The official Opening Ceremony of the 1st Rhodes Amateur Theater Festival took place during a unique evening marked by high artistic quality, intense emotion, and powerful symbolism, launching a new institution that aspires to become a benchmark for amateur theater and the island’s culture.
The Festival is an initiative of the Municipality of Rhodes and the Department of Culture, aimed at creating a permanent space for gathering, collaboration, and creative expression for Rhodes’ amateur theater groups, while highlighting the island’s long theatrical tradition and strengthening its contemporary cultural identity. The packed auditorium, the warm response from the audience, and the presence of representatives from local government, cultural figures, representatives of various organizations, and the 12 theater groups participating in the event confirmed the momentum of this new initiative.
The Deputy Mayor for Culture of the Municipality of Rhodes, Stathis Manousakis, who spoke about the significance of establishing the Festival, emphasizing that it represents a substantial investment in culture, in collective creativity, and in the enduring contributions of amateur groups. The presentation was given by the Director of Culture for the Municipality of Rhodes, Nancy Tryposkoufi, who highlighted the Festival’s philosophy and vision, focusing on the power of theater to unite people, inspire, keep collective memory alive, and build bridges between generations.
A particularly moving moment of the evening was the tribute to the late Zacharias Angelakos, the man who served the amateur theater of Rhodes with dedication. The presence of his daughter, Vasso Angelakou, lent the moment special emotional significance. Also in attendance at the event were the Commissioner for Sports, Michalis Plygkos, and the Commissioner for Transportation, Stergos Papastergis.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presence of actor Grigoris Valtinos, the event’s honoree. In his speech, he shared reflections and experiences from his long career in Greek theater. As a token of honor and gratitude for his enduring contribution to the art of Greek theater, Deputy Mayor for Culture Stathis Manousakis and Deputy Mayor of the Kameiro Municipal Unit Giorgos Toppos presented Grigoris Valtinos with a commemorative plaque.
The 12 amateur theater groups from Rhodes played a special role in the ceremony; they were featured in audiovisual tributes and then took the stage together. The groups participating in the Festival are as follows:
- ArtThalies Theater Workshop
- Dodecanese Theater Association KOINTA
- ANEMI Theater Group
- Maritsa Cultural Association “Keronias”
- Paradisos Youth Association “ORIONAS”
- Theater Group of the Archangel Taxiarhon Parish of Rhodes
- Archangelos Amateur Theater
- Archangelos Amateur Theater Workshop ASTIR
- AGIOUTO Theater Association
- Theater Group of the Brotherhood of Cretans of Rhodes “O Psiloritis”
- Praxis Theater Group
- Manos Katrakis Theater Workshop
During the event, the full program of the Festival was presented. In addition to the performances, the program includes theater workshops and seminars. Workshops will be led by actor and director Aimilios Cheilakis, actress Athina Maximou, actor and acting teacher Nikos Hatzipapas, and set designer Antonis Chalkias.
At the same time, the foyer of the Municipal Theater will host an exhibition of photographs from historic performances of the National Theater of Rhodes, as well as authentic theatrical costumes from those productions.
Admission to the Festival’s performances and accompanying events is free for the public. The detailed program of performances, workshops, and all events, as well as photographs, is available on the website www.rtfestival.gr.
