Deaths on January 20

Pavlos Matesis, Greek author and playwright (b. 1933)

Pavlos Matesis (12 January 1933 – 20 January 2013) was a towering figure in modern Greek literature, renowned for his multifaceted talents as a novelist, an influential playwright, and a meticulous translator.

Early Life and Multidisciplinary Pursuits

Born on January 12, 1933, in Divri, a village nestled in the Peloponnese region of Greece, Matesis experienced a formative peripatetic youth. This period of movement and diverse experiences likely contributed to the broad scope of his later artistic works and his keen observations of human nature. His academic pursuits were equally varied and comprehensive; he dedicated himself to studying acting, music, and languages. This multidisciplinary background profoundly influenced his unique literary voice, imbuing his plays with a keen sense of dramatic rhythm and his narratives with a rich linguistic texture. His expertise was further shared when he taught drama at the prestigious Stavrakou School in Athens from 1963 to 1964, a significant institution for theatrical education in Greece.

Contributions to Greek Theatre and Television

Matesis's connection to the Greek theatrical landscape was deep and enduring. He served as a writer at the revered National Theatre of Greece between 1971 and 1973, an institution central to the country's cultural life and a cornerstone of Greek dramatic arts. His debut play, The Ceremony (Η Τελετή), first graced the stage in 1967. Its critical reception was so positive that it was revived at the National Theatre in 1969, cementing his reputation as a formidable new voice. Over his prolific career, Matesis authored more than a dozen plays, many of which were subsequently performed at the National Theatre. These works often explored themes of human absurdity, social hypocrisy, and the complexities of Greek identity, frequently employing dark humor and surreal elements. Beyond the stage, Matesis also contributed to the burgeoning medium of television, scripting two series broadcast on the state channel from 1974 to 1976, further extending his artistic reach to a wider audience.

Acclaimed Fiction and Literary Awards

While celebrated for his dramatic works, Matesis's fiction also garnered significant critical acclaim and numerous accolades. His novels are characterized by their sharp wit, satirical edge, and often bleak yet profoundly insightful portrayals of the human condition. He received several prestigious honors for both his plays and his fiction, including the State Prize for Literature for his novel The Ancestors (Ο Παλαιός των Ημερών) in 2000, and the Grand State Literature Prize in 2007 for his overall outstanding contribution to Greek letters. His novel, The Daughter (Η Κόρη), stands out as one of his most internationally recognized works. Published in English to widespread critical acclaim, this masterpiece of dark comedy and social commentary is often cited for its memorable characters and incisive narrative, cementing his reputation beyond Greece and introducing his unique literary style to a global readership.

A Master Translator

Matesis's dedication to literature extended beyond his original creations; he was also an accomplished and prolific translator. His work in this field brought a diverse array of seminal foreign literary and dramatic works to the Greek audience, significantly enriching the national cultural landscape. He meticulously translated works by a wide spectrum of renowned authors, including the classical English dramatists Ben Jonson and William Shakespeare, the modern masters Harold Pinter and Fernando Arrabal, the influential theorist Antonin Artaud, the French Enlightenment playwright Beaumarchais, and the American Nobel laureate William Faulkner. This eclectic selection demonstrates his broad literary tastes, his deep understanding of diverse narrative and dramatic forms, and his commitment to bridging cultural divides through literature. Conversely, Matesis's own profound literary output has been translated into numerous European languages, allowing his unique voice and perspectives to resonate with readers across the continent.

Legacy and Impact

Pavlos Matesis passed away on January 20, 2013, leaving behind a rich and enduring legacy. His work continues to be studied, performed, and celebrated for its intellectual depth, daring originality, and indelible mark on contemporary Greek literature and theatre.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pavlos Matesis

Who was Pavlos Matesis?

Pavlos Matesis (1933–2013) was a prominent Greek novelist, playwright, and translator, celebrated for his distinctive literary voice which often combined dark humor, satire, and profound insights into the human condition.

What are some of his most famous works?

His most notable works include the play The Ceremony (Η Τελετή), which marked his theatrical debut, and the novel The Daughter (Η Κόρη), which gained international critical acclaim and was translated into English.

What literary awards did Pavlos Matesis win?

Pavlos Matesis received several significant awards for his literary contributions, including the State Prize for Literature for his novel The Ancestors (Ο Παλαιός των Ημερών) and the Grand State Literature Prize for his overall body of work, recognizing his excellence in both playwriting and fiction.

What was Pavlos Matesis's contribution as a translator?

As a translator, Matesis significantly enriched Greek literature by bringing important works from a diverse range of international authors to Greek audiences. His translations include seminal texts by William Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, Harold Pinter, Fernando Arrabal, Antonin Artaud, Beaumarchais, and William Faulkner, making these influential works accessible and enriching the Greek cultural landscape.