Memory of beloved star still burns bright

Actress Aliki Vouyiouklaki continues to make headlines

Twelve years after her death, film and theater actress Aliki Vouyiouklaki is making headlines again, not only through a tell-all biography penned by her son, Yiannis Papamichail, but also through a television series that narrates her tumultuous life.

Both the book and the series have sparked plenty of commentary about whether her life ought to be publicized or left to rest. Regardless of the outcome, the media’s sustained interest highlights the fact that even though her early films premiered many decades ago, the Vouyiouklaki phenomenon is far from fading away.

Screenings of the late actress’s movies, of course, have never ceased on television – they remain as popular as ever, with new generations of young viewers growing up watching her talented presence in such classics as “Aliki sto Naftiko” (Aliki in the Navy) and “Moderna Stachtopouta” (Modern Cinderella).

Now an exhibition has been added to this renewed interest in the country’s greatest ever silver screen icon. The show, on display at the Athinais Cultural Complex until Sunday, features a collection of 40 costumes stemming from film and theater productions as well as dozens of photos and other material from Vouyiouklaki’s theater productions. One of the highlights is a white gown she wore in the musical production of “Evita.”

Based on private collections of die-hard fans, the exhibition also includes personal items, including objects from her Aliki Theater dressing room as well as the hair-piece she wore when she married Dimitris Papamichail.

The tribute has been organized by non-profit association “To Pio Lambro Asteri” (The Brightest Star) along with Yiannis Papamichail. The association aims to further enrich its collection and ensure its permanent display.

Athinais Arts Complex, 34-36 Kastorias, Votanikos, tel 210.348.0000. Opening hours today and tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Sunday, doors will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.