The second Zeibekiko Festival Australia is set to expand on its debut edition as it takes great steps this year to explore the historical roots of the dance type.
The festival marks its return with 13 events from 27 September – 6 October that will feature numerous workshops and initiatives, including the talents of Zeibekiko experts like Christos Shakallis (coming from Cyprus) and Yiannis Pagkozidis (of Pontian background coming from Greece).
The majority of events, which are presented by Ventouris Productions, will take place in Sydney with the festival having a grand final day on 6 October in Melbourne.
It will commence with two Zeibekiko dance workshops with Shakallis at the Melbourne Dance Centre from 12-2pm and 2-4pm and will conclude with a Rembetika and Smyrneika show performed by the band Estudiantina of Melbourne, led by Con Kalamaras.
The concert, titled “Tou Votanikou O Mungus”, will start at 7pm at the Brunswick Ballroom and will also feature Shakallis in show as well as Rhythmos dancers from Sydney.
The festival, presented by Ventouris Productions, will focus on guiding people on how to perform zeibekiko dances by sharing the different styles and steps as well as the important history behind them and the music that accompanies it.
Following the Asia Minor Catastrophe, a whole new society of people emerged that was mourning the loss of their family, their friends, their homes.
“They were mourning their loss and their new living conditions were not great and we had a new rembetiko era being formed with songs that were actually smyrneika.”
Further information on the festival, including how to buy tickets, can be found at its website, and via Instagram and Facebook.
