2021 will see the 200th Anniversary of the commencement of the Greek War of Independence and by extension, the Bicentenary of the Modern Greek State.
Along with celebrations being planned all around the world, the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) is busy working on its detailed and multifaceted program.
In the collaborative spirit of the bicentenary, the GCM is partnering with a number of key organisations to present its program.
Key amongst these includes The Victorian Government, The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, The Greek Consul to Victoria, The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, The Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria and The Organising Committee of the National Day Celebrations.
The multi-disciplined year long celebration is being organised by a special committee bringing together a range of interests and experience. It is led by Assoc. Prof. Marinis Pirpiris and Michael Karamitos and 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 is supported by Greek Community staff led by Greek Centre Director, Jorge Menidis.
Whilst the program’s detail has been worked on over the past 4 months and is still being finalised, a
snapshot of its content promises a range of events and activities anchored by the GCM’s annual program of festivals and programs and embellished with a unique, contemporary and cosmopolitan offering.
A teaser of the work in progress program includes:
182! – The Graphic Short Story Collection
An adaptation of stories from the 1821 Greek Revolution presented as a Graphic Short Story collection (aka 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 and the official re-opening of Victoria’s oldest 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, & musicians will present an 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 through the minds of 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 200years.
(Super)Heroes of 1821: The Heroes of the Revolution = The Good, The Bad + The Gory
Designed for children, the event will be a multimedia presentation 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 be a celebration of 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.
