The Cyprus Theatre Organization (THOC) proudly announces the artists recognized for their contributions to the Cypriot theatre scene over the past year. These awards not only acknowledge talent and dedication but also highlight the vital role of theatre in cultural expression.

The awards ceremony will take place on March 27, 2025, at THOC Theatre, in the presence of the President of the Republic, coinciding with World Theatre Day.

This year’s THOC Grand Prize is awarded to Antis Partzilis, a distinguished scenographer, costume designer, and visual artist, in recognition of his longstanding artistic career.

For over five decades, Partzilis has enriched theatre with his multifaceted, award-winning work, leaving a lasting mark on the industry. His innovative vision reshaped theatrical aesthetics, introducing a minimalist and abstract approach where set design became a sculptural, living artwork. Through his use of industrial elements, raw textures, and symbolic structures, he transformed stage experiences, making scenography and costume design integral to storytelling.

Partzilis' career is closely linked with THOC, where he worked as a scenographer, costume designer, director, and artistic director for two highly productive terms. Under his leadership, THOC experienced a period of innovation and international collaborations, participating in major European theatre initiatives.

During his tenure, he promoted Cyprus' theatre scene by establishing key theatrical institutions and laying the groundwork for infrastructure development. His diverse repertoire brought variety and artistic quality to THOC's productions, solidifying the organization as a cultural hub for creativity and social dialogue.

Partzilis was also instrumental in founding the THOC Experimental Stage, which, for over a decade, provided a platform for groundbreaking theatre. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in curating the Kypria Festival, enriching the program with high-quality local and international productions.

For 2025, his set design for the play From My Mother’s Womb by Kostas Mannouris, directed by Varnavas Kyriazis (Satiriko Theatre), once again showcased his unique ability to transform stage space into a living entity. His minimalist yet symbolic approach utilized geometric forms and earthy textures, visually amplifying the play’s thematic intensity.

The award includes a collaboration proposal with THOC and a monetary prize of €5,000.

This year’s Creator of the Year Award goes to Andreas Araouzos, a director and actor, recognized for his exceptional theatrical productions with Alpha Square.

His notable productions include:

• Freud’s Last Session by Mark St. Germain

• The Lion in Winter by James Goldman

• Directed readings of Another Country by Julian Mitchell and The Unknown Masterpiece by Honoré de Balzac

A bold and multifaceted creator, Araouzos experiments with adaptations of literature and film, pushing the boundaries of traditional theatre. His directorial approach is defined by meticulous character studies, avoiding unnecessary scenic elements in favor of powerful performances.

His productions blur the lines between stage and reality, using minimalistic settings to immerse audiences in authentic dramatic environments. This stripped-down aesthetic highlights the emotional depth and raw storytelling of his chosen works.

The award includes a collaboration proposal with THOC and a monetary prize of €3,000.

Other nominees for this category included: Elena Antoniou (Choreographer, Movement Director, Performer), Elena Kallinikou (Actress), and Panos Makris (Actor).

The New Creator of the Year Award is presented to Sophia Mavromichali, a scenographer, costume designer, and director, known for her multidimensional artistic approach.

Mavromichali’s creative vision is defined by originality, innovation, and sensitivity, shaping a fresh aesthetic in Cypriot theatre.

Her contributions in 2025 span three major productions:

• Line 112, based on the Danish film The Guilty, dramatized and directed by Christodoulos Andreou (Unmuted Theatre Group) – Set & Costume Design

• A Love Story by Alexis Michalik, directed by Eleni Anastasiou (THOC) – Costume Design

• The Royal Game by Stefan Zweig (AUDERE PRODUCTIONS) – Adaptation & Directing (with Andri Heracleous), Set & Costume Design

In The Royal Game, she created a groundbreaking adaptation, enhancing the psychological depth of the protagonist’s isolation, oppression, and intellectual struggle.

In Line 112, scenic and costume elements played a key role in shaping the play’s atmosphere, immersing the audience in the character’s journey.

For A Love Story, her use of clean lines, colors, and textures contributed to the production’s visual precision, reflecting modern character dynamics.

The award includes a collaboration proposal with THOC and a monetary prize of €3,000.

Other nominees for this category included: Christodoulos Andreou (Director), Michalis Kazakas (Actor), and Ivi Chatzivasileiou (Choreographer, Movement Director).

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