The Schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) achieved outstanding success at the 7th International Festival “Youth Theatre On Air 2026”, earning multiple distinctions and commendations and highlighting the high level of creativity and theatrical expression of students in the diaspora.
Among 34 entries from Greece, Cyprus, and Greek communities worldwide, Melbourne students stood out, securing one of the most successful participations in this year’s festival.
In particular, “The Radish” (Balwyn Campus) stood out with two distinctions, “Greek Language & Theatre in the Diaspora”, awarded by Dr Stavroula Nikoloudi (La Trobe University), and Theatrical Expression, awarded by Anna Giannakidou (actor, director, and music producer, ERT).
“Books in Conversation” (Balwyn Campus) received a commendation in the same category, as well as the “Theatre in Front of a Microphone” commendation, awarded by Kyriakos Pastidis (Radio Producer, RIK).
“The Komboloi” (Mathesi Campus) was recognised for Musical Composition (Secondary School) by Dr Renata Dalianoudi (Ionian University). Finally, “The Exodus of Messolonghi” (Bentleigh Campus) received two commendations, for Sound Effects & Editing, awarded by Themis Kallos (Head of Greek Program, SBS), and for “Theatre in Front of a Microphone”, awarded by Asterios Peltekis (Artistic Director, National Theatre of Northern Greece).
The school’s drama teacher, Ms Katerina Poutachidou, said: “These distinctions belong to all our students, as well as to our teachers, who support such creative initiatives every day and nurture a love for the Greek language and culture. I am very proud.”
The Principal of the Greek Community Schools, Ms Maria Bakalidou, added:
“Through initiatives such as radio theatre, our students do not simply learn the language. They experience it, express it, and connect it with their identity. Congratulations to all our students, our talented drama teacher, and our teaching staff for this outstanding achievement.”
The students’ productions will be broadcast internationally by ERT (Greece), RIK (Cyprus), SBS (Australia) and World Radio (Prague).
The Festival “Theatre on the Radio”, organised by the Theatrical Visual Arts Centre (Thessaloniki), Motivation in Arts (Paphos) and Creative Drama & Arts (Melbourne), is one of the most important festivals of radio theatre for children and young people, bringing together schools from Greece, Cyprus and the diaspora through the creative power of audio storytelling.
As part of the Opening Ceremony, held on Saturday, May 3, keynote speaker Dr Konstantinos Thomaidis (University of Exeter) highlighted the role of voice, describing radio as “a sound-designed universe where the voice carries both absolute responsibility and absolute freedom”.
This year’s festival was dedicated to the memory of Maria Anastasiadi.
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