Apodimi Compania review – Masters of Greek rebetika impress in Sydney

·

Review by Tom Alegounarias*

Apodimi Compania, The Greek Art Theatre on April 23, Presented by Greek Fringe

I couldn’t, in fairness to them, use Apodimi Compania’s own description of their music as ‘folk music’ to describe their performance of various forms of Greek songs in Marrickville on Sunday evening. It is correct, of course. But it doesn’t at all capture the sharp impact of their music and their performance in the moment.

Do not think floral embroidery and sunshine harvests. Think hashish dens, dangerous romances, wailing pleas and erotic glances. And think thrashing, piercing strings. If Apodimi Compania are making a point it is that this music, and the attitude that goes with it, are not of another time. This music is of now and tomorrow, as much as of whenever it may have been written. 

On Sunday evening in a grungy theatre shack, down the street from Sydney’s coolest pub in the ‘world’s coolest suburb,’ within a tequila shot glass toss of a dozen hipster breweries, Apodimi Compania showed them all up to be pretenders.

The Greek Fringe team behind the concert.

Apodomi Compania are loud and vibrant. The voices are tremulous and urgent. The songs are in eastern and western scales, and there’s a physicality in the expressiveness that has travelled originally from the sub-continent, and makes you shift in your seat.

At the centre of the group of five is Chrysoula Kechagioglou. I’m sure it’s unfair on the leadership and virtuosity of the others (Yiannis Niarhos, Vangelis Votteas, Manolis and George Galiastos), to single her out. But her red dress, black stocking, grooving presence in the centre of the stage, makes my point. No grim earnestness here. No inter-generational educative self-consciousness. Just art with cultural texture. And the aesthetic pleasures inherent in great performance.

Another great gig, Greek Fringe.     

*Tom Alegounarias is a Professor of Education, The University of Sydney and Former President of The Board of Studies.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Australian Championship, Movember launch $500k fundraising initiative for men’s health

The Australian Championship and Movember have launched a new fundraising initiative to change the face of men’s health.

Greece launches €2.5 billion plan to secure water supply amid drought threat

Greece has unveiled a €2.5 billion national plan to confront growing water scarcity and safeguard supplies for the coming decades.

Aegean Airlines to launch first direct European flights to Baghdad

Aegean Airlines will launch the first direct flights from Europe to Baghdad on 16 December, marking a new chapter in Greece–Iraq relations.

Greece to launch voluntary conscription for women in 2026

Greece will introduce voluntary conscription for women in 2026, with the creation of a pioneering unit of 100 to 150 recruits.

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne set for derby showdown at Jubilee Stadium

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne reignite their rivalry at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium for another chapter in the Australian Championship.

You May Also Like

Greek Community of Melbourne Board welcome new Greek Consul General to Victoria

Members of the Board of the Greek Community of Melbourne meet the new Greek Consul General, Mr Emmanuel Kakavelakis.

New Zealand’s last surviving Battle of Crete veteran passes away

New Zealand's last surviving veteran of the Battle of Crete during World War II has died at the age of 104.

18-year-old admits assault of police officer during volleyball clash

An 18-year-old confessed to assaulting a police officer during a volleyball match between Olympiakos and Panathinaikos in Rentis, Piraeus.