Chora Open-Air Theatre Named After Katerina Klonari
In a deeply moving ceremony, the Municipality of Kalymnos honoured Katerina Klonari for her decades-long contribution to theatre, culture, foreign-language education and public life on the island.
The tribute took place at the packed Chora Open-Air Theatre following the performance of Eipa, Xeipa by the Youth Stage of the Kalymnos Theatre Group. Mayor of Kalymnos Giannis Mastrokoukos announced the Municipal Council’s unanimous decision to rename the venue the “Katerina Klonari Chora Open-Air Theatre.” Municipal Council President Dimitris Marangos presented Klonari with the official decision, while the Mayor awarded her a commemorative plaque.
Katerina Klonari was among the founding figures of the Kalymnos Theatre Group approximately 40 years ago. Over the decades, she also made a lasting contribution to education and the island’s public life. Visibly moved, she shared the honour with those who had accompanied her on this journey, inviting her daughter Anna Klonari, who continues her work in the Theatre Group, and Vasileia Nomikariou, with whom she began the initiative, to join her on stage.
The presence of local government representatives, municipal councillors from both the majority and the opposition, and members of the island’s cultural community gave the ceremony a strong sense of unity. The most heartfelt recognition, however, came from the audience, who greeted Katerina Klonari with a prolonged and enthusiastic standing ovation.
It was an evening that brought together the past, present and future of theatre in Kalymnos—with the next generation already taking its place on stage.
