1855 – 1890
Elene Kipiani, a daughter of public figure Dimitri Kipiani, was distinguished for her activities as a translator, actress, publisher and public figure.
Elene Kipiani translated literary works of Hugo and Moliere from French. Along with Taso Tsereteli, she established a circle of women writers. Upon her initiative, a group of women published a collection of literary works, “Translation of Pleasant Literary Works.” Elene Kipiani founded an almanac, Georgian Library, in Kutaisi. Authors of materials published in this almanac were Elene Kipiani herself along with Ekaterine Gabashvili and Ekaterine Melikishvili.
Elene Kipiani was one of the founders and a permanent member of Tbilisi theatre crew. She also chaired a committee of poor students of the Kutaisi school of nobility.
“There is hardly anyone who, along with the name of Dimitri Kipiani, has not heard the name of his favorite daughter, Elene. They jointly worked for the revival of our theater, for the enrichment of our poor literature, for the spreading of our books and the literacy”.
The newspaper Iveria, issues 251,
25 November, 1890
“Before getting married, Elene Kipiani taught young village women for free to read and write in the village of Kvishkheti. Today, in almost every village in Saabashio, one can find women who were taught literacy by the late Elene Kipiani.”
The newspaper Iveria, issue #253;
28 November, 1890
“Elene Kipiani was the first who stepped onto the public arena and revived the theatre with her talented performance and generous compassion. Owing to her tireless efforts, the crew of Tbilisi theatre was established in 1873. She also set up a small circle of women who published translations in order to have Georgians get used to reading books. The first book was published under Elene’s leadership in 1874.
“By the way, Elene Kipiani paid attention to Georgian chorals and tried to write them down for piano! She always pointed the road to those willing to learn and encouraged them. Collecting money for charity, conducting performances for poor pupils was her almost daily activity. Elene Kipiani chaired the committee of poor students of the Kutaisi school of nobility till her death.
Kvali newspaper, issue #45; 30 October, 1894