Stages Network – Athenian Theaters present Eduardo de Filippo’s comedy “He Who Saves Himself Is Saved,” directed by Tamilla Koulieva and featuring a large cast of leading actors. It is a heartwarming situational comedy brimming with spirit that highlights the warmth and humor of traveling theater troupes—the so-called “boukoukia”—who form the roots of modern theater. Michalis Panadis, who stars in the play in a dual role, speaks to the Stages Network camera and to Nikos Thrasyvoulos. Our conversation began with the actor discussing his dual role in the play. In the first act of the play, he plays the troupe’s manager, while in the second act he plays the doctor. Speaking about the difficulties of touring troupes at that time, he said that every era has its own challenges, especially in the acting profession, but people always adapt to the difficulties of the circumstances. He emphasized that sociopolitical conditions determine who we are as people. Regarding the difficulties of the acting profession, he said that you are aware of them before choosing the path of an actor; it is not something imposed on you—it is a choice. Finally, he explains how this collaboration between the actors came about and how the good chemistry they shared on television—in Alpha’s hit series *Agios Eros*—also works on stage.
