Spyros Evangelatos was one of the most influential figures in modern Greek theatre. A director, philologist, academic and theatre scholar, he spent his life bridging art and intellect. Through his deep knowledge and creative daring, he redefined the way Greeks approached their theatrical heritage — from ancient drama to forgotten masterpieces of modern times.
From an artistic family to a theatrical vision
Born in Athens on October 20, 1940, Spyros Evangelatos grew up in an atmosphere steeped in music and culture. His father, Antiochos Evangelatos, was a renowned composer and conductor, and his mother, Xeni Bourexaki, a distinguished harpist. He studied Philology at the University of Athens and acting at the National Theatre Drama School, before continuing Theatre Studies at the University of Vienna — a rare blend of scholarly depth and artistic insight for his generation.
Founder of the legendary “Amphi-Theatre”
In 1975, he founded the “Amphi-Theatre,” a landmark in Greek theatre history. For more than three decades, it became a stage of renewal, where classic works met modern interpretation. Evangelatos revived long-forgotten Greek plays from Crete and the Ionian Islands, such as Fortounatos and Erotokritos, bringing them to life with a modern sensibility that preserved their poetic soul.
He also directed Shakespeare, Brecht, Molière, Ibsen and Aristophanes, combining intellectual precision with emotional power. The Amphi-Theatre became a creative school for dozens of young actors who later emerged as leading figures of the Greek stage.
The man of knowledge and teaching
Beyond the stage, Evangelatos dedicated himself to education. From 1989 onwards, he served as professor at the Department of Theatre Studies of the University of Athens, where he inspired generations of students with his passion for research and his respect for dramatic literature. His studies on the history of Greek theatre from the Renaissance to the 19th century remain fundamental.
In 2005, he was elected a full member — and later President — of the Academy of Athens, crowning a career that united the university with the theatre in an exceptional way.
His philosophy and words that still resonate
Evangelatos often said: “The hardest thing for a director is not to imitate himself.” He believed in constant renewal and intellectual vigilance. For him, theatre was not a museum piece, but a living organism. “As long as you remain open to influence, you are fertilized and reborn,” he once remarked — a statement that perfectly captures his artistic ethos.
A legacy that transcends generations
Spyros Evangelatos passed away on January 24, 2017, leaving behind an invaluable legacy. His work remains a beacon for those who see theatre as both an art and a cultural mission. Through his vision, erudition and moral integrity, he proved that creation and knowledge can coexist in harmony.
Today, every new generation of Greek theatre artists finds in his work a timeless lesson in depth, authenticity and devotion — a living reminder of what it means to serve art with heart and intellect.