His hands have dressed over 300 theatrical productions, spanning all genres of theatre and including the most significant works of ancient Greek drama. We’re talking about Yannis Metzikof, set and costume designer, and visual artist.
Born in Chania and raised in Piraeus—where he witnessed the demolition of many neoclassical buildings—Metzikof drew from childhood everything he saw and dreamed. His exceptional talent and perseverance led him to the Athens School of Fine Arts, where he studied painting under Yannis Moralis and later scenography under Vassilis Vassiliadis. He began his theatre career working with Giorgos Michailidis on the production of Tis Pity She’s a Whore by John Ford.
This year, he turns 70, marking fifty years of poetic and hands-on collaboration with directors, choreographers, actors, and musicians—among them Kakogiannis, Volanakis, Bacas, Voutsinas, Koundouros, Evangelatos, Tsianos, Houvardas, Marmarinos, Kakleas, Zouzou Nikoloudi, Dimitris Papaioannou, Irene Papas, and Vangelis Papathanassiou.
On Tuesday, 1 July, 2025, Yannis Metzikof joined Victoria Kavouriari on “Human Landscapes” to speak about the human tragedy of war, the theatre art he has dedicated his life to, peace, the anxiety over the world we’ll leave to future generations, the joy of a simple meal and a glass of wine, and a lullaby he still remembers his mother singing to his two daughters—a tender reminder that as long as we are healthy, we have every reason to be grateful.
Produced and presented by Victoria Kavouriari