Proposal for Naming the Chora Municipal Theatre as “CHORA MUNICIPAL THEATRE – KATERINA KLONARI”
TO: Naming Advisory Committee
Chairman: Mr. Yiannis Theofilidis
Members: Valantoula Kanavouri, Michalis Platsis, Riga Mike, Kalliopi Mavrou
Giorgos A. Roussos
Former Mayor of Kalymnos
Kalymnos, 31/08/2024
Subject: Naming of the Chora Municipal Theatre as
“CHORA MUNICIPAL THEATRE – CULTURAL CENTER OF KALYMNOS – KATERINA KLONARI”
Mr. Mayor, Heads of the Municipal Parties and Members of the Municipal Council of Kalymnos,
For decades we have all been witnesses, supporters and admirers of the continuous, high-level work of our fellow citizen Katerina Klonari, who succeeded in establishing theatrical art in Kalymnos and creating an institution marked indelibly by her personal signature: the Kalymnos Amateur Theatre Group, operating with professional standards. Katerina has inspired—and continues to inspire—dozens of generations, offering, together with her team, exceptional theatrical performances of quality and professionalism, entirely voluntarily. Their work has been recognized not only locally but also in competitions and festivals beyond Kalymnos, promoting and honouring our island. She has now created a self-sustaining ecosystem of theatre-minded people, culture and creativity that guarantees continuity and progress in the cultural life, education and entertainment of the people of Kalymnos.
I had the honour and joy of having her as a collaborator during my term as Mayor, sharing with her—among many other things—her dream of creating both an open-air and an indoor Theatre–Cultural Center on our island. With unanimous support from the then Municipal Council, we transformed this dream into a concrete plan and, thanks to her inspiration and passion, we were able to implement the Open-Air Theatre of Chora within the framework of the Integrated Urban Development Program. Thus, part of her dream was fulfilled. In another intervention we will present our proposal for completing the second part: the indoor Theatre–Cultural Center of Kalymnos.
It is generally accepted—and rightly so, in my view—that public honours should not be awarded while a person is still alive. Every rule, however, has its exceptions, provided they are approached with prudence and thoughtful consideration, avoiding any dilution of the process. I believe that this is a moment when such an exception is justified. Therefore, with full conviction, I propose that the Municipal Council proceed, through the prescribed procedures, with naming the Chora Theatre as:
“CHORA MUNICIPAL THEATRE – CULTURAL CENTER OF KALYMNOS – KATERINA KLONARI.”
I firmly believe that this proposal, though submitted by me, fully expresses your own thoughts and intentions and deserves unanimous approval.
With respect,
Giorgos A. Roussos
Former Mayor of Kalymnos
