In the role of the miserly Scrooge, young and old viewers will enjoy this Sunday (at 12:00 and 17:00) on the “Pantheon” stage, the popular actor Giannis Kapetanios, in the classic play by Charles Dickens.
The story “Scrooge and the Christmas Spirits” has a special place in the bibliography of world literature and in Patras it will emerge in an ambitious production, directed by Kellys Stamoulakis and with Eleftheria Rigou, in a characteristic role. With them, talented actors who act, sing and dance: Joanna Angeli, Thalis Politis and Marios Dernes.
(Tickets on sale (9 euros) at “Pantheon” and at more.com / Box office: 10 euros. OGA tickets are valid).
Giannis Kapetanios, speaking to “P”, was quite confessional, caustic and revealing…
“I AM AN ACTOR”
“When you’re an actor, you’re everything: Both comedic and dramatic. We shouldn’t specialize it. For example, the Scrooge that I am playing now, is a tragic figure, through his dramatic dimension laughter comes out. A hero based on his avarice, but the spirits of the holidays come and mutate him. Which becomes generous and sociable.
“I REMAIN A CHILD”
I have never expelled the child from me. We must always feel like children, to soak up a little innocence, to feel the sense of play, the emotion and sensitivity that distinguish a child. And this show that we will play in Patras highlights all of this. It is a classic performance by Charles Dickens, which gives us all this in abundance.
“I LOVED PATRA”
I loved Patras from the first moment I met it, as a student, when we came on a school trip from Chios. And since then I loved it very much and I realized that it is so well laid out that no matter what road you find yourself on, you are not going to get lost in anything. You always arrive at the port!
“THE CHILDREN’S AUDIENCE IS DIFFICULT”
It is the best to play for kids. Children are the best audience. You can’t fake it. To keep it disciplined and alert in a performance, you should have an important object. Give him a stimulus and pique his interest. Otherwise he will be distracted and the show will be spoiled. It is a difficult task to keep a child’s interest in theater undiminished.
“I’M BEING CHASED BY… “CARAVANEAS”
…Caravaneas from the TV series “The Children of Greece” is still “chasing” me! It was a very special role. At that time, I had been discharged from the army for 6-7 years, so I also had memories, since he had served as an officer. But I loved wearing the outfit too!
This series has not stopped being repeated for 29 years. And now again, on the weekend, the series is repeated by ANT-1 And they do well and repeat it. For 30 years, either through this series or through the theater performances I participated in, I haven’t missed a week of television! And we get a little something as a reward! But little… But this repetition has preserved my name. I have never been forgotten.
“I PROPOSED HIM TO BEZO”
I have also played in other serials, but the role of Karavaneas has made me a classic now. The truth is that I thought of the hero Karavaneas. Yannis Bezos, with whom we played together at the time, had come and told me about the serial he was preparing. Initially, Karavaneas was not in the script. I suggested that he put a non-commissioned officer as a connecting link with the smenites. Giannis was excited, he tells the late author of the series Dimitris Venizelos and comes to the theater the next day. where we used to play together. and he tells me he is joining the series, from the 4th episode, as it happened.
“LOST SERIOUSNESS”
What bothers me in the theater today is that the seriousness has been lost. We have a seriousness now. Of course, there are always good shows, but for the most part we have poverty. We had artistic giants as models. I finished Art Theater with Karolos Koon. I was with him for five years. I played ancient tragedies and comedies, I also played in Epidaurus.
“I WAS CONVENIENT AT SEFERLI, BUT I HAVE NO REGRETS”
The truth is that for many years I remained unmoved by the review and the “Dolphinarium”. This is a matter of choice, dare I say it. I had rested in this state, the truth is that no one forced me to do so. I had rested on my laurels. I certainly don’t regret it. Nice jobs were done there, because Mr. Seferlis, always took care of his productions. And the great turnout of the world applauds his effort.
I admit that I got caught up in my comforts. But it is also a matter of livelihood. Because I had “eaten” my face several times in the past. Where one year we ate… sponge cake and the other year we ate… nut. Everyone makes their own choices there. So I went back there and sat down.
Let me tell you something from experience: When I was younger and I was at the Art Theater, my mother came from Chios to Athens to see me. I left home at noon, we had school, we had rehearsals, we had performances. And I was coming back after midnight. So my mother saw me and asked me: “You’re missing so many hours and you don’t bring any money. What business is this?’
“THE COMEDIES ARE LOST”
I wanted to serve comedy. But you see not many comedies are uploaded in recent years. This year, on television, there is not a single sitcom. Comedy is a difficult genre to both write and create. Unfortunately, there are no pennies. Because in order for a comedy to be performed, it must first be written. While in the past we had many great writers dealing with comedy: Sakellarios, Pretenderis, Michaelidis, Psathas, etc.
There is a general lack of writing, as a result of which there are no comedies, while we always had and still have good actors. This is due to the fact that the manners and customs have changed, the mentality has changed and there are no right pennies to give the world what it needs.
#Giannis #Kapetanios #Seriousness #lost
**Interview with Giannis Kapetanios: Celebrating ‘Scrooge and the Christmas Spirits’ at the Pantheon**
**Editor:** Good morning, Giannis! We’re excited to have you here as you prepare for your role as Scrooge in the upcoming production at the Pantheon.
**Giannis Kapetanios:** Good morning! I’m thrilled to talk about this timeless story and our ambitious production.
**Editor:** It’s a classic tale by Charles Dickens that resonates with many. What do you aim to bring to Scrooge’s character in this rendition?
**Giannis Kapetanios:** Scrooge is a tragic figure, and through his story, I want to highlight his transformation. He starts as a miser, but when the Christmas spirits visit him, we see his journey from avarice to generosity. It’s about finding humor in the tragedy and showcasing a hopeful message about redemption.
**Editor:** That’s a powerful interpretation. You’ve also mentioned the importance of maintaining childlike wonder. Can you elaborate on that?
**Giannis Kapetanios:** Absolutely! I believe that we should never let go of our inner child. This show is all about innocence, playfulness, and emotional sensitivity—qualities that children embody so well. It’s essential we keep the audience, especially kids, engaged, as they can be the toughest critics. If we spark their interest, we create a memorable experience.
**Editor:** You have a fondness for Patras, having first visited as a student. What has kept you connected to the city?
**Giannis Kapetanios:** Patras holds a special place in my heart. I fell in love with its layout and charm on that school trip from Chios. I appreciate how easy it is to navigate; no matter where you end up, you’ll always find your way to the port. The warmth of the people here is very inviting.
**Editor:** Turning to your career, you’ve had quite a few memorable roles. One that stands out is Karavaneas from “The Children of Greece.” How has that role impacted your career?
**Giannis Kapetanios:** Karavaneas has truly stuck with me! It’s remarkable to think that the show has continued to resonate for almost 30 years. Though I’ve played many roles since, Karavaneas serves as a classic connection for many viewers. I’m thankful that the repetition keeps my name alive in the public’s mind.
**Editor:** Looking at the state of theater today, you mentioned a feeling of lost seriousness. What changes would you like to see?
**Giannis Kapetanios:** I believe that the gravity of theatrical performances is sometimes lacking today. While there are still remarkable pieces being created, much of contemporary theater feels impoverished. Training under artistic giants taught me the importance of seriousness in craft. I yearn for more shows that respect the art form and deliver meaningful content.
**Editor:** It sounds like you have a deep passion for the craft and a desire for evolution in theater. As you head into this production, what’s your hope for the audience this Sunday?
**Giannis Kapetanios:** I hope the audience leaves with a renewed sense of wonder and the spirit of the holidays. ‘Scrooge and the Christmas Spirits’ is about transformation and hope, and I believe it can inspire both children and adults alike to reflect on generosity and compassion.
**Editor:** Thank you, Giannis, for sharing your thoughts. Wishing you the best for the performances this Sunday!
**Giannis Kapetanios:** Thank you! I can’t wait to see everyone at the Pantheon!
