Marios Ploritis

Author, critic, journalist, and director, a prominent figure in post-war theater, Marios Ploritis, whose real name was Marios Papadopoulos, was born in 1919 in Piraeus. He studied law and political science but later devoted himself almost entirely to literature and theater. His presence in the intellectual life dates back to the years of the Occupation when, still young, he participated in the group of Karolos Koun, who founded the Art Theater (1942). At the same time, he published his first translation of Pirandello's work "Right You Are (If You Think So)" and two years later contributed to the creation of the publishing house "Ikaros." Since then, he translated numerous works of well-known authors (Bernard Shaw, Ibsen, Anouilh, Brecht, Pinter, Strindberg, etc.) and collaborated with many newspapers and magazines. In parallel, he developed a rich activity as a director. In 1950, he married Elli Lambeti, with whom he separated in 1953. Apart from his literary and artistic activities, Ploritis also showed interest in political events and, in his capacity as a journalist, fiercely criticized the choices of conservative governments, especially after the "July Events" of 1965. During the military regime of 1967-1974, he resided in Paris, where he engaged in significant anti-dictatorial activities. After the restoration of democracy, he devoted himself mainly to his intellectual interests, always concerned with the developments in political and national life. Marios Ploritis passed away on December 29, 2006.