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Cypriot Theatre Mourns the Loss of Kostas Kavkaridis

Published January 21, 2026, 16:23

The Cypriot artistic community is mourning the charismatic painter, set designer, and costume designer, Kostas Kavkaridis. THOK (State Theatre of Cyprus) expressed its deep sorrow for his loss, recognizing his significant contribution to theatre and the arts. Kavkaridis studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia and returned to Cyprus where he served as an art teacher in secondary education. He founded and directed the “New Theatre”, the “Vladimir Kavkaridis New Theatre” and the “Satirical Theatre”, while also establishing the first drama school in Cyprus. He also served as the director of the Vladimir Kavkaridis Cultural Center for 31 years (1987-2018). Kavkaridis authored two books for the Ministry of Education and Culture, and was a co-publisher of the “Epi Skini” magazine. In 2017, he was honored alongside Yasar Ersoyu for their 30-year collaboration with the Turkish Cypriot Municipal Theatre of Nicosia, publishing the album “Theatre Violates Borders”. His long career included collaborations with THOK in numerous productions, from 1973 to 1990, leaving behind a rich work and a significant legacy in Cypriot culture. THOK extends its condolences to his wife, children, and all his relatives. The Cyprus Centre of the International Theatre Institute described him as a “distinctive figure” of Cypriot theatre.