VIC

Psarokokalo – Athens short film festival

A selection of Greek and Cypriot short films from the Athens Short Film Festival

Look At The Stars sci-fi | Dir. Aris Kouvaras

In the twilight of his life, an elderly man revisits a bittersweet memory and reshapes it in the way he would have liked to have lived it.

– Short Draft comedy | Dir. Spyridon Papaspyrou

A man hijacks a taxi when the taxi driver refuses to take him where he wants. Two men will share a ride where everything will go wrong and a girl will change their way, where the end will be a mystery even for the heroes of Short Draft

– Until You See Me comedy | Dir. Eleanna Santorinaiou

Petros takes an emotional journey whilst he walks through the corridors of a cemetery, holding an old Hi8 camera and burying a beloved person.

– The Armchair on the Pavement drama | Dir. Mary Kolonia

An old song from the radio suddenly triggers memories of youth in an elderly ex-army General suffering from dementia, making him momentarily recall the evening of his engagement to his wife.

– Dustlight drama | Dir. Chryssanthi Kouri

While facing pivotal life changes Matina arrives at the family summer house to clear out her late mother’s things. There she begins to unravel, as past and present collide until she reaches a personal epiphany.

– Buffer Zone drama | Dir. Savvas Stavrou

Two young soldiers across enemy lines fall in love and find an escape from their oppressive environments through music.

When: Sunday May 19, 5pm-7pm

Where: Greek Centre, Mezzanine 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1206506


The Last Tango in Alexandria

The new book will be launched by Professor Nikos Papastergiadis.

Last Tango in Alexandria by Michalis Tsianikas examines the work of Cavafy, one of the most prominent modernist poets of the 20th century, through the prism of the history of ideas and their conflicts.

In this case, the tussle between Hellenism and Christianity, which when compared have many contradictory elements. How is this reflected in Cavafy’s poetry? Tsianikas combats the foundational nationalist narrative encapsulating a synthesis of Hellenism and Christianity.

The FREE book launch will be conducted in both Greek and English. You can purchase the book on the day.

When: Sunday May 12, 3pm (doors open 2.30pm)

Where: The Greek Centre | Mezzanine 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Bookings: www.greekcommunity.com.au/events/the-last-tango-in-alexandria


Return to Anatolia Reflection

A solemn reflection to honour the victims of the Greek Genocide in the Pontos Region

Service by Father Vasilios Kourtessis.

When: Saturday May 18, 2pm

Where: Darebin Community Memorial for All Victims of Genocide, Ray Bramham Gardens, Corner Bell Street and St Georges Road, Preston (parking at back of Darebin Arts Centre)

Info: Contact Chairperson Sofia Kotanidis on 0425 822 257 or returntoanatolia@gmail.com


Monthly MYTH meet-ups

Monthly MYTH meet-ups are an ongoing opportunity for young people curious and passionate about mythology to explore and enter this wonderful world.

Each month they explore a different Greek myth.

Once inspired, children are supported to collaboratively and theatrically invent their very own myths.

In the spirit of celebration, children are invited to share their myth stories with fellow myth lovers.

Hosted by Loukia Vassiliades, whose journey began when a little over ten years ago she devised a workshop for babies for ArtPlay Victoria.

She has since collaborated with children & young people of all ages and is part of the St Martins Youth Arts Centre.

Her fascination with myth stories began as a child growing up on the island of Cyprus, where she played along the coast, where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is believed to have first emerged.

Suggested for ages 8-13.

When: May 26, 10-1pm & June 23, 2-5pm

Where: Address is provided to attendees, South Yarra VIC 3141

Bookings: events.humanitix.com/monthly-myth-meet-ups

NSW

Sydney Comedy Festival

Sydney’s biggest annual comedy event is back.

Every April and May, over 250 of the best comedians from Australia and beyond take to stages across Sydney for a massive month of comedy, followed by a national Showcase Tour from May to December.

The Festival program features performances from the finest Australian acts, the biggest international stars and the most promising emerging talent offering up everything from stand up to sketch, satire, impro, musical, absurdist, theatre, magic and kids’ comedy.

As always, plenty of Greeks will be providing the laughs.

Angelo Tsarouchas (Skits & Wits Tour), Steen Raskopoulos (Friendly Stranger), Anthony Locascio (Pappou), Mary Coustas/Effie (UpYourselfness), Con Coutis (Con 2077) and Elouise Eftos (Australia’s First Attractive Comedian) to name some.

When: Until May 19

Where: Check website for various venues

Bookings: www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au


Greek Australian Writers Festival

The 42nd Greek Festival of Sydney is hosting the Festival of Greek-Australian Writers to showcase books and authors telling Greek stories.

This festival will launch new anthologies, explore genealogy, Greeks and Australians in war, mythology, Greek-Australian identity in the global village, showcase visual storytelling and will honour the late Antigone Kefala one of the most important contemporary Greek-Australian writers.

The 45-minute sessions will include questions from the audience. Books will be on sale and authors available for signings.

When: Sunday May 19, 10am-6pm

Where: Dr Chau Chak Wing Building, University of Technology Sydney, 14-28 Ultimo Rd (entry via Mary Ann St), Ultimo NSW 2007

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1173388


Sydney Writer’s Festival

The Sydney Writers’ Festival is set to have a distinct Greek flavour this year with the participation of three Greek-Australian writers in Christos Tsiolkas, Peter Polites and Will Kostakis, along with other literary works covering Greek topics also to be featured.

It will boast 223 events that highlight recent literary works, among which will include events covering the latest books of Tsiolkas (The In-Between) and Polites (God Forgets About The Poor).

Acclaimed writer Tsiolkas will also take part in a discussion with K Patrick titled ‘Queer Love and Longing’, focusing on the topic of romance, desire and the pleasures of writing queer love stories.

Highlighted Greek Events:

– Your Favourites’ Favourites: Christos Tsiolkas and Peter Polites, May 23, 1-2pm, Carriageworks, Bay 19

– Christos Tsiolkas: The In-Between, May 24, 10-11am, Carriageworks, Track 8

– Peter Polites: God Forgets About the Poor, May 24, 6.30-7.30pm, Hurstville Library and Service Centre

– The Gift of Greek Myth, May 24, 12-1.00pm, Carriageworks, Track 8, Kate Forsyth ‘Psykhe’

– Natalie Haynes: Divine Might, May 23, 7.30-8.30pm, Carriageworks, Bay 20, The ARA Stage

– Queer Love and Longing, May 23, 7.30-8.30pm, Carriageworks, Track 12

Bookings: www.swf.org.au

QLD

What is the value of Olympic victory?

The Greek Orthodox Community of St George Brisbane presents the Alex Kondos lecture, ‘What is the value of Olympic victory?’

Australia spends a fortune on our Olympic Team. There is hot debate about whether this money is well spent.

In this richly illustrated lecture, Associate Professor of Greek History University of Queensland, David M Pritchard goes back to the ancient Olympics in order to resolve once and for all this debate.

Free Admission. Tea Coffee and Greek sweets at conclusion.

When: Wednesday May 15, 7.30pm

Where: Grand Ballroom, The Greek Club Edmondstone Street, South Brisbane

Bookings: Call GOC Admin Office on 3249 1000 or email rsvp@gocstgeorge.com.au


Paniyiri Greek Festival

The largest cultural festival in Queensland is set to return to South Brisbane’s Musgrave Park in a two-day Greek spectacle next week.

Picnic at Paniyiri and enjoy a day of Greek feasting, drinking and festivities!

Expect traditional Greek dance performances, music, cooking demonstrations, and a variety of stalls selling everything from souvlaki to Greek wine and loukoumades.

There will be plenty of activities for the family to enjoy. The Paniyiri raffle will have plenty of prizes to be won and of course the grand prize of two return tickets to Greece.

The event, which now attracts over 50,000 people every year, promises to continue to showcase the Greek culture and traditions to the whole state.

Book your tickets now.

When: Saturday May 18, 12pm-10pm & Sunday May 19, 10am-7pm

Where: Musgrave Park, 91 Cordelia St, South Brisbane QLD 4101

Bookings: tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event

SA

Penelope’s Palette: A Greek-Australian Art Odyssey

Efrossini Chaniotis, a Greek-Australian contemporary artist returns to her hometown for a solo show of sculptures and paintings.

For 10 days in May, Efrossini will be sharing for the first time with Adelaide audiences a vibrant and spirited collection of her artistic adventures.

Be prepared to hear her narrate The Fisherman and Mermaid’s Tale and her Wishing Tree story. An ongoing project that was created by the art itself, her Modern Icons, a genre of art inspired by nostalgia for Greece, and sculptures that are odes to Cycladic art and her father’s birthplace Mykonos.

Efrossni’s art is person cantered, vibrant, expressive and narrative in nature, drawing on childhood experiences of storytelling, mythology and a deep appreciation for her Hellenic background.

She retells myths and generates new ones using painted sculptures and canvas paintings in a unique style that combines Byzantine iconography with an expressive palette influenced by modern European art.

When: OPENING CELEBRATION Thursday May 16, 6-9pm. (Early viewing by appointment only 11-2pm)

ARTIST TALK Sunday May 19, 2-3pm

CLOSING CELEBRATION Saturday May 25, 3-6pm

Meet the artist at the Gallery. Open every day 11am -6pm

Where: POP UP GALLERY Ground Floor 33 Angas St Adelaide CBD

Info: efrossiniart.com/news