NATIONAL

DELPHI BANK 26TH GREEK FILM FESTIVAL
The Delphi Bank Greek Film Festival (GFF) is back this month for the 26th year with an exciting program, featuring 15 features, three engaging documentaries, and one Australian short film. From the poetic drama Epiphany starring AACTA award-winner Alex Dimitriades and irreverent black-comedy The Taverna, to the latest masterpiece by weird wave auteur Yorgos Lanthimos The Favourite, the festival will showcase diverse stories from trailblazing Greek filmmakers across the globe. Dates: SYDNEY 8-20 October; MELBOURNE 9-20 October; ADELAIDE 10-13 October; BRISBANE 15-20 October; PERTH 20 October-10 November; and CANBERRA 29 November-1 December. For more information and to book tickets, visit https://greekfilmfestival.com.au/

VIC

ENGAGING OUR YOUTH IN MODERN GREEK EDUCATION
The Greek Community of Melbourne’s Schools and the Modern Greek Teachers’ Association of Victoria is hosting an event, exploring how we engage out youth in Modern Greek education. Simone Karanicolas will present her teaching pedagogies and the YouTube channel she has created in an effort to engage her students in the learning of Modern Greek. Taking place today, Thursday 3 October at The Greek Centre (168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne) from 7.00-10.00 pm. Free to attend.

‘ANTHEM’
Anthem, the long-awaited follow-up to one of Australian theatre’s most acclaimed collaborations, asks a bold question: does Australia share a dream and do we really sing with one voice? Twenty-one years ago four playwrights and a composer came together to create Who’s Afraid of the Working Class?, a series of powerful interwoven vignettes that captured the zeitgeist of Melbourne and Australia in the 1990s. Now the same team – featuring Christos Tsiolkas and Irine Vela – reunite to take the pulse of our nation today with director Susie Dee and an incredible ensemble cast. What emerges is a funny and ferocious portrait of a country unable to reconcile its past, uncertain of its future and political vision. The colliding voices that make up this anthem might not always be in harmony, but they cannot be silenced. Who’s Afraid of the Working Class? was an ode to tiny struggles writ large; Anthem turns up the volume on the everyday injustices we choose not to hear. The diverse and multi-generational cast includes Greek Australians Tony Nikolakopoulos and Maria Mercedes. On now at Arts Centre Melbourne until 6 October. Tickets from $59. To book, visit https://bit.ly/2kxx9rh

2019 TESSELAAR TULIP FESTIVAL
The Tesselaar Tulip Festival (357 Monbulk Road, Silvan) is on now until 13 October, celebrating tulips and all things Dutch! Open every day from 10.00 am-5.00 pm, see close to a million tulips flowering in the fields, with over 130 different varieties in all the colours of the rainbow. There’s also an array of food and market stalls to enjoy, live entertainment on stage every day, plenty of fun activities, as well as photo opportunities. For event entertainment details and to purchase tickets ($15-$29, FREE ENTRY for children 16 and under) visit http://www.tulipfestival.com.au/

LIVE AT THE GREEK: ‘AUGOUSTOS’ A TRIBUTE TO NIKOS PAPAZOGLOU
Melbourne Epirotic Ensemble are back at Live at the Greek to pay tribute to Nikos Papazoglou on Friday 4 October from 8.30-11.30 pm. Taking place at the Greek Centre (168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne), their performance will be followed by a traditional glendi. Tickets $20-$22. To book, visit https://bit.ly/2mfVH8x

ARTEMIS & ORESTIS

This Saturday 5 October, Grounds of Arcadia (280 William St, Melbourne) is hosting a live music event with a new generation of Greek Australian artists, Artemis & Orestis. Artemis Ioannides is a Melbourne-based actress and singer who has performed in some of Australia’s most successful productions across stage and screen, including Taxithi – An Australian Odyssey, Women in War, Foxtel’s Wentworth and most recently, Secret Bridesmaids Business. Orestis Sophocleous grew up in a musical family and began singing and playing the guitar from a very early age. Raised between Australia and Cyprus, his love and knowledge of Greek music is extensive, while his performance style is influenced by blues, jazz and funk. In an intimate acoustic performance, Artemis & Orestis will add their own edginess and imagination to some of Greece’s greatest such as Haris Alexiou and Giorgos Dalaras. Kicks off at 7.00 pm. $45 per person, includes pre-show meze and performance. To book, call (03) 9642 1889.

CYPRIOT COOKING WORKSHOP: SHEFTALIES & TASHINOPITES
The Greek Cypriot Youth of Melbourne – Apostolos Andreas (10 St Andrew St, Sunshine West) is hosting a Cypriot cooking workshop on Saturday 5 October from 10.30 am-2.30 pm. All are welcome to join the youth group as they teach you how to make two Cypriot delicacies: sheftalies and tashinopites, including tips and tricks, in this hands on workshop followed by a sit down lunch together. Ticketed event: $30.00 p.p. To book your spot, visit https://bit.ly/2ZuzFkh

SONGS OF LONGING

‘Xenitia’ is more than a word, it encapsulates the feeling of otherness, the act of leaving family and home, the vast history of self-exile and economic migration. It celebrates the two-sided coin of the Greek spirit: joy and pain. Between 1952 and 1971 over 160,000 Greeks migrated to Australia. Helen Yotis Patterson, writer and performer of Taxithi: An Australian Odyssey, has collected stories and paired them with the beautiful songs dedicated to the Greek diaspora longing for home that will be presented in Songs of Longing on Wednesday 9 October from 7.30-10.30 pm at fortyfivedownstairs (45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne). Featuring songs from composers including Stelios Kazantzidis, Manos Loïzos, Stavros Kougioumtzis, Manos Hadjidakis and Mikis Theodorakis performed by virtuoso bouzouki player Jacob Papadopoulos, pianist extraordinaire Andrew Patterson and powerful vocalist Patterson. Tickets $35-$45. To book, visit https://bit.ly/2mXnifw

GO GREEK DANCE

City of Port Phillip and Port Melbourne Greek Community Senior Citizens Club present Go Greek Dance, a collaboration promoting – you guessed it! – Greek dancing. You don’t need experience or a partner or special clothing, just step onto the floor, hold hands in the circle and start. Robyn will take you on a virtual trip to Greece through music and simple steps, and lots of laughs along the way. BYO. Taking place on Saturday 12 October at Port Melbourne Town Hall Auditorium (333 Bay St, Port Melbourne) from 6.30-11.00 pm. Free with light supper. To book (essential) call (03) 9209 6777 or email rsvp@portphillip.vic.gov.au

PERIODICAL ANTIPODES LAUNCH

On Sunday 13 October at the Panarkadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, ‘O Kolokotronis’ (570 Victoria St., North Melbourne) at 3.00 pm the Greek Australian Cultural League of Melbourne (GACLM) is launching its 65th issue of bilingual periodical Antipodes. It will be presented by lecturer and co-ordinator of Greek Studies at La Trobe University, Dr Stephie Nikoloudis. This year the periodical is commemorating 50 years since the establishment of the GACLM. At the launch the results of the Literary Competition 2019 will be announced. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. Free to attend.

(GREEK) GIRLS TO THE FRONT
Head to the Greek Centre (168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne) on Friday 18 October for a night of Greek girl power! There will be live music by the Bandidas, Dj Pazz and DJ Randy Lipz XXX, with spoken word poetry by Koraly Dimitriadis. Women from all backgrounds welcome, especially those from migrant communities, as well as men who support the girl power cause. On from 8.30-11.30 pm. Tickets $18 full, $15 concession/members. To book, visit https://bit.ly/2mmvEwq

GREEK COOKING CLASS
Join Kelly from The Hellenic Odyssey on Saturday 19 October at Sandybeach Centre (2 Sims St, Sandringham; 12 noon-3.00 pm) to create a generous spread of food and to learn about the Mediterranean diet, its origins and its benefits. As the Mediterranean diet places a lot of focus on the role of food within the home environment, everyone will prepare the meals together and sit down on the table to enjoy eating together afterwards. You’ll also get a take home recipe book and a thank-you gift. $99 per person. Bookings require a minimum of 4 people. To book, visit https://bit.ly/2l0d9xF

GREEK MASTERCLASS: TAKING THE FEAR OUT OF PHYLLO
Find yourself intimidated by phyllo? On Saturday 19 October Kathy Tsaples of Sweet Greek will help put your fears to rest in the Relish Mama kitchen (Warehouse 1/347 Bay Rd, Cheltenham). Kathy will expertly lead the class to help you master the art and science behind making phyllo pastry. Starts at 11.00 am. For more info and to book, visit https://bit.ly/2kuAmHX

AROMA & TASTES FROM LEFKADA
The Lefkadian Cultural Association is hosting its annual event ‘Aromas & Tastes from Lefkada’ on Sunday 20 October at Normanby House (22-24 Normanby Ave, Thornbury) at 12.30 pm. The program includes live cooking demos by Anastasia Vrettos and daughters, Irene Kourtis and sons, and Evagelia and Nick Katiforis. There will also be traditionally made sweets and wines to try, a cookbook exhibition and music by DJ Joe. The event is being dedicated to the renowned Lefkadian cook, Evie Voutsina. Tickets only $30 p.p. (children attend free). To book (essential by Monday 7 October), call 0413 958 279.

SIATISTINO GLENDI 2019
The Greek Siatista Club of Melbourne is hosting its annual Siatistino Glendi on Saturday 26 October at EEAMA Reception (1C Bell St, Preston) from 6.30 pm until late. Performing on the night will be Halkini Panthaisia direct from Siatista with guest vocalist Hari Halamoutis. Tickets $85.00 Adults, $35.00 Children (3-12). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://sites.google.com/view/thesiatistaclubofmelbourne/home

ST JOHN’S COLLEGE GREEK FETE
St John’s College Preston (21 Railway Place West, Preston) is hosting a Greek Fete on Saturday 9 November from 11.00 am-5.00 pm. There’ll be food trucks, stalls, activities, rides, entertainment and so much more – everything you want and need for a perfect Saturday with the family. More details to come. Free to attend.

NSW

GEOMETRIC GREEK POTTERY MASTERCLASS
Join Dr Stavros Paspalas (Acting Director, Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens) for a unique opportunity to explore the history and development of ceramic traditions of the Geometric period (c. 900-700 BC) from Athens and other production centres with an expert archaeologist on Saturday 5 October at 12 noon. Handle objects from the Nicholson Museum collection as Dr Paspalas examines stylistic developments, manufacturing methodologies and functionality of the pottery. Tickets $25.00 p.p. To book, visit https://bit.ly/2lDIjLi

SA

14th HELLENIC CULTURAL FESTIVAL ODYSSEY
On Friday 4 October Adelaide’s 14th Hellenic Cultural Festival Odyssey opens at Olympic Hall (288 Franklin St, Adelaide) from 6.15-8.00 pm. A celebration of Hellenic culture and its endless beauty, this year’s theme is Education Through Greek Arts and features a variety of events from comedy plays to a dance spectacular, children’s workshops, film presentations and much more. Free to attend.

GREEK MUSEUM OF ADELAIDE EXHIBITION
See the Greek Museum of Adelaide Exhibition on the history of spinning and textiles, life and art in Greek culture from 14-20 October at Hamra Centre Library (1 Brooker Terrace, Hilton). Free entry.

QLD

MEET ME AT THE PARAGON: THE GREEK CAFE PHENOMENON
Moussaka. Souvlaki. Paniyiri. Baklava. Today, Queenslanders love Greek food and culture. However there is an unknown past, and it is currently being explore in the exhibition Meet me at the Paragon on now at the State Library of Queensland (Philip Bacon Heritage Gallery, level 4, Stanley Place, Brisbane). The American-style cafés and milk bars your parents probably frequented as a child – the ones that served banana splits, fish ‘n’ chips, ice cream sundaes and homemade sweets – were likely owned by Greek migrants, and became the social hubs of their communities. Meet me at the Paragon uncovers the stories of Greek migrants who established cafes and milk bars in the early 20th century, carving out a new life for their families. Imagine the tastes, experience the atmosphere and retrace the history of Queensland’s Greek cafes by learning the past and present true stories of the families that ran them in this fascinating exhibition. On now until 15 March, 2020. Free entry.

* 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