Save the dates – 3 – 12 October 2025 – as the Zeibekiko Festival Australia returns for its third and most exciting year yet.
Presented by Ventouris Productions, the festival is back in 2025 with a bold, expanded program celebrating the soulful power of zeibekiko — through dance, music, storytelling and community connection.
Held across multiple venues, the festival will once again unite Greek Australians and wider audiences in a tribute to cultural memory, resilience and artistic expression.
“Every year, we grow stronger – not just in numbers but in spirit,” Festival Director Sophia Ventouris tells The Greek Herald. “Zeibekiko isn’t just a dance. It’s memory, emotion, survival and identity – and we want everyone to feel part of it.”
This year’s festival will welcome two significant guests from Greece, bringing a depth of knowledge and performance excellence to the program.
Dr Christos Theologos, one of Greece’s most respected folklorists, will lead a series of lectures and workshops exploring the deep roots of Asia Minor dance traditions, including zeibekiko, aptalikos, and karsilamas. He will also hold special workshops on traditional dances from the islands of Chios and Rhodes. His work draws connections between the dance, Byzantine traditions, and religious folklore, highlighting the enduring cultural memory embedded in movement and ritual. Dr Theologos holds a PhD in Folklore, has lectured at the University of the Aegean, is Principal of the Music School of Rhodes, and is a member of the Hellenic Folklore Company, which has functioned as a scholarly body since 1908. He is also Director of the Artistic Workshop of Culture.
His choreography and teaching have featured at prestigious venues including the Megaron and the Herodion Theatre. He has also made frequent appearances on Greek national television, particularly on the cultural program Alati tis Gis, and served as folklore consultant for the acclaimed TV adaptation of Matomena Homata, based on the novel by Dido Sotiriou. He has held thousands of dance workshops over the years in Greece and abroad.
Joining him is celebrated singer Areti Ketime, whose haunting voice and mastery of the santouri instrument have made her one of Greece’s most treasured artists. Discovered by George Dalaras as a child, Ketime gained international recognition when she performed at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. Her performances in Australia will include material from her latest recordings, which revisit and reinterpret songs from Smyrna and the broader rembetika tradition.
The festival will continue its strong focus on local Greek Australian talent, with Ms Ventouris emphasising that the community is full of gifted individuals — from writers and photographers to musicians, dancers, theatre makers and artists — all of whom have something to contribute to the story of zeibekiko.
Further artist announcements, including the headline international act, community performers and cultural groups, will be made in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, expressions of interest are officially open for those who wish to participate in this year’s program. Festival organisers are inviting dancers, musicians, singers, artists, theatre groups and creatives of all disciplines to apply. Interested individuals can reach out via email at info@zeibekikofestivalaustralia.com.au or by phone on 0413 114 930. Applications close on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
In addition, a special performance project is currently in development. Festival organisers are calling for 100 men aged 16 to 60 to take part in a unique video and live concert presentation celebrating the power and tradition of zeibekiko. Participants will be asked to attend rehearsals in the lead-up to the performance. Those interested should text their name, age, phone number and email to the contacts above.
Finally, businesses and supporters of Hellenic culture are encouraged to get involved through sponsorship. As a grassroots cultural initiative that relies on community participation and generosity, Zeibekiko Festival Australia offers unique opportunities for sponsors to align with a powerful celebration of heritage, memory and creative expression. Sponsorship packages are available by contacting the team directly at info@zeibekikofestivalaustralia.com.au.
For updates and further information, visit www.zeibekikofestivalaustralia.com.au. The Greek Herald are proud media partners for this event.
Follow the Zeibekiko Festival Australia:
- Instagram: @zeibekiko_festival_australia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZeibekikoFestivalAustralia/
- Website: www.zeibekikofestivalaustralia.com.au
