Ελληνικά 
He is famous. He is one of people’s favorites. He is selective in terms of his choices. He is bold in his career. He is fond of long journeys. He’s an ideal companion and a good father. For all these reasons and many more, our lens turned to the actor Nikos Psaras, who guess what, loves Tinos and Tinos returns it to him…
By Popi Kouzoupi
T-AB
Let’s start our interview differently. Tell us a little bit about your love for travelling. What is it that drives someone to fill his suitcase and leave for very distant destinations? Is he a different person when he comes back?
Nikos Psaras
Travelling is for me one of the greatest gifts! Apart from the wellness they offer and the joy, they are certainly spiritual food. It’s the only one left! Images and power in difficult times. When we remember nice vacations, the mood changes! The need for change, for the discovery of foreign countries and cultures, even simple relaxation are important reasons for someone to escape. When he returns he is richer in images, experiences, views!
T-AB
Do you think that we leave sometimes in order to get away from ourselves?
N.P.
It is difficult to get away from ourselves so we’d better reconcile with him, as we will inevitably carry him with us forever. We may want to get away from our everyday life which is pressing and stressful. We all need pauses to recharge the batteries and turn back more upbeat and strong.
T-AB
A 6 year trip was what kept you, both for studying and acting, in America. Which states did you visit? How was the whole experience? Would you recommend it to a new actor who is in his early days, or is it better to be experienced enough before taking such a trip-station?
N.P.
I lived in Manhattan for two years and in Los Angeles for four years. It was an incredible experience, intense and interesting. There were ups and downs, of course. Young actors should travel, study and gain experience. Our work requires that. They will be richer in images and more interesting artists.
While I was living there I travelled all the time. Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador, the Caribbean as well as in many states such as Miami, Utah, Chicago, etc. The United States is huge and very different from one side to the other. But Latin America is for me my great love.
T-AB.
A very beautiful trip was the one that happened to you when you met your wife and you had your son. How much has family life changed you? What does someone lose and what does he gain being in a family?
N.P.
My life became more beautiful, more organized, quieter and mostly safer! It’s a shame to travel the journey of life alone. Joy, sorrow, dreams, are much better with company. My son is a gift! A wonderful child! Through his eyes we reacquainted the world. He loves travelling a lot! For now he is limited to Europe and Greece.
T-AB
Your wife, a theatrologist by profession, has directed you and she is a fellow traveller in the professional field. What is the secret that the fact of being together at work and together at home, instead of wearing you out, it makes you happy?
N.P.
The couple that works together goes through a lot of Crash Tests. In our profession of course-fortunately-there is no daily wear. There’s the preparatory season, then the rehearsals, the premiere, and then the performances. But mutual respect is a necessary element, as well as admiration and understanding.
T-AB
Would you like to tell us when was your first trip to Tinos? From then until today, how often do you visit the island? What was it that attracted you initially and what did you discover next?
N.P.
I’ve always had a grievance. I went past Tinos so many times on my way to Mykonos as a kid and I never came down to light a candle for Panagia.
A few years ago, we finally got to the island. From the very first moment the energy of the island got us very far. The place we stayed, the people, the incredible villages, the food-you don’t know where to start from.
A place that in the hardships of winter in Athens comes as a balm.
T-AB
Born in Thessaloniki, is life on the island a magnet for you and your family?
N.P.
Life on the island is quiet, carefree. Due to my profession, unfortunately, I can’t live far from the capital. But in every chance I get, I can escape!
T-AB
If you were asked by a tourist why is Tinos worth visiting, what would you answer?
N.P.
It is very close to Athens. It’s still a cheap island and you can have a high-level vacation without spending a fortune. You are enchanted by the combination of Catholic and Orthodox village. There are many places where you can eat and drink. Gourmet flavours in small villages you can’t imagine! Nice waters and beaches friendly for children even in August with the winds. The locals are very nice people. Simple and friendly , they make you feel a part of them. A lively beautiful island-especially in fall!
T-AB
If you were asked by a local what is missing from Tinos or what would you like to change, what would you say to him?
N.P.
I’d tell them to be careful where they sell their houses and plots. Those who come to live on the island should respect their tradition, architecture, history and the locals. They should continue to be smiling and hospitable. For me, there is nothing missing from Tinos. It’s a wonderful island!
T-AB
Tell us a little bit about your childhood. How many things have changed since then? How do you experience your son’s childhood? Is everything so different or there are certain values which remain unalloyed?
N.P.
I spent my childhood in Soho, Thessaloniki. We were carefree, with wonderful friends and many activities. My son grows differently. Things are harder today. But family values are the same. Children need standards, advice, but mostly memories. Their memories will help them live the rest of their lives!
T-AB
We cannot complete our interview without your sharing with us your next professional steps. Where will we find you in the summer of 2020 and what are your plans -if not too early-for the upcoming winter?
N.P.
In summer I will be with the National Theatre in Epidaurus with the performance Lysistrati and of course for holidays in Tinos! For the next winter, discussions are taking place now.
T-AB
Acting may be the deepest journey of the soul. What waters have you travelled in all these years?
N.P.
Sometimes in deep and wild waters and sometimes in calmer waters. The journey is always beautiful and charming wherever it happens! We must be open to new challenges, successes and failures! You’ll always leave richer and more experienced!
We, for our part, wish you “clear skies and tailwinds” in all your journeys.
