Greek actor Thodoris Katsafados has recalled the severe poverty of his childhood in Mani during an interview with Greek entertainment magazine Loipon.
Katsafados said his mother gave birth to 12 children, and he was the 12th child in the family, though not all of his siblings survived. He reflected on growing up in the years before and after the war, describing his family as large and facing constant hardship in their village.
The actor explained that as a boy growing up in Mani, a rugged region in the southern Peloponnese, he had no intellectual background and no connection to theatre or any other form of art before he eventually pursued acting.
Describing his move from his home village to Athens, Katsafados said he relocated to Ano Glyfada, a suburban area in southern Athens that he noted was also like a village at that time. From there, he gradually made his way into the theatrical world.
Katsafados said that through acting he discovered himself and whole new worlds. He added that reading and performing in plays allows him to travel, which brings him happiness.
Career advice from Takis Mouzenidis
During the interview, Katsafados shared a piece of career advice that he continues to carry with him. He recalled a conversation with director Takis Mouzenidis while they were working on a production of the play Da alongside acclaimed actor Manos Katrakis.
Mouzenidis told him at the time that he would not always do work that was top tier in life. However, the director advised that if he performed his work with seriousness and love, he would build quicksilver around himself.
Katsafados admitted that he did not understand the director's statement at the time, but grasped its meaning later in his career. He stated that he now approaches every role he undertakes as if it were the biggest role and most important project of his life, committing to it with hard work, affection, and seriousness.
Context and theatrical background
Katsafados is a veteran figure in Greek performing arts, having built a long career across stage, film, and television productions. The play Da, written by Irish playwright Hugh Leonard, is a recognized modern drama, while director Takis Mouzenidis and actor Manos Katrakis were major figures in 20th century Greek theatre.
