Opening of Melina Mercuri's Exhibition at the BA
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Alexandria—The BA witnessed on Monday, 4 June 2007, the opening of "MELINA…The Last Greek Goddess Is Here" Exhibition, featuring several photos, posters, clothes, and the Oscar Award of Melina Mercuri, the Greek Actress and former Minister of Culture. The ceremony was attended by Greek Ambassador to Cairo, the Greek Consul General in Alexandria, as well as members of the Greek Association, artists, and BA staff members.
The ceremony started with an address by Dr. Yehia Halim Zaki, Head of the BA Academic and Cultural Sector, in which he welcomed the BA guests, and praised the spirit of cooperation between Greece and Alexandria, a deeply entrenched bond defying age and strengthening over time.
The floor was given to Mrs. Dora Bakoyannis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, who stated that the Exhibition represents a celebration of Melina's cinema works and is, at the same time, an important initiative exhibiting the contemporary Greek heritage, since Melina's name is strongly attached to Greece and its international cultural radiance. Mrs. Bakoyannis added that Melina was a liberal woman, proud of her dignity, a movie star, and at the same time was a political struggler, who deeply loved Greece and had a strong vision of civilization which she backed up with much admired perseverance. Melina's vision and magical character still has its echo on the international arena even after her death.
Mr. Nikitas Kaklamanis, Mayor of Athens, spoke on Melina's character and how it takes us around the tracks of culture and civilization, and added that cinema and theater lose their charm without Melina. Melina is a woman of vision, who had undertaken public work, reached the peaks, which she chose for herself, and went as far as her dreams took her.
Mr. Spiros Mercuri, Melina Mercuri's brother gave a speech at the end of the ceremony, in which he expressed delight being in Alexandria and its distinguished Library, and praised the work done in the Exhibition. He added that Melina had a multi faceted character; she was an actress, struggler, and a politician. She had a great talent in communication and understanding others. He concluded that Melina is here today at the legendary BA, the city of Alexander, as the last Greek Goddess.