Out of the shadows
Karaghiozis, the historical shadow puppet character that has entertained generations of Greeks with his antics and served as a poignant vehicle of social and political satire over the decades, is finally acquiring a permanent home for himself, his family and friends. The Haridimos Shadow Theater Workshop and Museum will be inaugurated tomorrow at 8.30 p.m. at the Melina Cultural Center (66 Irakleidon & Thessaloniki, Thiseion), comprising material donated by the Haridimos family, a popular troupe of Karaghiozis performers. The museum brings together some 900 displays – characters and sets designed by Christos, Giorgos and Sotiris Haridimos – as well as the work of students who participated in the City of Athens’s workshops on shadow puppet making at the Aghios Thomas Cultural Center. The material comprising the exhibition traces the history of shadow puppet and set design from 1925 to 1980, presenting the different materials used over time and the techniques applied by different masters. The exhibition is complemented by a shadow theater stage where performances are to be held regularly throughout the year. For detailed information, tel 210.345.2150.
