RESOLUTION

 

The Board of Governors and the Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Greece, along with the entire NTG family, unanimously express their deep sadness at the loss of Hélène Glykatzi-Ahrweiler, the eminent historian whose life and work were dedicated not only to the study of the past but also to art and culture. As a board member of the National Theatre of Greece from 1995 to 1998 and its President from 1999 to 2012, she was distinguished by her unwavering support of and devotion to the artists and employees of our theatre, and its long history.

She was always an Athenian and a Parisian, as she would declare with great pride. With rare intelligence, knowledge and insight, she used her profound understanding of the past to draw valuable conclusions about the contemporary world. Her sharp mind and her powerful, commanding personality, along with her influence and engagement, marked an entire century.

She was born in Athens in 1926 to parents from Asia Minor and studied first at the University of Athens and then in Paris. In 1967 she was appointed a professor at the University of Paris (Sorbonne), and became the first woman to occupy its highest administrative offices: Head of Department, University President, and in 1976, Rector. Her presence in the institutions of European university life was substantive, energetic, and deeply political, in the broad sense of the term.

At the same time, Hélène Glykatzi-Ahrweiler played an active role in international organisations and cultural bodies, serving in important positions as President of the Ethics Committee of the National Centre for Scientific Research in France, President of the European Cultural Centre of Delphi in Greece, Honorary President of the International Committee of Byzantine Studies, Rector of the Academy of Paris and Chancellor of the Universities of Paris, President of the Centre Georges Pompidou, President of the Musée d'Art Américain Giverny.

Very few intellectuals of our time have so profoundly and indelibly defined the cultural path of this country.

 

The Board of Governors has unanimously decided on the following:

1. The laying of a wreath
2. The expression of condolences to her family
3. The publication of this resolution
4. The dedication of National Theatre of Greece performances on Wednesday 18 February to her memory.

Latest updated: 21/02/2026