Marika Kotopouli

Marika Kotopouli (Greek: Μαρίκα Κοτοπούλη; 3 May 1887 – 3 September 1954) was a Greek stage actress during the first half of the 20th century.

Biography

Kotopouli was born on 3 May 1887 in Athens, to Dimitris and Eleni. Her parents were also actors, and Marika's first stage appearance came during one of their tours, in the play "The Coachman of the Alps". She made her official debut in the Royal Theatre in 1903, before going to Paris in 1906 for theatrical studies.

From 1908, she had her own troupe, and theatre, the "Kotopouli Theatre". In this period she developed an intense artistic rivalry with another young actress, Kyveli. The two had very devoted fans, and during the National Schism, their rivalry acquired political overtones also: whilst Kyveli was favoured by the Venizelists, Kotopouli became a symbol of the royalist camp. In 1912 Kotopouli also had a personal love relationship with Ion Dragoumis, who became a major opponent of the Venizelists and was eventually assassinated. Kotopouli and Kyveli collaborated in joint productions from 1932–1934 and again from 1950-52.