Study in Conservation and Preservation of the “Shadow Theatre” Collection in Athens

This study presents an in-depth examination of the conservation condition of a Shadow Theatre collection in Athens, with particular attention to the preservation of its material, artistic and cultural heritage. The study was undertaken with the aim of documenting the condition of the collection, exploring preventive conservation approaches, and considering possibilities for its future conservation and restoration. As part of this research, I had the opportunity to work closely with a Shadow Theatre creator and practitioner, documenting his knowledge, experience and relationship with the traditional art form. Athos' testimony and hands-on experience provided an important perspective on the making, use, handling and preservation of Shadow Theatre figures and related objects, while also highlighting the intangible knowledge and traditions associated with the collection. The study seeks to bring together conservation practice, documentation and first-hand cultural knowledge, recognising Shadow Theatre not only as a collection of physical objects, but also as a living form of folkloric heritage. The figures, materials, techniques, stories and practices associated with Shadow Theatre carry a cultural history that has travelled across regions of Asia and the Middle East, becoming deeply rooted in Greek cultural life and remaining alive and meaningful to this day. Living and working closely with the world of Shadow Theatre allowed me to experience this tradition not simply as a museum or conservation subject, but as a living heritage sustained through the people who create, preserve and transmit it. It was an opportunity to document and help maintain the importance of this tangible and intangible folkloric heritage, ensuring that its material traces, artistic practices and cultural memory can continue to be appreciated by future generations. The video serves as research material for the Department of Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art, ATEI of Zakynthos, Ionian University, Greece. Participants: -Athos Danelis - Emeritus Professor at the Department of Theatre Studies of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), in (ELIA), Shadow Theatre Artist and Tradition Bearer -Menia Sparthi - director of the Spatharion Museum of Shadow Theatre and the daughter of the famous Greek shadow theatre artist Evgenios Spatharis Video and Research: Christina Borana Xharo Editing: Petros Poulopoulos Music: Youtube CC Location and Date: Athens, 05/06/2018 © Christina Borana Xharo — Video, Research and Report, 2018. All rights reserved