Apollo Theater: The Cultural Heart of Ermoupoli
In the vibrant city of Ermoupoli, a profound theatrical movement flourished between 1830 and 1860. For decades, performers relied on makeshift venues, including wooden warehouses, clubs, and cafes. This passion for the arts eventually led the community to seek a permanent home for the stage, resulting in the creation of the Apollo Theater, a landmark that continues to define the cultural landscape of Syros.
The Birth of a Landmark
On October 30, 1861, the City Council responded to citizens' proposals by unanimously deciding to construct a theater and a theater club in the central square. While the project faced some controversy, the estimated construction cost of 60,000 drachmas was invested to provide a permanent roof for the arts. Construction began in late 1862 near Miaouli Square, under the supervision of Pietro Sambo, an architect serving in the Ermoupolis town hall.
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The theater officially opened its doors on April 20, 1864, in the presence of Michalis Salvagos. The inaugural season began with a performance of Rigoletto, followed by four melodramas performed by an Italian company: La favorita, La traviata, the Survivors, and the Cobblers.
Evolution and Growth
By April 1866, the venue transitioned to a Greek theater company, the Hellenic Drama Society. This shift followed a recommendation made on February 22, 1866, by Ragavis, the chairman of the National Theater Committee, to the Apollo Theater Committee.
To maintain its grandeur and functionality, the building underwent several major overhauls in 1874, 1881, and 1896. A specific renovation in 1890 focused on the seating and the scene. As Ermoupoli prospered, the theater bloomed, particularly during the interwar period, when it hosted the most prominent names in modern Greek theater.
Wartime Damage and Restoration
The Second World War brought significant hardship to the Apollo Theater. During the Greco-Italian War, the venue was repurposed as a cinema. The conflict left the building in a state of disaster, and it was never fully restored to its original condition immediately following the war.
Despite the damage, the stage remained active for a time. A notable moment occurred on March 24, 1953, when the legendary Marika Kotopouli delivered the final performance of her career at the theater.
The Path to Recovery
By 1959, the municipality recognized that the theater was unsuitable for operation and decided to renovate. However, general repairs starting in 1970 caused internal damage, leading to the replacement of original wooden vaults with concrete balconies.
Public interest was kept alive through the efforts of the "Syros Apollon Theatrical Club" (founded in 1977) and the "Souris Artistic Group" (1978), both of which screened films to engage the community. A first phase of renovation, funded by the state and the European Economic Community (EEC), was completed in 1991. This allowed the theater to reopen after nearly 40 years for the 4th Meeting of Amateur Theaters of the Aegean, featuring the Cultural Association of Ano Syros. Later, in 1998, Dimitris Fortsas created new wallpapers for the interior.
The Apollo Theater Today
The full reconstruction of the theater was completed in 2000 by architect Petros Pikionis. These works were approved by the Ministry of Culture and supported by the municipality's Technical Services. Today, the theater has a capacity of 350 people.
Since 2002, the venue has functioned as a center for the arts, displaying exhibits of posters and costumes from various productions. It currently serves as a prestigious host for major cultural events, including the Aegean Festival, the Animasyros International Film Festival, and the International Cycladic Classical Music Festival.
Key Facts
- Opening Date: April 20, 1864.
- Architect: Pietro Sambo.
- Original Cost: Estimated at 60,000 drachmas.
- Current Capacity: 350 people.
- Key Restoration: Completed in 2000 by architect Petros Pikionis.
- Notable Performer: Marika Kotopouli gave her final career performance here in 1953.
| Year/Period | Event/Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1861 | City Council decides to build the theater. |
| 1864 | Official opening with Rigoletto. |
| 1866 | Handed over to the Hellenic Drama Society. |
| 1940s | Used as a cinema during the Greco-Italian War. |
| 1991 | Reopened after 40 years following EEC and state funding. |
| 2000 | Final reconstruction completed by Petros Pikionis. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the original Apollo Theater?
The original construction, which began in 1862, was supervised by the architect Pietro Sambo, who was working for the Ermoupolis town hall at the time.
What was the first play performed at the theater?
The theater opened on April 20, 1864, with a performance of the opera Rigoletto.
How did the Second World War affect the building?
The theater suffered significant disasters during the war and was used as a cinema during the Greco-Italian War, leading to a long period of deterioration and subsequent structural changes.
What is the current capacity of the theater?
Following the reconstruction completed in 2000, the Apollo Theater can now accommodate 350 people.
Which festivals are currently hosted at the Apollo Theater?
The theater hosts several prestigious events, including the Aegean Festival, the Animasyros International Film Festival, and the International Cycladic Classical Music Festival.