VIC
65th Annual Greek Independence Day Ball
Join Papaflessas as they celebrate 203 years of independence and freedom of the Greek people that begun in Kalamata on March 23 1821.
A night of Greek music, dancing and celebrations featuring OMADOS live, with Stavroula Thomopoulos.
OMADOS line-up includes Joseph Tsombanopoulos on vocals, gaida and laouto, Thomopoulos on vocals, George Athanasakos on clarino, Paddy Montgomery on laouto and violin and Zois Tzikas on percussion, performing traditional folk and dance music from Greece.
With guests of honour the Consul General for Greece in Melbourne Emmanuel Kakavelakis and from the Hellenic Republic Theodoros Livanios, Deputy Minister.
When: Saturday March 23, 6pm
Where: St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Bookings: venuedoor.com/greekdance/event/stkilda
Author Talk: George Kyriakou
Celebrate Cultural Diversity Week with this free event at Port Melbourne Library. Author George Kyriakou will be talking about his book If the Shoe Fits.
Kyriakou was born on a dirt floor in the family home in a rural village of Ethnico in north western Greece not far from the North Macedonian border. At that time, his village and family home were occupied by German forces, who used his house as a hospital and communications post due to its elevated position.
The book is about his family and follows seven generations of culture, conflict, achievement, compassion and understanding.
“Occasionally, a moment, a memory, a meeting or an event changes the way you live your life. Finding my sister Agapi’s grave in the grounds of a church in a rural village changed me. It inspired me to find out more about my extended family, the hardships they endured during two world wars and civil wars. Their hunger and the sacrifices they made throughout the generations, are reflected in this memoir” – George Kyriakou.
When: Tuesday March 16, 6.30pm-7.30pm
Where: Port Melbourne Library, Ground Floor, Port Melbourne Town Hall, 333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1176216
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is one of the three largest comedy festivals in the world.
An annual event, the festival literally takes over Australia’s comedy capital, Melbourne, each autumn with an enormous program of stand-up, cabaret, theatre, street performance and more.
As always, there will be plenty of Greek shows to enjoy. Anthony Locascio “Pappou”, Effie “UpYourselfness”, Chris Demos “Legs in the Pool”, George Zacharopoulos – 2024 Greek Comedian of the Year “Greek in the Sheets”, Elouise Eftos “Australia’s First Attractive Comedian” and Charisa Bossinakis “Thank You for Your Time” to name a few.
When: March 27 – April 21
Where: Various Venues
Bookings: www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024
A night with Nikos Zoidakis & Eirini Papadopoulou
Kinisi at Trak presents the legendary Cretan artist Nikos Zoidakis with special guest Eirini Papadopoulou for a second show next week.
A night of live music with a full band, Zoidakis will showcase some of his classic songs including ‘Tha Girisei o Trohos,’ ‘Sousta,’ ‘Maleviziotis’ and more!
Pop star Papadopoulou, recently signed to the record label ‘Heaven Music’ and will perform her latest singe ‘Προσοχή’ along with her singles since starring on X Factor Greece.
Brisbane will have a show the day before on Friday March 29 and Adelaide the day after on Sunday March 31.
When: Saturday March 30
Where: Kinisi at Trak, 445 Toorak Road, Toorak
Bookings: 0412083563
Tickets to Adelaide show: www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/nikos-zoidakis/162823
Brisbane Bookings: 0414999386, 0438746216
Oh My Goddess! Divine Dollmaking with Adrienne Doig
The Hellenic Museum’s newest exhibition explores ideas of identity, feminine ideals, divinity and sustainability through artist Adrienne Doig’s fabric goddess statuettes.
Inspired by ancient votive figures, Doig’s colourful and iconic figures explore the many facets of her own inner goddess.
To celebrate the opening of this playful new exhibition, Doig is leading a day of creative fun
Join Adrienne in this hands-on workshop where participants will be guided in exploring their inner gods and goddesses, and decorating a fabric template to create their own divine self-portraits.
Book now to secure a spot in the workshops – the exhibition itself will run until July 21.
When: Saturday April 6, 10.30am & 12.30pm sessions
Where: Hellenic Museum, 280 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Bookings: here
Ancient Attire: Kids’ Holiday Workshop
Discover tales of tailoring in Ancient Greece, construct your own ancient clothing and put it to the test in a series of physical challenges.
Kids will find out the answers to why so many ancient statues are naked? How was an old shirt so deadly that it managed to kill the mighty Hercules? Did the ancient Greeks have pockets in their robes — and if not, where did they keep their loose change!?
They’ll then get to make their very own ancient cloak, hat and staff, before embarking on a series of physical challenges.
Recommended for ages 6-13.
When: Sunday April 7, 10.30am-12pm
Where: Hellenic Museum, 280 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Bookings: here
NSW
Greek Ceramics Exhibition
Drawing from her Greek heritage, Eva Boleti weaves a narrative rich in cultural symbolism, where each clay sculpture speaks of tradition.
From braided hair clay sculptures to the protective evil eye, and terracotta dipped in the Aegean blue glaze, her creations transcend mere functionality, inviting inclusion into a tableau of storytelling.
As guests immerse themselves in Eva’s sculptures, the ambiance resonates with the soulful melodies of the rebetiko, echoing the essence of Greek folk music.
The opening day indulges the palate with a selection of the finest Greek wines, from crisp Asyrtiko to robust Xinomavro, ensuring an authentic celebration.
When: Sunday March 24, 3.30pm-6.30pm
Where: The Wine Library, 18 Oxford St, Woollahra NSW 2025
Info/free register: www.wine-library.com.au/blogs/news/greek-ceramics-exhibition-with-artist-eva-boleti-sunday-24th-march
QLD
Greek Independence Day
Greeks in Brisbane will have the chance to celebrate Greek Independence Day in an event hosted by the Consul General of Greece in Queensland George Mastrocostas.
This event is welcome to all members of the community, where they will have the opportunity to engage with representatives from the Honorary Consulate-General of Greece, learn more about Greek culture, and enjoy an evening of camaraderie.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to see the Evzones Collection by Nick Bourdaniotis – a tribute to the Greek Presidential Guard the Evzones.
The photography collection has been displayed around the world, serving as a reminder of the importance of honouring and preserving Greek cultural heritage for future generations.
When: Monday March 25, 6pm-8pm
Where: Grand Ballroom, The Greek Club, 29 Edmondstone St, South Brisbane
ACT
Omorfi Poli
A theatrical production that celebrates the essence of freedom. Omorfi Poli (beautiful city) written and directed by Akis Kastelloriou, is based on the true story of the Polytehneio.
The play is not “touching” the political aspects of that era but with respect unfolds in front of the spectator’s eyes, the torture, the pain the agony, the fight of survival.
It is a drama that will move you, will make you think, will touch your heart. It’s a drama that hymns Respect and Freedom.
Free for all ages, in Greek with English subtitles.
When: Monday March 25, 3pm
Where: Olympus Room, Hellenic Club Woden, Matilda Street, Woden ACT 2606