master" in recognition of his contribution to the art.
“I want you to promise me that you will never abandon the art I taught you! You must always remember that Karagiozis and the other heroes, whatever they do, they will always be your true and best friends "
A man of many talents, Eugenios Spatharis began his career painting the posters and sign-boards advertising his father's shows. Later on, he used this talent for decorating stage costumes and settings. His long experience gave him the opportunity to be recognized as a professional painter and to become a member of the Chamber of Fine Arts in Greece; more specifically, as a "naive" painter, he adhered to clear figure lines and simplicity of design.
