Interview with Zisis Papaioannou
In collaboration with the literary cultural project**POETRY Unites People**
Founder: **Eva Petropoulou Lianou**
An exclusive interview for **Eviasmile**
by journalist **Giorgos Pratzikos**
Zisis Papaioannou is an actor and children’s literature author who manages to bridge two worlds: acting and children’s books. He has appeared in theater, television, and cinema, while at the same time, through his books, he conveys knowledge, imagination, and values to children. His participation in the new film *The Carpenter’s Son*, starring alongside Nicolas Cage, as well as his books such as *Vasiliki, the Magical Echo of Epidaurus* and *Aristotle’s Walk*, highlight the breadth and creativity of his career.
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| Zisis Papaioanou |
What follows is a discussion that sheds light both on his artistic side and on the man behind the works.
**Tell us a few words about your role as a leper healed by Jesus in the new film *The Carpenter’s Son*, where Nicolas Cage also stars. Did this experience strengthen your faith?**
I wouldn’t say it strengthened it because I come from beautiful Meteora — I am from Kalabaka — with the most wonderful experiences I have had. My faith in the Church has saved me during this difficult period. I also taught for years and for 15 years I was an altar boy alongside a wonderful monk, Father Chrysostomos, from whom I learned to have the fitting faith and inner peace in daily life. Everyone experiences faith differently.
The film *The Carpenter’s Son*, directed by Nathan Lotfy — when I received the proposal from Los Angeles to participate — excited me, especially the idea of acting in a new film about the childhood years of Jesus. My role was the Leper whom Jesus healed, because wherever He passed and touched, He healed people. I knew the story through scripture, but it is even more fascinating to live it through acting. I was among wonderful people with passion and love for cinema. See you in theaters in the coming months.
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| Giorgos Pratzikos |
**Among your children’s books, *Vasiliki, the Magical Echo of Epidaurus* stands out. What does sound mean to you, and what does Epidaurus mean to you personally?**
Yes, indeed *Vasiliki, the Magical Echo of Epidaurus* has traveled widely, has been read a lot, and I am deeply grateful to my readers. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. It has made its journey, and years later it continues to travel. It is my pride. I believed in it, and I was vindicated — I feel proud.
The echo is music, sound, journey, feeling, and discovery. For me, as an actor, Epidaurus embodies all these elements. At this point, I would like to thank my publisher, **Michalis Sideris Publications**, for the beautiful journey of my heroine Vasiliki.
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| Eva Petropoulou Lianou |
**In your book *Aristotle’s Walk*, you introduce children to the great philosopher. How relevant is Aristotle today, and what have you personally discovered through this “walk”?**
This particular book is from **Kaktos Publications**, titled *Aristotle’s Walk*. It has a special feature: you can also listen to it with one click via the QR code on its first page.
Aristotle always touched me — his method — and I thought it right to pass it on to children. To your question whether Aristotle is relevant today: I will answer, he is astonishingly relevant in 2025, despite the fact that his works were written thousands of years ago. From ethics and politics to logic and his peripatetic method.
I will mention Aristotle’s view of virtue: he said virtue lies somewhere in the middle. Balance is important for our times in 2025. Personally, I discovered balance in all aspects of my life. It helps — it is something like a psychologist. I encourage you to discover Aristotle; he will help you.
**Where do you draw inspiration for writing your wonderful children’s books?**
It depends on what I want to convey to children through my books. I discuss it with my publishers, and that’s how I proceed. It is something that comes naturally — I don’t force it.
**Which of your children’s books is your favorite, and why?**
I don’t have one in particular. All my books are like my children. I treat them as such. They are my creations — I have given them flesh and bones to travel.
**You have embodied many roles in theater, television, and cinema. Which role do you single out and what did it leave you with?**
In the film *Eftychia*, I played the role of the fiancé. We had an amazing cast of actors, and I feel nostalgic about those days under the Acropolis. The director, Mr. Angelos Frantzis, played an important part — a director who masterfully puts you in the atmosphere of the era so you can perform.
**If you had to choose, what do you prefer more: acting or writing?**
Both are parts of my life. These are what I studied, these are what I do. And it is a blessing to do what you love. Life is short.
**Although I first saw you on television, I got to know you better through my friend and collaborator Eva Petropoulou-Lianou, who suggested I interview you. What is Eva Petropoulou-Lianou to you?**
Ah, this woman… for me, personally, she is **WOMAN**. To be more specific, there are women all over the world, but in Greece lives the goddess Eva Lianou Petropoulou. She is the one who supported me in the hardest time of my life.
It is important when you have suffered something to have someone for psychological support. Being orphaned and alone, I had Eva, who helped me significantly to move forward and see things with a freer and clearer perspective.
**Do you believe theater can be an important educational tool for children today?**
Of course! That’s why there is Theater Pedagogy and theatrical play for minors and beyond. I have taught for many years in the past, and it was a wonderful journey I will never forget. I hope I can take it up again from where I left it.
There are thousands of exercises in rhythm, orientation, communication, self-respect, respecting others, discovering another world and the real one. Exercises that help your inner self and those around you. Very important.
**How would you like to be remembered by your young readers and audiences?**
With a smile. That’s what I would love.
**What are your next steps, both as an actor and as a writer?**
I am currently auditioning for three television commercials in France. In a few days, I expect the results. At the same time, I have started writing a theatrical monologue based on a true story I personally experienced, and I would like to put it on paper — and hopefully bring it to the stage.
It deals with the new reality of crime in the center of Athens. Recently, I survived an attack — but it left me with a “why” about a State that does not care for Greek citizens. I consider it a shame that we lack rights while others have them. This is not racist — racism lies within **us**.
In my opinion, we must return to being human as we once were.
At this point, I would like to make an appeal to the Greek State: please create campaigns for humanity. It is not shameful to call 100 (the police emergency number) if you see someone bleeding in the street. Call 100, indicate the location, and leave — but call. Don’t pass by in fear. It is not shameful to call 100. It is help — because yesterday it was **me**, tomorrow it may be **you**.
