VIC

‘PITTSBURGH’
Catch the highly-acclaimed Greek play ‘Pittsburgh’ this week. Written by Soti Traintafyllou and directed by Arkadia Psalti, the play is based in the year 1913 in Chios, when the island is experiencing poverty, hunger, refugees, and sickness. Yet the telephone and the cinema have already arrived, creating links to a wider world. The first great wave of emigration to America has begun. Elengo has received the first letter from her husband Demosthenes, who is in Pittsburgh. A whole world in crisis, a whole world is trying to find the way forward. This is the story of a love that struggles to come to flower. See the play at The Greek Centre (168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne) this week, Friday 3, Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/2G8o93C

XOROS BY O PERIKLIS
The Hellenic Cultural Association of Melbourne ‘O Periklis’ is hosting its annual dinner dance this weekend, featuring the Melbourne Ipirotiko Ensemble. Taking place this Saturday 4 May at Coburg Church Hall (Ipapanti) (18A Bent St, Northcote) from 6.30 pm-1.30 am. Adults $65.00 pp, Under 12: $35.00, Ages 3-5 $10 (tickets strictly pre-sold). For bookings contact Vasili on 0432 021 205.

P4K VICTORIA MELBOURNE HIGH TEA
A high tea is being hosted this Sunday 5 May at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Demetrios (380 High St, Prahran) from 2.30-5.30 pm to raise much-needed funds for the Greek Orthodox mission in Sierra Leone, led by Fr Themi. P4K Victoria Director Jane Pallot has just returned after four weeks helping Fr Themi and has good news and faith filled stories to share. Ticket donation $60.00. For more information and to book, visit https://bit.ly/2v6SmK6

GREEK YOUTH NIGHT
The Cretan Brotherhood Youth of Melbourne and Victoria present their Greek Youth Night on Friday 10 May at Jackson’s Lounge Bar in Trak Centre (8 Jackson St, Toorak). On from 9.00 pm-3.00 am, there will be two levels, four bars, booth packages, and tunes by DJ Paul Antoniadis. Tickets $20.00-$25.00. Strictly 18+ event. To book, contact John Leventis on 0498 571 655.

GREEK CYPRIOT COOKING WORKSHOP & LUNCH
On Saturday 11 May the Cypriot youth of Melbourne are hosting a cooking workshop. Learn to make all your Greek and Cypriot favourites including koupes, pastitsio and halloumopita. Tickets $20.00 include educational cooking workshop, recipes to take home and free Greek lunch and drinks, as well as awesome parea. This is a pre-purchased ticketed event. Taking place at 10 St Andrew St, Sunshine West from 10.00 am-1.00 pm. All are welcome!

MOTHER’S DAY EVE DINNER DANCE
Celebrate Mother’s Day and support the community at St Panteleimon Greek Orthodox Church Dandenong (19 Herbert St, Dandenong) on Saturday 11 May. From 6.30-11.55 pm, enjoy great food by Sardellis Catering and music by Anagenisi band. Tickets $60.00 includes food, beer, wine and soft drinks, Children 10 and under $25.00. A prepaid event. For tickets contact Steve on 0411 665 490.

ROMIOSINI & BEYOND
The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) is hosting a performance of Mikis Theodorakis’ classic anthem of Greek identity and other well-loved works featuring international vocalist Dimitris Basis and conducted by George Ellis. The well-loved song cycle, ‘Romiosini’ is based on the poetry of Yannis Ritsos, and describes the feelings of oppression and suffering in a country under foreign occupation. Basis has a special personal relationship with Theodorakis and it is his request for the GCM to present the masterpiece. Taking place on Friday 17 May from 8.00-10.00 pm at the Melbourne Recital Centre (31 Sturt St, Southbank), this concert champions works previously not performed in Melbourne written by the great maestro. For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/2GWzGDx

EFFIE IN ‘LOVE ME TINDER’
Effie is set to return to the stage with her new show ‘Love Me Tinder’ on Friday 24 May. Effie holds up a mirror to the complexities of finding love and keeping it, as only she can. The urge to swipe left or right or to scratch that seven-year or seven-month itch is hard to resist even with the greatest of willpower. Who isn’t on Tinder? How can we humans claim to be evolved and yet still have such animal urges? Is it possible to be smokin’ hot and hit upon every day and still stay faithful? Hello, if love is the answer then why are there so many questions? Is it love at first sight or love at first swipe? If I had you at hello then why can’t I get rid of you at goodbye? If love don’t cost a thing then why is divorce so expensive? On from 8.30-11.30 pm at Yarraville Live (135 Stephen St, Yarraville). For tickets, visit http://yarravillelive.com/

‘MURIEL’S WEDDING THE MUSICAL’
A new season of ‘Muriel’s Wedding The Musical’ has kicked off, with Greek Australian Stefanie Jones in the role of Rhonda, Muriel’s best friend. Based on the cult 90’s film, the musical sees Muriel stuck in a dead-end life in Porpoise Spit, where she dreams of the perfect wedding. Unfortunately, there’s one thing missing: a groom. Following her dreams to Sydney, Muriel ends up with everything she ever wanted; that’s when things start to go really wrong. With music by Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall, the musical features an incredible soundtrack of addictive new songs, plus your favourite ABBA hits. Directed by Simon Phillips. On now until 16 June at Her Majesty’s Theatre (219 Exhibition St, Melbourne). To book, visit https://murielsweddingthemusical.com/

NSW

‘PITTSBURGH’
Catch the highly-acclaimed Greek play ‘Pittsburgh’ in Sydney from 10-12 May at The Greek Theatre – Mantouridion (Building 36/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville). To book, call (02) 9750 0440 or visit https://bit.ly/2VBmegJ. (See our guide to Victoria for full details on ‘Pittsburgh’).

QLD

HEART KIDS FUNDRAISER
The Queensland Hellenic Charitable Trust is hosting a charity event, with all proceeds going to Heart Kids. Taking place on Friday 31 May at Mansfield Tavern (Wecker Rd,), performing on the night will be Dimitris Basis. Tickets are $90.00, and includes entertainment and food. There will also be lucky door prizes and raffles. Doors open at 7.00 pm. RSVP 17 May. To book, call Jack 0432 214 206 or Tom 0407 758 730.

SA

MIGRANT MUMS GROUP
Are you new to Australia? Or have you been living here for a while but are from overseas? Do you have school age children or younger? On Tuesday 7 May a Migrant Mums Group is being hosted at Pilgrim Lutheran Church (19-21 Edward St, Magill) from 9.30-11.00 am. Go along either on your own or with a friends, and meet and make new friends, maybe others from your country, and enjoy a chat over tea, coffee and morning tea. Learn about ‘Aussie’ English language and culture and share issues and connect with services. Children are welcome, and a crèche will be provided. If you are able, bring something to share for morning tea. To find out more, call Campbelltown City Council on (08) 8366 9222, or just turn up on the day.

* If you know of any Greek events taking place across the country, including those organised by Greek community groups, please forward details to anastasia@neoskosmos.com.au