laywright Kambanellis dies

29/03/2011 : laywright Kambanellis dies

(ANA-MPA) -- One of the most prominent 20th century Greek playwrights, journalist Iakovos Kambanellis, died on Tuesday at the age of 89. Kambanellis (also spelled Kampanellis) was born on the island of Naxos in 1922 and studied design at a private academy in Athens.

He was a survivor of the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp in WWII. He wrote the scenarios for at least 12 films, two of which he directed, while he collaborated with noted Greek theatrical director Karolos Koun. His works include "Mauthausen", "Stella", "The backyard of miracles", "Our large circus", "Neighbourhood of angels". (ANA-MPA) Moreover, Kambanellis wrote extensively in local newspapers and magazines, while he also produced theatrical play adaptations on the radio.

The ministry of culture expressed deep regret over Kambanellis' passing, characterising him as one of the leading Greek playwrights of the post-war era. "He gave a new life to the Greek theatre, defining its style while, at the same time, he influenced international theatre," a culture ministry statement reads.

Source : ANA-MPA