Home to the largest Greek population outside of Greece, the city of Melbourne, Australia is a center of the Greek diaspora. In honor of the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the Greek War of Independence in 1821, the city will host a variety of engaging cultural events, organized by the Greek Community of Melbourne.
They will be collaborating with many organizations around the country, including the Victorian Government, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, the Greek Consul General to Victoria, the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, the Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria and the Greek National Day Organizing Committee.
Despite the country’s famed ancient history, the modern Greek state was formed just 200 years ago, when Greeks rose up against the Ottoman Empire after nearly 400 years of rule.
The program contains a multitude of performances, seminars, and presentations from a variety of disciplines that will take place throughout the year. Themes of Greek culture, history, and the diaspora run throughout the list of events.
The creation of such a diverse and intriguing program is owed to a special committee of talented and creative names in their fields. Piloted by Assoc. Prof. Marinis Pirpiris and Michael Karamitos, the committee also includes Dr. Jim Bossinakis, Betty Dimitropoulos, Chrissa Kanatas, Dean Kotsianis, Nick Koukouvitakis, Victoria Kyriakopoulos, Dr. Stephie Nikoloudis, Stella Patras, Denise Serdenes, Tass Sgardelis, Chris Sikavitsas, and Leo Vlahakis.
It is supported by the Greek Center team led by Director Jorge Menidis.
Although the full details are still being finalized, some exciting events in the program include:
182! – THE GRAPHIC SHORT STORY COLLECTION
An adaptation of stories from the 1821 Greek Revolution presented as a Graphic Short Story collection, or comic book.
ANTIPODES 2021 | COMMEMORATING THE GREEK BICENTENARY
27+28 February | Lonsdale Street Greek Precinct Melbourne
The award-winning festival celebrates the Greek Bicentenary through themed performances, dance and musical productions.
THE INAUGURAL GRECIAN BALL
A commemorative Ball to be held as a feature event of the year-long celebrations.
THE GREEK LANGUAGE & CULTURE SEMINARS: GREEK BICENTENARY SERIES
Featuring leading academics and speakers.
THE ANNUNCIATION OF OUR LADY FEAST DAY
A celebration of the raising of the Revolutionary banner in 1821 at Agia Lavra by Patriarch Germanos will be the highlight of the official re-opening of Victoria’s oldest Orthodox church on its feast day.
DEATH OF A ROMANTIC: LORD BYRON – THE INFLUENCE OF ROMANTICISM ON THE GREEK WAR OF INDEPENDENCE
An ensemble of actors and musicians will present a special evening that will include readings of Byron and his fellow European Romantics such as Keats, Shelley, Hugo, Dumas and Palamas.
R-EVOLUTION-200
A re-telling of the contemporary Greek State by local street (graffiti and stencil) artists.
MUSICAL ODYSSEY: 200 YEARS OF TRIUMPHANT GREEK MUSIC
A symphonic tribute to the grand Greek composers and musicians who influenced Greek music for 200 years.
(SUPER)HEROES OF 1821: THE HEROES OF THE REVOLUTION = THE GOOD, THE BAD + THE GORY
A multimedia event designed for children, telling the stories of the heroes of the revolution.
THE GREEK WRITERS FESTIVAL: MYTHOLOGISING CONTEXT + IDENTITY
A celebration of 200 years of Greek and Greek Australian Writers.
200 YEARS OF FLAVOUR. THE 2021 FLAVOURS OF GREECE
A celebration of Greek cuisine through food events.
YOUTH SUMMIT 21
Bringing together young Greek Australians to discuss matters that are pertinent to their understanding of place, identity and a sense of belonging.
THE 27TH GREEK FILM FESTIVAL
The annual celebration of Greek film will commemorate the Greek bicentenary.
ANTIPODES: THE CONCERT : A CELEBRATION OF GREEK MUSIC, DANCE + LIFE
Featuring leading Greek performers, a live music concert celebration of Greek culture and life.
The finalized program for the bicentenary celebrations will be announced in the upcoming months.
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