Work of celebrated costume designers on show in NYC
Two prominent Greek artists with substantial contributions to theater and film are the focus of an exhibition that opens today at the Foundation for Hellenic Culture in New York. On show will be work by Theoni Vachlioti-Aldredge, an Oscar winner credited with costume design for numerous renowned films and plays since the 1950s, as well as stage and costume designer Ioanna Papantoniou, a seasoned member of the local theater circuit. Vachlioti-Aldredge, who made initial impact on Broadway with her costume designs in Elia Kazan’s «Sweet Bird of Youth,» went on to establish herself as a prominent figure in her field with contributions to countless projects, including classic films such as «The Great Gatsby,» for which she won the Oscar, «Stella,» and «The Three Sisters.» As costume designer, Vachlioti-Aldredge has worked on over 250 stage productions. She has also received numerous other awards for her work, including three Tony prizes. Based in the USA for decades, the Athens-born Vachlioti-Aldredge has maintained close ties with her homeland. The exhibition’s other featured artist, Papantoniou, has contributed stage and costume design work to over 20 productions of ancient drama and close to 100 contemporary plays, both Greek and foreign, here in Greece. Besides collaborating with local giants in Greek drama, such as the late stage director Karolos Koun, founder of the Theatro Technis, and late actor Alexis Minotis, Papantoniou has worked with countless other renowned figures from Greece’s theatrical circuit. They include Alexis Solomos, Minos Volonakis, Lefteris Voyiatzis and Michail Marmarinos. Apart from theater, Papantoniou is also the writer of published essays, articles, and books. In 1974, she established the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation of Nafplion which was bestowed with a Museum of the Year award by European authorities in 1981. More recently, Papantoniou received a State Award for her services to drama.
