Renowned Cypriot Australian poet Andrea Demetriou, acclaimed by Greek writer Vasilis Vasilikos and director Costa-Gavras, has a long history of political activism through her poetry. Her work often focuses on the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, and she has described herself as a “child of war.”
Despite having written three books reflecting on the experiences of Cypriot refugees and the division of Cyprus, her poems were notably absent from both the Greek Australian Cultural League’s (GACL) recently launched Antipodes periodical and the Logos periodical of the Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia, launched at Melbourne’s Greek Centre on Sunday, November 10.
“It doesn’t matter that my poems, dedicated to Cyprus, aren’t included in these periodicals. I love my country, and I support any event dedicated to the island,” she said, curiously flipping through the 37th edition of the 32-year-old Logos periodical and pausing at the dedication to the late Cypriot composer Stelios Tsiolas.
His work was performed by Evangelia Baxa and Yiorgos Sevastakis.
Like Antipodes, the Logos periodical features works commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. It includes one of the last messages by the recently deceased Peter (Panagiotis) Yiannoudes, titled “Cyprus: Reflecting on 50 years – 25.8.2004.”
Those who missed Northcote MP Kath Theophanous’ speech at the Antipodes launch can read it verbatim as a prologue in Logos, which also includes introductions by High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, Cyprus Community of Melbourne President Theo Theophanous, and SEKA Victoria President Pavlos Andronikos.
Hellenic Writers’ Association President Roma Siachos, a Pontian with a history of campaigning for recognition of the Greek genocide by Turkey, feels a connection with the displaced refugees of occupied Cyprus.
“My first acquaintance with Cyprus was at school when a Cypriot came to speak to our class. I felt a strong attraction to this beautiful island and it was my dream to visit. I remember, as a teenager, seeing news of the invasion and its consequences,” Ms Siachos said.
Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Nikolaos Varellas reminded those present that the Cyprus problem is “an international problem of invasion and occupation.”
“We are seeking a solution based on relevant UN resolutions of Cyprus and in full respect of the values and principles of the EU and UN,” he said. “A settlement with full respect of the sensitivities and concerns of both communities, fulfilling our people’s desire to live in a fully independent and sovereign European country, ensuring conditions of a safe, prosperous, and peaceful future.”
Greek Consul General in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis highlighted the 50th anniversary events held in Melbourne on July 20 to commemorate the Turkish invasion on the island. The events were reportedly the largest outside Cyprus.
Keynote speaker Dr Athanasios Spilias gave a historical account of the island, which has been at the “eye of the cyclone” throughout history due to its geopolitical location, whereas La Trobe Greek Studies Program lecturer Stephie Nikoloudis highlighted the works included in the periodical.
Teachers Vicky Petalas and Anthi Tzani announced competition winners, most from Greece. Chrysanthi Volakakis, 14, the only Australian-born winner, wrote about Laskarina Bouboulina following a passion for the Greek Revolution heroine borne from her mother’s own nickname for her.
“I chose to write about Bouboulina because she is passionate and has great ways to lead soldiers of Greece to war,” Chrysanthi said.
The event was emceed by Evangelos Plokamakis.
