1860-1940
Mako Saparova – Abashidze was born in Telavi on 18 February 1860.
She started her activity as an actress on the stage of Georgian professional theatre which was renewed by Ilia Chavchavadze and Akaki Tsereteli. In this theatre she met her future husband, a member of the crew, Vaso Abashidze. Their daughter, Taso Abashidze, also chose their parent’s profession and became a famous actress.
Mako Saparova performed many roles, including from plays by Moliere and Shakespeare.
Mako Saparova translated Russian and French plays in Georgia.
“The crown of this performance was undoubtedly a shining star of our stage, a very talented actress M. Saparova-Abashidze, who performed a role of a Parisian boy Joseph… M. Saparova-Abashidze perfectly managed to overcome all the difficulties of this role and fully depicted the character. We saw the honest boy who is sometimes naughty and sometimes gloomy, who is brave and extremely sensible. In general, it must be noted that M. Saparova-Abashidze is incomparable in this role and with her masterly performance she can play on any serious stage. In our opinion, the main dignity of M. Saparova-Abashidze and her superiority to other actors is that she is clearheaded and quick-witted, has esthetic sense and at the same time, is tirelessly diligent. These five qualities are necessary for every talent.”
The newspaper Iveria, issue #28;
5 February, 1886