‘Being Greek, Aussie Style’ is the catchphrase for the exciting new Foxtel program Meraki TV, which aspires to showcase everything the local Greek scene has to offer – from light entertainment to cooking and educational topics.
Meraki aims to promote mainstream local Greek content and new talent, hosted by DJ Krazy Kon, entertainer Stavroula, actress and presenter Maria Hohlastou as well as Ana Sevo, who is the show’s driving force. Ana, who is also a singer, previously worked on the Harry Michaels program It’s all Greek to me in 2002, however, through Meraki TV she will be targeting the entire Hellenic community in Australia. In between hectic preparations for the show’s premiere, she sat down with Neos Kosmos to share her excitement for her new venture.
NK: What gets you out of bed each morning?
My beautiful six-year-old for a start. Then there is Meraki TV and the chance to promote a nice yet different perspective of Hellenism in Australia, ensuring our culture survives in Australia for generations to come. Television is one way to do that. If you want something positive to happen, to contribute to Hellenism, use your skills to make it happen. That is why we have a family show.
NK: Why did you choose the name Meraki?
The name embodies what meraki stands for: being creative and putting your soul in everything you do. The content of the show has the same meraki I used to put in my singing. This project touches my soul like Greek music and its goal is to make Greek people in Australia happy. There has been a web version of the show broadcasting under the same name since 2012, but now we have a chance to step up with Foxtel.
NK: It has been described as The Late Show meets Top of the Pops. How does it differ from TV beamed in from Greece?
The show will have various levels. One of them is an education role within the entertaining side and celebrity stories. We also want the everyday people from the community to be involved and even pitch in some content ideas. For example, rather than bringing in a name chef, we’ll have a home cook with amazing traditional recipes. We want to hear from the community, they will help us drive the show forward in terms of content. We are interested in becoming a conduit for first and even fourth generation Greeks in Australia.
NK: How can Greeks across the country support the show?
Help us spread the word via social media. Get involved yourself, contact us as a conduit to the Greek community. We really want to connect with the second, third and even fourth generation Greeks.
NK: When can people watch Meraki TV?
You can watch it on Fox 183 Aurora, every Monday night at 7.00 pm from June 15. The show will focus on the latest Greek music videos, news and gossip from Greece, as well as unearthing all the cool local and diaspora Greeks. We have also prepared interviews and stories on individuals, groups and organisations who are creatively expressing their passion for Hellenism. Pranks and funny jokes are on our list, too.
NK: If you weren’t on Meraki TV, what would you be doing?
Something creative, mainly music-related. I always wanted to start fundraising for orphans in Greece, but maybe Meraki TV will help me do that sooner.
*Billy Cotsis is a freelance writer and short film director.