The program for Festival Hellenika was officially launched last week highlighting a diverse cultural program for South Australia, and visitors to Adelaide. And this year’s program is filled with music, dance, art, and historical talks to whet the appetite of everyone.
“By attending Festival Hellenika, audiences will engage in the fascinating world of Greek culture and its manifestations in the antipodes,” says Festival Hellenika President Stamatiki Kritas.
Neos Kosmos asked Stamatiki for what she thinks are some of the highlights of this year’s program. She selected:
A life of Song
Celebrating the life of renowned vocalist Dimitris Mitropanos. Featuring local vocalists and musicians
22 and 23 March at the Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
Smurni- Aigaio- Peiraias
A music night by Apodimi Compania – a band originating in Melbourne and now resident in Athens. Apodimi Compania is one of the world’s leading exponents of Rembetika and Greek Folk Song and Dance music.
27 March at the Marion Cultural Centre
Hypatia’s World
A talk about Hypatia, the Alexandrian mathematician and astronomer who has become a symbol of rationalism and feminism.
3 April at the Thebarton Community Centre
Greek Embroideries and their Heritage meaning today
A talk which will explore the symbolism of Greek embroidery designs.
18 April at the Thebarton Community Centre
Karagkiozis in Adelaide (Shadow Puppet Theatre)
Karagkiozis’ first visit Down Under.
26 May at the Adelaide High School
As well as many other events such as film nights, a documentary featuring the Greek Music Group Encardia as they travel in South Italy searching and bringing to lights basic elements of the Greek dialect folk culture developed there, an event celebrating 2013 Year of Cavafy, an art exhibition and many others.
Kritas adds that during March, Adelaideans can get a Taste of Greece at the Jam Bistro on Wright St and the Greek Olive in Bedford Park simply by asking for the Festival Hellenika special.
Festival Hellenika is Adelaide’s annual multidisciplinary arts festival dedicated to the maintenance, development, promotion and celebration of Hellenic links in the Arts, and their rich and diverse Australian manifestations. It is part of a continuing and inspiring journey of exploration that has so enriched the Australian society, in that our activities act to broaden horizons, break down stereotypes, build links and foster greater harmony and understanding.
For more details or a copy of the program email festivalhellenika@hotmail.com, visit www.festivalhellenika.org.au or like on Facebook ‘FestivalHellenika’.