VIC
Lemnian Community of Victoria Glendi
For the second consecutive year, the Lemnian Community of Victoria will be holding a Glendi (party/celebration), inviting not just the Greek community but all.
They aim to socialise and entertain people of all ages, the Greek way.
Those who attend the event will have the opportunity to enjoy flavours reminiscent of Greece, while live music will take off the fun, through traditional sounds and songs.
When: Sunday February 18, 12pm
Where: 06 Springvale Road, Braeside, Victoria
Info/bookings: Call Penny on 0419363803, Andrew on 0425655331, Tim on 0412568885 or email info@lemniancv.com.au
Greek Carnival
The annual Greek festival of the Hellenic Community of Moorabbin is back this weekend, offering the opportunity for young and old to have fun and go wild through disguises, masquerades, music and dance.
Entry will be free to those who wish to get a taste of the carnival custom, which has been kept alive by the Community for 27 years
Dance groups of the Manasis Dance school, the Pancretan Association of Melbourne, the Pegasus Dance Academy and the Unified Filipino Elderly Association aim to excite the public with their performances.
With traditional dishes, sweets and drinks, and fun for the children with face painting and jumping castles, the Community has invited all to attend in disguise, as there will also be prizes for the best costumes.
When: Sunday February 18, 11am to late
Where: 57 Madden Road, Heatherton VIC, 3202
Celebrating the liberation of Ioannina
The Panepirotic Union of Melbourne and Victoria is organising events to celebrate the 11th anniversary of the liberation of Ioannina and the whole of Epirus from the Ottomans, as well as the autonomy of Northern Epirus.
There will be a Doxology with the laying of wreaths at the Axion Esti Monastery Church in Northcote, in the presence of the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Emmanuel Kakavelakis.
A reception will follow at the Continental Union Hall in Abbotsford.
When: Sunday February 18
Where: Holy Monastery of Axion Estin, 7 Hartington St, Northcote VIC & Continental Union Hall, 19-21 Ferguson St, Abbotsford
Eftihia: Life Has Two Doors
The life of Greece’s most famous female lyricist, Eftihia Papagiannopoulou has been brought to life by esteemed writer Helen Yotis, in a musical tribute she has written that will run for one week only on February 14-25.
Directed by Maria Theodorakis, it will feature actor Katerina Kotsonis in the role of Papagiannopoulou. She will present the lyricist’s life in a monologue, accompanied by singer Alkisti Pitsaki, and musicians Jacob Papadopoulos (bouzouki) and Andrew Patterson (piano).
When: Wednesday February 14 to Sunday February 25, various times
Where: La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton 3053
Bookings: whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/eftihia-life-has-two-doors
Taxithi: The Long Journey Home
Writer singer, storyteller Helen Yotis takes you on a journey through personal family stories, to the untold stories of women who migrated from Greece to Australia in the 1950s and 60s.
Filled with the poignant memories and passionate music of their homeland, these true stories resonate with the strength of the women who made new lives, creating an indelible impression on a faraway country.
This spell binding and moving play, is accompanied by some of the most beautiful Greek songs ever written.
When: February 21-25, Wednesday 6.30pm, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7.30pm, (Sunday 4pm sold out)
Where: La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond Street, Carlton VIC
Bookings: whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/taxithi-the-long-journey-home
SPASTA Compilation Launch
SPASTA, run by Greek Australian DJ Adriana, is back for its first event of the year, with a compilation celebrating the release of a much-anticipated record.
They will be welcoming London based selector, Donna Leake and one Naarm’s (Melbourne) most revered DJs and promoters, Zjoso.
Returning to Australia for the first time in six years, Donna has a knack for weaving forgotten gems with memorable masterpieces. Her wide-spanning palette is far beyond her years and is expected to take you on a trippy, awe-inspiring four plus hour journey.
To close its biggest party yet, joining will be DJ Zjoso.
Join and celebrate the compilation, which features some of the world’s finest producers including Esa’s Afro – Synth Band, Moving Still, Running Hot, Barbara Boeing and Phil Mil, Vuta and our beloved Amin Payne and Julian Steel.
When: Saturday March 2, 2pm
Where: Fairfield Amphitheatre, Fairfield Park Drive Fairfield, VIC 3078
Bookings: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/spasta-compilation-launch-tickets-812717900117
Europa! Europa Film Festival
Europa! Europa is back for 2024 with a handpicked selection of entertaining, heartfelt, and thought-provoking films from compelling storytellers and new cinematic voices.
For the third time, the world’s best new European films come to cinemas across Sydney and Melbourne for three weeks of inspiring and entertaining Australian premiere screenings and special events.
Greek film enthusiasts will be treated to six Greek-language films, plus a retrospective of the recent Golden Globe winning Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos’ work.
Featuring 47 celebrated films from 28 countries, including Cyprus and Greece, screening in Melbourne and Sydney.
The festival’s Greek-language films from various artists are: The Volunteer (2022), Embryo Larva Butterfly (2023) and The Summer with Carmen (2023).
The other three Greek-language films form part of the Lanthimos retrospective and include the black comedy, Dogtooth (2009), Kinetta (1995) and Alps (2011).
While the English-language films of Lanthimos that will be screened are: The Lobster (2015), The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) and The Favourite (2018).
When: Until Monday March 11
Where: Melbourne, Classic Cinemas Elsternwick and Lido Cinemas Hawthorn — Sydney, Ritz Cinemas Randwick
Info/Bookings: www.europafilmfestival.com.au
Axion Esti
The 42nd Greek Festival of Sydney brings back “Axion Esti,” a collaboration celebrating the works of Mikis Theodorakis and Odysseas Elytis.
The concert features the talents of renowned vocalist Dimitris Basis, internationally acclaimed conductor, composer, and arranger George Ellis, multifaceted artist, Psilacos who is an Associate Lecturer and Protopsaltis Basilios Psilacos, as well as prominent actor Tony Nikolakopoulos as the narrator.
Not many tickets remain, so book now.
When: Saturday May 11, 8pm
Where: City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Pl, Sydney NSW 2000
Bookings: 02 8256 2222, www.cityrecitalhall.com/whats-on/events/axion-esti-worthy-it-is
Adelaide Fringe
Adelaide Fringe is a world-renowned, annual arts festival that celebrates culture, place and artists from across the globe.
Bringing 6,000+ independent artists far and wide to South Australia, Adelaide Fringe is a destination for culture seekers in search for a hive of activity.
There are several shows from Greeks throughout the festival, including:
Dr Ahmed Gets Hitched- My Big Fat Gay Greek Pakistani Wedding – Fifty Shades of Greek – George Zacharopoulos – Greek In The Sheets – Katrina the Real Wog Wife – Heilos – HOMER’S ODYSSEY – A mini musical by Loucas Loizou – Anthony Locascio – Pappou – Effie in Upyourselfness – OnlyGrans
Note some are starting to sell out, so book now.
When: Friday February 16 to Sunday March 17
Where: Various venues across Adelaide
Find a show: adelaidefringe.com.au
AUS WIDE
NikoTeini
Greek urban, folk and Anatolian melodies inspired by the traditional, classical and folk modal music of Greece and Turkey.
NikoTeini consists of Lavta (Istanbul lute/politiko laouto) and Kanun (zither/kanonaki) virtuosos Nikos Papageorgiou and Asineth Fotini Kokkala. They are world-class Greek musicians living in Istanbul. They are inspired by the traditional, classical and folk modal music of Greece and Turkey as well as contemporary compositions written especially for them.
Their story started when they began studying music together in 2019. During COVID lockdowns they decided to share their music every Monday on their YouTube channel maintaining contact with their audience. These videos, made with simple technical means as a mobile phone, are essentially a representation of the simplicity and immediacy that represents them.
1 MARCH | FESTIVAL HELLENIKA [ADL]
3 MARCH | TOM MANN THEATRE [NSW]
5 MARCH | SMITH’S ALTERNATIVE [ACT]
7 MARCH | OPEN STUDIO [VIC]
8 MARCH | SWANSEA [TAS]
9 MARCH | HAWLEY HOUSE [TAS]
10 MARCH | EVANDALE [TAS]
11 MARCH | MONA [TAS]
12 MARCH | HOBART TOWNHALL [TAS]
Bookings: www.greekfringe.com
She’s Not Normal
Cypriot Australian poet, filmmaker and writer Koraly Dimitriadis has announced she’ll be touring her new poetry book, She’s Not Normal, across Australia and New Zealand.
Spanning thirteen years of life the book is divided into chapters or “ways” a woman is considered “not normal”: politically, sexually, feelings about her body, single motherhood, in relationships, politically, identity, race, etc. In a review by Arts Hub, the collection is said to “scream off the page.”
“Dimitriadis’ collection is saying something and it is saying it loud. She’s Not Normal feeds into every deep facet and crevice of what it is like to be Koraly Dimitriadis, but also – a woman, a migrant, a lover and a mother. Whether playing it up for laughs or exposing the grit, it is a collection that allows you to experience everything,” the review read.
She’s Not Normal is available at bookshops and Amazon.
The confirmed events running Australia-wide, as well as in New Zealand and Tasmania from February 3 to June 30 so far include: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Clunes, Hobart and Wellington. More dates to come.
For venues, times and bookings: www.facebook.com/KoralyDimitriadis