Spyros Stamoulis: “The Pantheons” is an acting class

Spyros Stamoulis is going through a fairly productive period in his artistic journey. Participates in period drama series of SKAI, “The Pantheons”, and the actor reveals to skai.gr the reasons that push Stathis Monogios – the hero he plays – to become ruthless, but also why he approaches Aleka. He also talks about the show “Closer” which is staged with great success at the Chora theater and puts human relationships under the microscope.

-How is this period going for you?

It’s going very well and I feel lucky to participate in such a remarkable series, such as “The Pantheons”, and such a beautiful show, such as “Closer”, at the Chora theater.

-What are the motivations with which you choose each job you will participate in?

If I find interest in the role or what is the story we want to tell. However, the most important reason for me to think about participating in a series or show is which people I will be working with.

-Can you easily find the package above?

The truth is that in recent years I have been lucky enough to work with excellent directors and wonderful actors. I believe that this whole process, perhaps, helps me become better at my job.

-What is the feeling that the collaboration with “Pantheos” has left you with so far?

Apart from the fact that the role of Stathis Monogiou is interesting, I play with Emilios Cheilakis, Nikos Hatzopoulos, Athena Maximou and many more. It’s a blessing to be with such great actors… For me this series is a lesson in acting.

-Have you identified common elements with Stathis Monogios in order to decode his special character?

I think that every person has all the elements for any role: all of us have fallen in love, been treated badly in certain situations or felt wronged. Beyond that, I don’t believe I have much in common with the hero I’m playing, but I like to believe I’m able to imagine or magnify some elements within myself to come close to what I’d like him to be like.

-We notice that there is a change in the character of the hero you play…

There is an interesting development and this is a challenge. There were various elements from the writing but it was a conscious choice for the hero to adapt and change little by little. When the series started, Stathis was more innocent, more pure, but as the plot progresses he becomes more ruthless. I wanted there to be a fight in him and to show the goodness he has.

-What pushes Stathis to become more ruthless?

Stathis is affected like any other person by the developments and conditions that prevail around him. He didn’t wake up one morning and say “I’m going to start blackmailing.” (Laughs). Circumstances therefore led him to this position. The poverty of his family and the fact that he did not have the opportunities to achieve his goals. So, he chose the darkest path.

-Is the dark path he chooses dangerous?

Of course! I don’t know how much we’ll dislike or continue to like the hero in the next few episodes and that’s why I wanted the transition to be gradual. Fortunately, there is also Marmaris, who is a most hated role, and it is a joke I make to Michalis Syriopoulos who plays him. I wouldn’t want to play the villain in a series again. (Laughs).

-How is Stathis’s relationship with Matoula developing?

Stathis is in love with Matoula and their relationship is interesting, although I don’t know how easy it is to succeed. And that’s because they come from two different worlds. Stathis is a cold realist and only cares about himself, his family and the people around him. Matoula, on the other hand, is dedicated to her fellow human beings. Nevertheless, he proposed to her and, after that, Matoula disappeared!

– Will Stathis find out why Matoula disappeared?

He will learn something but unfortunately developments will have progressed and he will be on another path…

-Are you referring to the relationship that starts between the hero and Alexa?

Exactly.

– Does she approach her because she has feelings or for… interests?

It is complex. You know, we always have to consider the period and the way society is structured which was different than today. It was important what social class you belonged to, and most marriages took place by consanguinity. From then on, Stathis has weighed everything! He believes that his relationship with Alexa will help him socially and achieve his goals. Alexa, on the other hand, is in love with him, indulges his narcissism, and thinks he can handle her.

-Will her father play a role?

Alexa’s father is another reason why she absolutely wants their relationship to go forward. She has a history with him and in a way she wants to get revenge.

-Participate in the show “Closer” which is staged at the Chora theater. Tell us about this collaboration…

It is a play by Patrick Marber that was first staged and then transferred to the cinema where the Greek audience loved it. So it is being presented at the Chora theater, produced by the Neo Kosmos theater, directed by Dimitris Agiopetritis-Bogdanos and starring: Michalis Leventogiannis, Vicky Papadopoulou, Natalia Swift. I’m happy because it’s a great project and I’m having a great time with my colleagues. Also, I like the aesthetics of the play, direction, set design, etc. I won’t hide from you that professionally I feel that every year is better, let alone this year.

-And in this work, human relationships are at the center, right?

“Closer” is a relationship play. We see in this the futility and pitfalls that human relationships can fall into. There is a strong feeling of loneliness. Despite this, it is a work that can be deeply sad but also has several comical elements. This is the greatness of the author Patrick Marber: He combines drama with comedy at the same time, just like in life!

-What does closer mean to you?

I don’t have a specific answer because I’m still looking for it. (Laughs). How much more so now on the occasion of the theatrical performance. Basically, I think we should all look for it.