Marika Kotopouli, one of the most important actresses who gave birth to the Greek theatre, was born on May 3, 1887. Coming from a theatrical family, it was inevitable that from an early age she would cultivate a deep love for the stage. Her parents, Dionysis and Eleni Kotopouli, actors themselves, passed on the artistic tradition to their daughter, who showed signs of exceptional talent from a very early age. In 1901, at the age of just 14, she appeared for the first time on the stage of the Variety Theatre, in a revue, where her performance immediately won the recognition of the audience and critics.

Kotopouli’s rise was rapid. Already in 1908 she had managed to establish her own company, and together with a group of excellent actors, she began to conquer the tops of the theatrical scene in Greece. Her roles in the classical tragedies of ancient Greek drama, such as Euripides’ “Bacchae” and Sophocles’ “Electra”, highlighted her unsurpassed talent and established her as the ultimate leading lady of her time. Kotopouli was not just a performer of the classical repertoire. With her own particular style and intense personality, she also managed to bring out contemporary theatre works, making a significant contribution to the renaissance of modern Greek theatre.

One of the most legendary moments of her career was her confrontation with the equally important actress, Kyveli. The two women represented two different schools of acting, and their conflicts – both artistic and personal – gave birth to a passion that carried over to the audience. Theatergoers were divided into two “camps,” with Kotopouli’s fans fanatically supporting her, while Kyveli’s supporters defended her rival. Despite the initial tension and rivalry, the two women gained mutual respect later in life, understanding that each, in her own way, had made a decisive contribution to the development of the Greek theatre.

Marika Kotopouli was not only a theatrical actress, but also a personality with a strong political and social activity. In fact, her political position in favour of the monarchy strongly distinguished her from Eleftherios Venizelos, the great leader of the time and supporter of Venizelism. Their political difference was strongly reflected in an incident that became legendary. During a visit by Venizelos to her theatre, Kotopouli, aware of their political differences, chased him out of her dressing room. This event surprised many, as Venizelos was already a prominent political figure. However, Kotopouli did not hesitate to stand up for her views, even in the face of one of the most powerful men of the time, showing her independence and courage, not only on stage, but also in her personal life.

In the years of the peak of her career, Kotopouli experienced tremendous recognition. In 1933, she was awarded the “Order of the Phoenix”, a great distinction awarded to artists who contributed significantly to Greek culture. In 1951, the Marika Kotopouli Theatre in Athens was named after her in recognition of her enormous contribution to the Greek theatre. Her last appearance in the theatre took place in 1953, thus closing a huge cycle of a career that changed the face of Greek theatre forever.

Kotopouli passed away like today on September 11, 1954, leaving behind a cultural legacy that continues to inspire to this day. Her influence on the theatre scene was not only artistic but also social. Her presence in the arts was revolutionary, as she did not hesitate to take artistic risks and support works that expressed the contemporary concerns of her time. Her passion, strength and dedication to art made her an iconic figure for both the theatre and society of her time.

Even today, her memory remains vivid, with many artists citing her as a source of inspiration for their own interpretations. Marika Kotopouli was and will remain one of the greatest actresses Greece has ever known. Her dedication, talent and dynamic personality established her as one of the legends of Greek theatre.