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

‘Una Faccia, Una Razza’: The politics of memory and the power of saying ‘OXI’

The annual homage to “OHI” Day stems from Greece's Prime Minister Metaxas firmly stating “OHI” (NO) to Mussolini's request.

The Master Miller and the art of olive oil perfection

The Master Miller’s mission has its roots in a philosophy that begins at the olive tree and reaches the heart of those who seek quality.

Brain regain: For the first time in 14 years, more people return to Greece than leave

For the first time in over a decade, Greece is witnessing a positive migration balance as more Greeks return home than emigrate.

When everyday Greeks said OXI: Resistance and survival during World War Two

“Aera!” (Air!) roared Greek soldiers as they clawed over jagged rocks on the brutal Pindus Mountains during Italy’s 1940 invasion.

Botanical Park of Crete: Rooted in fire, inspiring hope

The October 2003 fire started with electrical cables in a village near the Marinakis family’s olive groves.

You May Also Like

Sydney court hears Joshua Gotsis allegedly transported $1 million of meth for drug syndicate

Sydney plumber Joshua Gotsis, 23, was granted bail in Supreme Court on February 9 over serious drug supply charges. Read more here.

Annual Odyssey Festival returns to Adelaide for its 16th year

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia is proud to announce its 16th Annual Hellenic Cultural Festival Odyssey.

Turkish hackers target Greek government websites, stock exchange

Turkish hackers claimed on Friday to have hijacked for more than 90 minutes the official websites of the Greek parliament, the foreign affairs and...