VIC

OAKLEIGH TRAILS – THE GREEK FOOD WALKING TOUR

The much anticipated Oakleigh Trail; a 40-minute walk along the restaurant and café-bar precinct of the most Greek suburb in Melbourne begins. Renowned for its strong European influence with the most prevalent vibe in the area being that of Greek eateries and live music venues, Eaton Mall continues to gain momentum as a major Hellenic precinct. On the Greek food walking tour, taking place not once but three times this year attendees can share their stories of migration and what role food played in upholding culture and tradition. Interested parties can sample traditional baked goods made fresh daily on-site, taste deli produce and learn about the products that heavily feature in Mediterranean home kitchens, visit a cultural store to learn about religious customs and traditions and, lastly, enjoy a delicious progressive meal and a chat. Vegan options are available – make sure the option is selected when booking.

When: 3 December, 2.30pm

Where: Outside Oakleigh Train Station – Portman Street side, Oakleigh, VIC

Pricing & tickets: $138.51 via www.eventbrite.com/e/oakleigh-trails-tickets-80613594431?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1

COMING OUT FOR CHRISTMAS

After a sold out premier in September, Demetra Giannakopoulos’ live radio play returns on Friday 9 December for one night only. The live read radio play is a part of the Greek Community of Melbourne’s ‘Storytelling Project’ an initiative that looks to promotes Greek-Australian stories and storytelling. Coming Out For Christmas is a touching story of a queer young woman’s complicated relationships with her mother, lover and best friends. It tackles the complexity of cultural constraints with a deft hand and highlights the importance of staying true to oneself. The radio play stars Joanna Bakker playing the character of Alex, a third-generation Greek girl who is struggling to deal with her family’s less than ideal reaction to her being a lesbian. Bakker will be joined by the talents of Maria Pappas, Olivia Charalambous, Cosima Gilbert, and Rayhan Maskun, who will all revive their previous roles of Irini, Stav, Jodie, and Jamie.

When: Friday, 9 December, 8pm (bar opens at 7.30pm)

Where: The Greek Centre, Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Tickets & info: www.trybooking.com/CDZOI

BETTER OUT THAN IN WITH EFFIE @ THE YARRAVILLE CLUB

Effie returns for two exclusive Christmas Cracker performances of her successful hit show, Better Out Than In at the Yarraville Club on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 December. The Greek Australian comic goes up on stage determined to say goodbye not to one but to two years, while, pouring her heart on stage like never before. Having surrendered to a “rough time” she highlights that she made an effort to find the “good bit” in a multitude of situations that spiralled an avalanche of inner work and realisations. In this show, Effie becomes the mouthpiece for a lot of what people felt, a dramatic but comical, very honest and transparent view of the last couple of years.

When: 9 & 10 December, Doors open: 6.00pm (dining); 7.30pm (show only)

Where: The Yarraville Club, 135 Stephen St Yarraville

Tickets: www.yarravillelive.com

UNTITLED: AN IMPROVISED MONOLOGUE EVERY NIGHT

In Untitled, Evangelos Arabatzis presents an improvised stand-up monologue every night, triggered by a single word. The aim is to create an environment for the subconscious to emerge and take off like a wild horse while the performer hangs on for dear life with the audience right there with him. No two shows will be the same.

When: Monday, 12- Saturday,17 December, 8.30pm-9.30pm

Where: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Pl, Melbourne, VIC

Tickets: www.trybooking.com/CDZOI and via 0419 535064

NSW

KAIROS @ SYDNEY FESTIVAL

In ancient Greek, Kairos is “the right or opportune moment for doing, a moment that cannot be scheduled”. That moment is now for director Meryl Tankard AO, composer Elena Kats-Chernin AO and visual artist Régis Lansac OAM, who have created a vibrant new dance work responding to these uncertain and challenging times in early 2023. Commissioned and produced by FORM Dance Projects and created by three world-renowned Australian artists and long-time collaborators, with the next generation of dance makers, this Sydney Festival world premiere will encompass a vast lexicon of human experience and human movement: the dark and challenging; the ugly and beautiful; the humorous and joyful.

When: Thursday, 19- Saturday, 21 January 2023, 8pm

Where: Carriageworks – Bay 20, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh NSW

Tickets: tickets.sydneyfestival.org.au/WebPages/EntaWebShow/ShowCalendar.aspx

QLD

COOLANGATTA XENIA GREEK TAVERNA | BOUZOUKIA AFTERNOON

A night of live bouzouki and vocals by Brisbane boys Nick Paras and Mihali Georgeou transporting guests to the streets of Greece will hit Coolangatta on 11 December. A special lunch combined with plate smashing and a delicious Greek banquet will make everyone feel like they are home. The menu includes homemade dips served with pita bread and Greek olives, saganaki cheese flamed with ouzo, calamari flash fried served with lemon and skordalia, slow cooked lamb shoulder, char-grilled lemoni chicken served with lemonates patates and Greek salad. Xenia’s loukoumades will be served at the end.

When: Sunday, 11 December, 12pm -3pm

Where: Xenia Coolangatta, shop 16/52-58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, QLD

Bookings: (07) 5536 5688

To list an event with Neos Kosmos email nelly@neoskosmos.com.au