Georges Sari, a celebrated and accomplished Greek author and actress, came into this world as Georgia Sarivaxevani on August 22, 1925, in the vibrant city of Athens, Greece, where her life would soon be forever altered by the tumultuous events of World War II.
Sarivaxevani's formative years were marked by a pivotal decision, as she chose to join the Resistance movement, thereby embarking on a courageous journey alongside the United Panhellenic Organization of Youth, a prominent force against the Nazi occupation.
As she reflected on those tumultuous times, Sarivaxevani's recollections were characterized by an air of happiness and freedom, a sense of liberation that seemed to transcend the omnipresent specter of death.
Notwithstanding the dire circumstances, Sarivaxevani's perspective on those years was marked by a profound emphasis on the importance of liberation, a testament to the transformative power of resistance and the indomitable human spirit.
As the tumultuous period following the war drew to a close, Sarivaxevani embarked on a new chapter in her life, pursuing her academic endeavors with unwavering dedication, even as Greece struggled to emerge from the shadows of Nazi occupation. Undeterred by the challenges that lay before her, she subsequently enrolled in the esteemed drama school of the renowned actor and director, Dimitris Rontiris, where she honed her skills as an actress.
Yet, fate had other plans in store for Sarivaxevani, as her promising acting career was tragically cut short when she suffered a devastating injury during the Greek Civil War. The blast from a bomb explosion left her with grievous wounds to her hand and foot, a harsh reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the fragility of human existence.
In the year 1947, Sarivaxevani was compelled to abandon her native Greece and relocate to the City of Light, Paris, where she occupied herself with various occupations and enrolled in the esteemed Charles Dullin School of Dramatic Art, a renowned institution for cultivating the art of acting.
Years later, in 1962, Sarivaxevani returned to her homeland of Greece, where she continued to hone her craft in the theater, leaving an indelible mark on the world of Greek drama.
However, the ascension of the Military junta in Greece marked a turning point in Sarivaxevani's life and career. In response to the oppressive regime, she chose to exercise her right to passive resistance, and, as a form of protest, she ceased her acting activities, a testament to her unwavering commitment to her principles and her refusal to compromise her artistic integrity.
As Sarivaxevani delved into the world of writing, she began to uncover a profound sense of personal satisfaction and artistic authority that had eluded her during her time as an actress.
Throughout this period, she penned a plethora of literary works, one of which was the enchanting novel "The Treasure of Vaghia".
Sari's illustrious writing career was characterized by an impressive array of accolades and recognitions, including the prestigious Best Children's Literature book award for her remarkable work "Ninet" in the year 1994.
Furthermore, her literary endeavors garnered significant attention and acclaim, as evidenced by her receipt of the Greek Cycle of Books award not once, but twice, in the years 1995 and 1999.
Moreover, Sari's remarkable talent and dedication to her craft earned her the esteemed Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1988, a testament to her enduring impact on the world of children's literature.
Additionally, Sari's foray into the world of acting led to a nomination for the coveted Best Supporting Actress award at the esteemed Thessaloniki Film Festival, a testament to her impressive range and versatility as a performer.
Georges Sari, a renowned author and actress, succumbed to the inevitable on June 9, 2012, at the ripe age of 87, thereby leaving behind a lasting legacy that serves as a testament to her unwavering resilience and unrelenting passion for the performing arts.
