Ilias Kountis

Ilias Kountis, born in Athens in 1960, is a prominent actor, director, and educator with a distinguished career in theatre and cinema. He studied Law at the University of Athens and trained in acting at the Piraeus Association Drama School. He further refined his craft at the French Institute of Athens, where he also directed the Theatre Workshop from 1987 to 1990. Kountis pursued vocal training under K. Papalexopoulou and attended workshops by S. Sakkas and Th. Petrakis. As a French Government Scholar, he worked at the Théâtre Bobigny in Paris. With a passion for theatrical education, he has taught drama in various seminars organised by the Greek Ministry of Education and led professional development courses on dramatising Greek literature. Since 2010, he has directed the Musical Theatre Department at Mantzaros Conservatory and continues to teach at the Higher Drama School “Iasmos.”

Kountis has an extensive acting portfolio, including roles in productions such as Camino Real by Tennessee Williams (National Theatre of Greece), Oedipus at Colonus by Sophocles (Avignon Festival), and The Night of the Assassins by José Triana (French Institute of Athens). His film credits include A Drop in the Ocean by Eleni Alexandraki and The Striker with the Number 9 by Pantelis Voulgaris. As a director, Kountis has staged acclaimed productions such as The Lady in the Moonlight by Yorgos Sicilianos (Greek National Opera), The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart (Athens Concert Hall), and Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell (Corinth Municipal Theatre). Known for his innovative approach to theatre, Kountis continues to contribute to Greece’s performing arts scene through his diverse artistic and educational endeavours.

Source: Theatre School