Behrouz Boochani returns to Melbourne’s Greek Centre for annual John Berger lecture

·

Tickets were sparse for last night’s annual John Berger lecture, as a diverse cast of Melbournian’s flocked to the Greek Centre to see this year’s guest speakers, Behrouz Boochani and Hoda Afshar. 

In an initiative that was launched last year by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), the annual lecture celebrates the writing, philosophy, and work of English art critic John Berger. 

The evening was especially noteworthy as the last time the GCM hosted Boochani, he was still imprisoned in one of Australia’s offshore migrant detention centres.

Therefore, coming to the Greek Centre to see Boochani for his first in person event in Australia was a significant occasion for all, as only three years ago it was stated that Boochani would never set foot on Australian soil. 

The evening opened by GCM Vice-President, Dr Jim Bossinakis, who stated that: “the aim of this lecture is to use art and/or the arts to re-orientate our thinking on a broad range of issues.” 

Bossinakis explained that Boochani and Afshar embody this statement as both artists enrapture the broader community and inspire deeper thought through their multiple artistic mediums.

This idea was further discussed by the evening’s moderator, Nikos Papastergiadis, the Director of the Research Unit in Public Cultures and Professor in the School of Culture and Communication at Melbourne University. 

Papastergiadis talked on John Berger’s legacy and how important it was “not to monumentalise him,” but rather to “use John Berger as a platform” to discuss critical ideas 

Through their discussions, Papastergiadis, Boochani and Afshar discussed the years Boochani spent in Manus Prison and how through artistic mediums such as poetry, writing and song, Boochani was able to develop a channel to combat the large structure of institutionalised violence and misery he endured. 

Their thoughts and discussions were also accompanied by the work of Afshar, an award-winning Iranian documentary photographer based in Melbourne. Afshar visited Boochani on Manus Island in 2018 and through film and photography, she documented Boochani’s experience there. 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

Greek director of Lyon Ballet sacked for firing ballerina after she gave birth

The director of a French ballet has been sacked for firing a dancer after she had a baby, the French culture ministry confirmed last...

Watch: A 3D Flythrough Tour of Classical Athens

Developed as a hobby project in 2008 by visual effects artist Dimitris Tsalkanis, 3D Athens presents the Ancient city through time.

Hellenic Initiative Australia to host webinar with Greece’s Minister of Interior

Hellenic Initiative Australia will host its 6th Digital Conversation Series with Greece's Minister of Interior, Niki Kerameus, on December 4.