The awarding ceremony of the Melina Merkouri Theater Award, given annually in recognition of the best female performance by a young actress of the past theatrical season, will will take place on April 23, at 20:00, in Elefsinain the exhibition space where the exhibition “Mysterio 17 Melina” is presented (Warehouse 3, Old Olive Mill of Elefsina).

This year the Board of Directors of the Melina Merkouri Foundation and the jury decided to award two prizes, as due to the pandemic in the previous two years the award was not held.

This year’s candidates are: Amalia Arseni (for the play “The country that never dies” by Ornella Vorpsi, translated by Maria Spyridopoulou, directed by Enke Fezolari, Stathmos Theater), Amalia Cavali (for the plays “The Doctor of His Honor” by Pedro Calderón de la Barka, translated-directed by Thomas Moschopoulos, Porta Theater and “How much does it cost to live?” by Martina Mayok, translated-directed by Thomas Moschopoulos, Porta Theatre), Sofia Kokkali (for Moliere’s play “The School for Women” translated by Chrysa Prokopaki adaptation/directed by Hectoras Lygizos, Athens Festival – Piraeus 260), Maria Moschouri (for the play “Tourne” by Euripides Laskarides, Athens Festival, Little Theater of Ancient Epidaurus and “The Magic Circle” theater for children, directed by Thomas Moschopoulos, Theater Porta), Kitty Paitazoglou (for the play “Antigone” by Jean Anouille, translated by Marios Ploritis, direction- dramaturgical editing by Maria Protopappa, Karolo Koun Art Theater Basement), and Eleni Boukli (for the play “Electra” by Sophocles, direction Ari Biniari, Karolo Koun-Frynichou Art Theater and “Animal Farm” by George Orwell, directed by Ari Biniari, National Theater – Eleni Papadaki Stage, Rex theater).

The theater prize was established in 2007 by the Melina Merkouri Foundation. The honorary distinction in memory of Melina takes into account the stage presence of young talented actors and their acting performances. The prize amounts to 3,000 euros and the honored actress keeps Melina Merkouri’s pin for one year, which she hands over to her colleague who is distinguished the following year. The award committee consists of Dio Kangelaris, Matina Kaltakis, Michael Marmarinos, Amalia Moutousi and Reni Pittakis.