CyprusTODAY Volume LIII, No 1, January - March 2015 Contents
Editorial...... 2 State Prizes for Literature ...... 4 Cyprus Contemporary Dance Platform...... 8 Play me, I’m yours...... 20 Centre of Visual Arts and Research in Nicosia...... 26 It was 1st of April...... 30 A. G. Leventis Gallery...... 33 Nativity Stories...... 36 Concert in memory of Pefkios Georgiades...... 40 Cyprus Symphony Orchestra...... 42 THOC signs Protocol National Theatre of Greece...... 47 The Impressions of a Drowned Man...... 49 Petros Hadjitofi Makris...... 56 Susan Kerr...... 60 Yiannis Pelekanos...... 62 Roulla Ioannidou Stavrou...... 64
Volume LIII, No 1, January-March 2015
A quarterly cultural review of the Ministry of Education and Editorial Assistance: Culture published and distributed by the Press and Information Natassa Haratsis-Avraamides Office (PIO), Ministry of Interior, Nicosia, Cyprus. [email protected] Press and Information Office Address: Michaela Mobley Ministry of Education and Culture [email protected] Kimonos & Thoukydides Corner, 1434 Nicosia, Cyprus Website: http://www.moec.gov.cy Design: GNORA COMMUNICATION CONSULTANTS Press and Information Office Printed by: Printco Ltd Apellis Street, 1456 Nicosia, Cyprus Website: http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio Front cover: Painting from Susan Kerr’s exhibition The Magic EDITORIAL BOARD of Heaven and Earth Chairperson: Back cover: Still from Cypriot director Kyros Papavassiliou’s Pavlos Paraskevas, film The Impressions of a Drowned Man Director of Cultural Services, Ministry of Education and Culture Chief Editor: Jacqueline Agathocleous [email protected] GNORA COMMUNICATION CONSULTANTS PIO 30/2015 – 7.000 (website: www.gnora.com) ISSN (print) 0045-9429 Tel: +357 22441922 Fax: +357 22519743 ISSN (online) 1986-2547
Subscription Note: For free subscriptions please contact: [email protected]. Cyprus Today is also available in electronic form and can be sent to you if you provide your e-mail. If you no longer wish to receive the magazine, in either print or electronic form, or if you have changed your address, please let us know at the above e-mail address. Please include your current address for easy reference. Editor’s Note: Articles in this magazine may be freely quoted or reproduced provided that proper acknowledgement and credit is given to Cyprus Today and the authors (for signed articles). The sale or other commercial exploitation of this publication or part of it is strictly prohibited. Disclaimer: Views expressed in the signed articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the publishers. The magazine can also be found on the Press and Information Office website at www.pio.gov.cy. Editorial
his issue of Cyprus Today starts off with the State Prizes for Literature, presenting the award- Twinning authors of books published in 2013 as well as the awards ceremony, which was addressed by the Minister of Education and Culture, Costas Kadis.
The 15th Cyprus Contemporary Dance Platform follows, this year having hosted 15 established and younger choreographers to celebrate the equivalent number of years since the Platform was first established by the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Cutlure. The Services were also behind the Nicosia leg of the global phenomenon Play Me, I’m Yours, an interactive installation which saw local artists decorate pianos that were then placed around the capital city for all to play and enjoy.
We also present the Centre of Visual Arts and Research, which opened its doors to the public in Nicosia last September; and of course we had to follow the celebrations to mark the A.G. Leventis
Gallery’s one-year anniversary in February. One such event was the Gallery’s first ever international Yiannis Pelekanos temporary exhibition entitled Nativity Stories.
The late Minister of Education and Culture, Pefkios Georgiades, continues to provide support and love to those in need, eight whole years after his sudden passing. Widely acknowledged as th the children’s favourite minister, the Musical Talent Development Program has confirmed this by 15 Cyprus Contemporary Dance Platform holding its annual concert in his memory, with the proceeds going to the Patients Welfare Council of Archbishop Makarios III Hospital in Nicosia.
Speaking of classical music, the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra (CySO) kept classical music lovers entertained over the chilly winter months with a variety of performances.
Our issue also presents The Cyprus Theatre Organisation (THOC) and National Theatre of Greece signed a Protocol of Cooperation on 22 January 2015, opening the way for the two theatres to implement an artistic programme aimed at promoting and developing the art of theatre. The Impressions of a Drowned Man It was 1st of April We are also proud to present Cypriot director Kyros Papavassiliou’s achievement of having his film The Impressions of a Drowned Man selected was among thirteen other international movies to compete in the competition section of the 44th International Film Festival Rotterdam, which took place on 21 January – 2 February 2015.
We follow it up with Cypriot poet Roula Ioannidou Stavrou, who gained international recognition for the second year running after receiving an Honorary Mention for her poem Yellow Ribbons on the Tree at the XXX Nosside World Poetry Prize 2014 in Italy, and member of the Greek Cypriot diaspora Petros Hadjitofi Makris with his first book,The Apostate.
We wrap our issue with two painting exhibitions: Susan Kerr’s collection The Magic of Heaven and th Earth and Yiannis Pelekanos’ 36 solo exhibition The World of Cyprus. Play me, I’m yours
2 3 2014 Cyprus State Prizes for Literature
he Cultural Services of the Ministry of brings together the virtues of a bold experiment. TEducation and Culture recently announced the The poet seems to explore the limits of poetic results of the national literary competition for the expression, replacing the voice of the lyrical text State Prizes for Literature (for publications of 2013). with polyphony, through a particularly interesting The Minister of Education and Culture, Costas synthesis in which voices, eras, cultures and Kadis, presented the winners with their awards in historic moments are entwined. The architecture a special ceremony that was held on 2 December of Chronorrafia is characterised by reflection and 2014 at the Pallas Theatre in Nicosia. intertextuality. An anonymous and almost illiterate Cypriot meets Christopher Columbus and his The ceremony opened with a performance by the companions, the natives of the Caribbean, John Knox Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra and addressed by Minister Kadis. and the Scottish Reformers, Miguel de Cervantes and Rembrandt and many others, people more or less well-known from Greek and world history and The winners pick up their awards Poetry literature. Ships which travel the seas of the world, By a majority decision of the with passengers and crews from far and wide carry of the imagination through time. The exceptionally Andreas Karayian’s novel Skoteines Istories belongs Judging Committee, the State the diachronic and inter-cultural message of poetry well-presented publication, which makes use of in the tradition of formation novels (bildungsroman), Prize for Poetry published as the preserver of memory, not of the famous but of ideograms and an original arrangement of the a genre which is rare in the Greek language. in 2013 was awarded the anonymous. This poetical composition by Eleni texts, gives additional stimulus to the reader. A road In Skoteines Istories the protagonist, an imaginary to Eleni Kefala for her Kefala creates a multi-prismatic mirror of the fate between sky and earth… person with autobiographical elements which we work Chronorrafia (Stitching of the obscure in all corners of the world, while at Poetry Shortlist have met in other books by Andreas Karayian, is a Time) by Nefeli Publications. sensitive and adventurous artist who is seeking the the same time its creativity stirs the imagination of Chronorrafia, by Eleni Kefala The collection of poems readers and makes them participants in the journeys truth of art and life itself by travelling. His travels Chreografo (Security), by Soteris P. Varnava take him to Berlin after the wall has come down, (Gavrielides publications) to post-1974 Athens and to post-revolutionary Agapimene (Beloved), by Mona Savvidou Alexandria. In these wanderings, the dominating Theodoulou (Afi Publications) demand for authenticity in art, friendship and love Siopiloi Traumatioforeis (Silent Paramedics), by dictates his steps. Through the confessional character Stephanos Stavrides (Farfoulas Publications) of the narrative, the author constructs his own theory Dromos Metaxi Ouranou ke Gis (Road between of the cosmos, elevating the erotic union of soul and Heaven and Earth), by George Christodoulides body, beyond social conventions and guilt, to a great (Farfoulas Publications) good. The novel, deeply philosophical and political, opposes the mechanisms of power which attempt to control erotic desire and sexuality and tries to Novel demolish social stereotypes in order to promote The Judging Committee respect for Diversity. decided by majority that Novel Shortlist the State Prize for a Novel Skoteines Istories, by Andreas Karayian published in 2013 would be awarded to Andreas Karayian Meli gia tin Kyra (Honey for the Lady), by Vivian for his work Skoteines Istories Avraamidou-Ploumbis (Alexandria Publications) (Dark Stories) by Estia Choris Pyxida (Without a Compass), by Andreas Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra Bookshop Publications. Keleshis
4 5 Narrative decision of the Judging Committee. decided that the State Prize for Youth Literature By majority, the Judging In Alexandros Adamides novel I Plirotita kai i published in 2013 would not be awarded. Committee decided to award the Aftarkeia, the young protagonist is an anti-hero who The youth literature books that made the shortlist State Prize for Narrative published is searching in adverse conditions to find his place were: in 2013 to Lefkios Zafeirios, in the contemporary world of crisis. He travels to Ton Kairo ton Amaxion (Times of Cabs), by Tasos for his work Me Evlaveia kai Europe in search of work but also meaning. He Aristotelous (A. Aristotelous Publications) Lipi (With Reverence and suffers, struggles to find a path and often finds it in Sti Refmania tou 3013 (In the Refmania of 3013), Sorrow) by Gavrielides Publications. dreams and fantasies and in adventures which bring by Philippos Zannetou and Dora Evangelidou (A Me Evlabeia kai Lipi contains short stories which to mind a detective film. The wonderful descriptions Bookworm Publication) refer to the tragic moments of the history of Cyprus, and lively dialogue, the amusing digressions, the Tricha, Psira ke Fagoura (Hair, Louse and Itch), through an approach which is reflective and directed reflective techniques and the intertextual exchanges by Maria Olympiou (Neo Kyma Publications) towards trauma, memory and mourning. The lend the novel an intensity which is redolent of accomplished masters of the novel. The new writer Minister of Education and Culture Costas protagonists of the stories are ordinary people who Kadis addresses the awards ceremony Illustration in Children’s/Youth Book the narrator elevates to heroes and victims of the from Limassol skilfully conveys in his novel the George Gavriel won the State Prize for Illustration mechanisms of power in an amputated homeland. anxiety of young people in the modern societies of so been looking forward to, Violeta retires to the in Children’s/Youth Book published in 2013, for They are the enclaved of Rizokarpaso who are yet to alienation and poverty and the desperate struggles in attic where she decides to respond with her own his work on K. Chrysos’ book O Arlekinos tis be vindicated; the lost brave young men of the Greek search of identity. weather forecast. The young heroine, dressed in Fengaropolis (The Harlequin of the Moon Town) Army Contingent in Cyprus and their parents who Best New Writer Shortlist her grandparents’ old rags and with her beloved by En Typois Publications, by a majority decision meet at the cemetery of Makedonitissa; the student I Plirotita kai i Aftarkeia, by Alexandros Adamides doll and teddy as her audience, she tells the of the Judging Committee. volunteers who embarked like other Argonauts Anagelasta: Ton Genekon je ton Skalapountaron weather; but in her forecast, she offers a variety of on an expedition which failed, never reaching its (Unlaughing: Of the Women and the Goblins), happy and creative activities for the children to do George Gavriel’s illustrations successfully destination; they are also, however, the children on by Stella Voskaridou Economou (Technodromion while it snows. Thus, in her own childish, naive, accompany and support the text of K. Chrysis’ whose faces hope is preserved. The narrator moves Publications) sensitive and magic world, Violeta is free from the book, characterised by the author’s personal style within a “labyrinth with no way out,” not as a cold oppression and authority of adults. and charm. The figures are depicted clearly and simply, giving the impression of being in discourse spectator but as one who shares in the suffering, often Children’s Literature The stylistic character of the text, with its with each other. The Judging Committee felt it in situations of impasse and tragedy. The reader can abundance of imagery and visual narratives, along The State Prize for was a generally qualitative publication, though it discern an autobiographical substratum in the book, Children’s Literature with the carefully edited language, the originality pinpointed certain elements in the design that leave but also an excellent example of the recasting of published in 2013 was in the conception and a successful illustration, all room for improvement and which to an extent, do personal experience into literature. The short stories unanimously awarded to contributed towards the creation of a very good not do the illustration enough justice. in the collection do not just preserve “the shattered Phanis Hadjianastasiou children’s book. face of the island”, but are also stories of human Illustration in Children’s/Youth Book Shortlist for his book To Deltio Children’s Literature Shortlist: pain and persecution which acquire a diachronic Kairou tis Violetas (Violeta’s Weather Forecast) To Deltio Kairou tis Violetas, by Phanis George Gavriel for K. Chrysos’ O Arlekinos tis significance. by A Bookworm Publication. Hadjianastasiou (A Bookworm Publication) Fengaropolis Narrative Shortlist An imaginative and tender short illustrated story Penelope, by Andri Antoniou (Psichogios Yiannis Yiannakou for Valentina Theocharous’ Me Evlaveia kai Lipi, by Lefkios Zafeirios that gets to grips with the young child’s need Publications) To Sheromilouin (The Lollipop) by Terpandros (Gavrielides Publications) for optimism, Phanis Hadjianastasiou takes a O Scandaliaris Gatos (The Scandalous Cat), by Publications Ntefol: Smyrni 1922, by Demetris Karagiannis somewhat romantic approach to the generation Maria Kanther (Parga Publications) Sandra Eleftheriou for Katerina Tsitsa’s Mousika Ston Asterismo tou Kynos, (In the Canis gap in his book To Deltio Kairou tis Violetas. Fos sto Skoteino Domatio (Light in the Dark Paramythia (Musical Fairytales) by Kalentis Constellation), by Andreas Michael The story is narrated from two perspectives; that Room), by Frixos Michaelides Publications of the parents’ harsh reality and that of their nine- Constantinos Kougialis for Phanis Best New Writer year-old daughter. The dimension of reality and Youth Literature Hadjianastasiou’s book To Deltio Kairou tis Alexandros Adamides won the imaginary, the conflict between the fictional The Judging Committee – Violetas the State Prize for Best New heroine and the adults over the thin line between Anastasia Katsiki-Givalou The members of the Judging Committee for the Writer for his work I Plirotita desire and discipline, all find a release through (chairwoman), Katerina State Prizes for Literature were: kai i Aftarkeia (Completeness little Violeta’s imagination. Upset after hearing the Karatasou, Elena Pericleous, Frangiski Ambatzopoulou (president), Pantelis and Self-sufficiency) by Afi weather forecast on the news, warning of snow Kika Poulcheriou and Flora Voutouris, Kyriakos Demetriou, Yiorgos Kalozois Publications, by a majority in the city and lambasting the activities she had Timotheou – unanimously and Kyriakos Charalambides.
6 7 15th Cyprus Contemporary Dance Platform
Rialto Theatre – 6, 7 and 8 March 2015
he Contemporary Dance Platform this Co-organised by the Cultural Services of the Tyear hosted 15 established and younger Ministry of Education and Culture, and Rialto choreographers. Participation in the Dance Theatre in Limassol in cooperation with the Platform was again high, with groups that triggered, Municipality of Limassol and Dance House intrigued and enchanted their audience through Lemesos, the Contemporary Dance Platform duets, solo pieces, interactive performances, included parallel events under the heading “Dance dynamic expression, movement and intensity. Throughout the Year” with presentations and As is the case every year, renowned personalities discussions held in the past year by the Dance from the international dance community, House Lemesos. representatives of international dance festivals, This year’s “Dance Throughout the Year” choreographers and journalists attended the Programme included a round table discussion performances and interacted with the dancers and with the artists and the Dance Platform guests; the audience. Quest by Aneesha Michael; Double Days by Evie This year, Dance Platform celebrated 15 years Demetriou; workshop and master class by Marie of life, hosting 15 established and younger Brolin for professional dancers; Nude the Tree by choreographers. Friends of contemporary dance Petros Konnaris; and The Time Quality by Harry For your entertainment only met at Rialto Theatre for 3 days of unexpected Kousios. All parallel events took place at Dance creativity and fantasy. House Lemesos. This year’s performances Stomach Rumblings with Arianna Arianna Marcoulides | Stomach Rumblings 10’ Marcoulides (10’) Zoe Georgallis | For your entertainment only... 10’ Choreographer / Performer: Arianna Marcoulides Fotis Nikolaou | Inland 20’ Sound design: Panos Bartzis Concept: Arianna Marcoulides, Panos Bartzis Asomates Dynameis | Machi Dimitriadou-Lindahl | Gate 20’ Set design: Eva Korae Costume adviser: Christina Georgiou Hamilton Monteiro | Marika’s dress 15’ Costume: ALLSTAR BOUTIQUE Elena Antoniou | More 20’ Light design: Aleksandar Jotovic Vicky Kalla| Big laugh for ever 10’ The relation of sound frequencies with the human Harry Koushos | MAN-OEUVRES 20’ physiology, movement and emotion. The idea Julia Brendle in collaboration with Marios behind this research arose from a series of data Konstantinou | In between now 10’ based on scientific studies and observations: Chorotheatro Omada Pende | Roula Kleovoulou | Specific sound frequencies can be heard up to 5 Standstill 20’ kilometres travelling through the air and up to 20 Noema Dance Works | Alexandra Waierstall | kilometres in the form of seismic waves travelling Lightless 18’ through the ground. High frequency sound waves Konstantina Skalionta | Ιn the likeness of... 10’ can transform small drops of water into complex geometric shapes, while lower frequencies create Transfiguratio | Alexia Nicolaou | I will dark you simpler forms. Thus, how do sound frequencies down 10’ influence the physiology of the body, consisting Alexander Michael | Diluted Intentions 20’ of 65-70% water? How is that combined and Stomach Rumblings - Photo by Arsham Rafiei Milena Ugren Koulas | Happiness 15’ connected with movement and emotion?
8 9 acclaimed artists and researchers such as Gill choreographer he has collaborated with acclaimed Clarke, Valerie Preston Dunlop and Rosemary theatre directors and theatre companies such as Butcher. Later on, whilst completing her the Malmoe Opera, the Greek National Opera and postgraduate studies (MA in Dance Performance), Ballet, the Greek National Theatre, the Cyprus Zoe became a member of the Transitions Dance Theatre Organisation, Paravan, Diastasi, Dentro, Company. During 2013, Zoe worked with various Michael Marmarinos, Yiannis Kakleas, Hanan choreographers in London, including awarded Snir, Stephen Langridge, Yiorgos Armenis, Tasos artist Tino Sehgal. In 2014, she collaborated with Mbantis, Stephanos Kotsikos, Aspa Tombouli Cypriot artists such as Elena Christodoulidou and and others. As a dancer, he collaborated with Marina Poyiadgi. Zoe’s choreographic works Hot numerous dance companies and organisations in Pot, Foot Music and Pattern, have been presented Greece, Cyprus and New York, such as Edafos in various festivals such as the Loop Festival in Dancetheatre, Oktana Dancetheatre, Noema Nicosia, the Lapsody Festival in Finland and the Dance Works, Echo Arts, Aelion, Asomates Friday League Festival in London. Dynames, Ad Lib, Omada Pente, the Athens For more information: www.zoegeorgallis.com | Concert Hall and others. [email protected] For more information: [email protected]
Inland with Fotis Nikolaou (20’) Gate with Asomates Dynameis dance company Choreographer: Fotis Nikolaou and Machi Dimitriadou-Lindahl (20’) Dramaturgy: Thanasis Georgiou Concept/choreographic direction/costumes: Machi Inland - Photo by Arsham Rafiei Mask design: Martha Foka Dimitriadou Lindahl Set design and Costumes: Thanasis Georgiou and Music: Dimitris Savva To the Gods, Julia Kent Fotis Nikolaou Open recording sessions Arianna Marcoulides studied at the Salzburg For your entertainment only... Sound design: Christos Kyriacoullis Interpretation/co-creation: Loizos Constantinou, Experimental Academy of Dance (SEAD) with Zoe Georgallis (10’) Light design: Panagiotis Manousis Alexia Nicolaou, Marina Poyiatzi, Fouli between 2001-2004. From 2007-2009, she studied Choreographer – Performer: Zoe Georgallis Photographer: Padelis Frantzis Stylianidou, Panagiotis Tofi. at the Hochschule fur Musik und Darstellende Performer: Konstantina Skalionta Performers: Kika Georgiou, Evi Karsera, Hamilton Light design: Panagiotis Manousis Kunst (Frankfurt) for an MA in Contemporary Performer: Typhaine Delaup Monteiro, Andrea Nikolaou, Fotis Nikolaou Dance Education. She choreographed Fellow Gate has a symbolic meaning that marks the Musician: William Scott People (2009, performance), Reform (2009, site- Inland: the parts of a country remote from the sea passage from one state of consciousness to Costume designer: Clio Alphas specific performance), About Side Walks (2010, or frontiers; the land that is situated in the interior another; a path which transforms us and brings us Voice over: Ivana Radjenovic dance video) with Eleana Alexandrou and Eva of a country; within. A journey within… a little closer to our essence, to a more conscious, Korae, Shelf life (2011, performance), Along the Music by: William Scott, Steve Reich, Jelly Roll Fotis Nikolaou was born in Famagusta, Cyprus. He luminous and serene state of being. Way... Forgotten (2013, performance), and Step.4.2 Morton and The Red Hot Peppers graduated with distinction from the State School of (2014, performance). In 2011, she received a For your entertainment only deals with the image Dance in Athens. He continued his studies in New scholarship from DanceWeb. She has been one of the performer and his constant effort to endure York after having received a scholarship from of the resident artists of the E-motional Artistic the ever-changing, ever-evolving demands of the Pratsika Foundation. He is the founder, artistic Research Programme (under the guidance of world of entertainment. The above choreographic director and choreographer of X-it Dancetheatre. Cosmin Manulescu). In 2013, she collaborated with trio satirises the performer’s desire and need to He choreographed the following productions for Stephanos Droussiotis (director) as a movement succeed and be accepted, whilst studying the the company: unraveling, A room to grow, I am coordinator and consultant for the theatrical play relationships that emerge between the audience, and I am not, Windstrasse, Lamentu, Spiegel Im Faust organised within the framework of Kypria the dancer and the choreographer. Three people Spiegel, Waltz, Amen, The Ninth Hour, Not Yet, Festival. In April 2013 and December 2014, she compete on stage to gain the audience’s approval Love Shots. He choreographed and co-directed was a resident artist at the Old Vinegar Factory and attention, creating bittersweet situations and with Thanasis Georgiou the dance and theatrical (Palio Xydadiko) in Limassol, as well as at the interactions. performance A little more, for the Cyprus Theatre Dance House Lemesos in September 2014. Zoe Georgallis graduated in 2011 from the Trinity Organisation. He was the official choreographer For more information: bythewayproductions.com Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (BA for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of Gate - Photo by Arsham Rafiei | [email protected] in Dance Theatre). There, she collaborated with the Olympic Games in Athens 2004. As a
10 11 Asomates Dynameis (Incorporeal Forces/Angels) entitled Antigone the choice, for June 2015 within Zafeiropoulou, Alexandra Waierstall (Dusseldorf), was founded in Paris by Machi Dimitriadou- the framework of the Terpsichore programme. the Hellenic Dance company (State School of Lindahl and its work has been presented in For more information: [email protected] Dance ), “Uprising” Hofesh Sechter and Aelion Sweden, Greece and France. Since 2004, the dance company. He co-founded “11” dance group company resides and operates in Cyprus. Based on and worked as its choreographer until 2008. He has contemporary dance techniques and martial arts, Marika’s dress with Hamilton Monteiro (15’) recently presented his work at the “Small dance Asomates Dynameis explores the perception of the Choreographer: Hamilton Monteiro festival - Hydra”, the Athens video dance project, body, the breathing, the inner energy and presence. Performer: Fotis Nikolaou the Neos Kosmos Theatre in Athens, the Garage 2006, Unheard Voices, Altera Pars-Athens, THOC, Dramaturgy: Foteini Perdikaki Performing Arts Center in Corfu, the Rabbit Hole Occupation/Discoveries, Pharos Foundation – The Lights: Panagiotis Manousis Theatre in Metaxourgeion, in DIPETHE Patras Power House, Angel, (collaboration with Achim Music: Vivaldi - Sposa son disprezzata and Dance days Chania. He currently resides in Wieland) Castelliotisa; 2007, Distant Land, Pallas Marika was a woman or a man who was a Cyprus, where he works as a dance teacher at the Theatre, Nicosia & Rialto Theatre, Limassol; controversial person. The solo is a “comment” University of Nicosia. In June 2013, he presented 2009, Somebody-the shape of absence, No- on the pretentious respectability and moralism of his own independent production entitled 1nflow Body Festival, Nicosia; 2010, The stained shirt, closed societies. at the Old Vinegar Factory (Palio Xydadiko) in th 10 Contemporary Dance Platform, The shape Hamilton Monteiro was born in Cape Verde, Limassol, at the Dance Waves Festival in Cyprus. of absence, Pallas Theatre, Michael Cacoyannis Africa. Ηe graduated from the State School of In January 2014, he presented the performance 9 th th Foundation, The Tread of time, 50 anniversary of Dance in 1996 and has worked with various in a row, a duet for the 14 Contemporary Dance the Republic - Eleftheria Stadium; 2011, Kreutzer Platform and in January 2015, he choreographed th dance companies in Greece, such as Sine qua non, sonata, 11 Contemporary Dance Platform, Pallas Edafos Dance Company and others. In 2001, after two plays for children, for ETHAL. & ETHAL, Wasted, Pallas Theatre, University of For more information: monteirohamilton@ th having received a scholarship from the Alexander Big laugh for ever - Photo by Arsham Rafiei Nicosia; 2012, Vardar, 12 Contemporary Dance S. Onassis Foundation, he left for New York hotmail.com Platform, The song of the Earth, Terpsichore where he danced and worked for two years with for the theatrical performance Beckettx5 (Solo programme –Satiriko Theatre, Liquid Copper, artists such as Bill Young and Dancers, Terry Aversta Arts Centre - Sweden, Coffee spoons of more with Elena Antoniou (20’) gia treis). She collaborated with the artist Polys th Creach Company, Bill T Jones, Colleen Thomas, Peslikas in the following performances: This is Time, No-body festival; 2013, Ephemeral, 13 Choreography / Performance: Elena Antoniou Barbara Grubell, Jeremy Nelson and others. On what you get (2008), Nekaliman (2010), 4.73m ht Contemporary Dance Platform, Sacred Body, Art Director: Polys Peslikas his return, he worked in the choreographic team (2011), 4.29mhtX3 (2011), The Meeting (2012), Terpsichore - Pallas theatre & Theatro Ena, Keep Music: Stavros Gasparatos of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Dying as a Country (2013), First Arch (2014) and rocking, (idea/direction: Souzana Phialas), Nea Lighting Designer: Alexander Jotovic Athens Olympic Games in 2004. From 2004 to They came (2014). First Arch was presented at the Kinisi Summer Dance Festival; 2014, Wonderful date, he has worked with “Figein adynaton” - time she stopped World, 14th Platform, A Lost moment, Nea Kinisi Young Cypriot Choreographers’ Platform at the Natasha Aretha, amorphy.gr- Jenny Argyriou, going to and fro Michael Cacoyannis Foundation in Athens and the Summer Dance Festival, Echo, Dance House x-it Fotis Nikolaou, Diastasi Group, Eldor Lila all eyes Nicosia. The company is preparing its new work, International Festival LUCKY TRIMMER “THE all sides WALL” in Berlin. high and low For more information; elenantoniou.com | elena@ for another elenantoniou.com another like herself another creature like herself From Rockaby (1980) Samuel Beckett Big laugh for ever with Vicky Kalla (10’) Elena Antoniou graduated with distinction from the Choreographer: Vicky Kalla in collaboration with Greek National School of Dance and the London the dancer Yoav Greenberg Contemporary Dance School “The place”, as a Performers: Vicky Kalla, Yoav Greenberg member of the Edge dance company. A scholarship Lighting: Aleksander Jotovic recipient of the Koula Pratsika Foundation in “I would like to present a piece that deals with the Athens, Greece and the Danceweb Scholarship love in the simplicity and the complexity of this Programme at ImpulsTanz, Vienna, she received word. Big laugh for ever draws inspiration from the the Choreography Award for the performance world of cartoons and takes place outside, in a park, Diary of a madman (THOC) at the Cyprus Theatre symbolising the deepest inner world of ourselves. Marika’s dress - Photo by Arsham Rafiei More - Photo by Arsham Rafiei Awards and was nominated for the same award Can Love release us from our insecurities, from our
12 13 work ARCHETYPA, which is to be premiered of merely a routinized social setting. (…) we need in June 2015 in Cyprus as part of the Terpsichore to identify the countless patterns and natural Programme. sequences of behaviour occurring whenever Harry Koushos is a dancer, choreographer and persons come into one another’s immediate dance artist from Cyprus, based in Athens. He has presence.” performed for numerous dance companies and Interaction Rituals: Essays in Face to Face during the last years he has been collaborating Behaviour Erving Goffman, 1964 with Alexandra Waierstall. At the age of 22, he Julia Brendle studied dance at the Palucca-School/ began creating his own choreographic and video- Dresden and at Codarts University/Rotterdam. dance work, which has been presented since In Germany and Holland she collaborated with; then across Europe. His work has been invited Felix Ruckert, Theater Thikwa, Dansateliers, by several festivals in Greece, Cyprus, Belgium, Katja Erdmann-Rajski, TELOS Dance Company Sweden, England, Portugal and Germany. In his and Τhe Meekers Company. In Cyprus; Rosemary creations, he makes use of different media and art Lee, Milena and Georgios Koulas, Chloé Melidou forms – both visual and performing - while he is and Roula Klevovoulou (Omada Pende), Maria particularly interested in the interaction between Kyriakou, Aelion Dance Company and Alexander the latest technologies and primal materials, Michael. Since 2010 she works as a lecturer for including the human body. Thus, he focuses on dance and dance theory at the University of the materialisation of choreographic ideas along Nicosia/Cyprus. Marios Konstantinou studied with the embodiment of abstract forms in order to Theatre Acting at the Drama School of Theatre address the spectator’s own finest perceptive and Technis-Karolos Koun. He has collaborated with; associative brain functions. MAN-OEUVRES - Photo by Arsham Rafiei Theatre Technis-Karolos Koun, the Theatrical For more information: www.harrykoushos.com | Organization of Cyprus, Versus Theatre Company [email protected] fears? Are we all desperately looking for someone of Cyprus. Since 2011, she collaborates with Open Arts, Paravan, Fresh Target Theatre, to accept us just the way we are? Do we live in a Amfidromo Chorotheatro, Asomates Dynameis Theatrical Company One-Off and Alpha Square. society where we want to be loved by everyone and the Dance Cyprus. within and between with Julia Brendle and For more information: juliaannabrendle@gmail. and spend so much time hiding our imperfections For more information: [email protected] Marios Konstantinou (10’) com | [email protected] behind a mask that covers ourselves? This dance Concept/Idea: Julia Brendle, Marios Konstantinou theatre duet attempts to uncover these masks. Both Choreography: Julia Brendle in collaboration with MAN-OEUVRES with Harry Koushos (20’) dancers explore personal, intimate moments and Marios Konstantinou needs.” Vicky Kalla Created by Harry Koushos Performers: Julia Brendle, Marios Konstantinou Dramaturgy: Photini Micheli Vicky Kalla started her studies at the age of 16, Video / camera: Suzana Phialas, Pavlos Vrionides Choreography assistant: Mina Lampropoulou with a scholarship in the professional school of Video editing: Suzana Phialas Music, sound design: Christos Kyriacoullis, Henry dance “Epsedanse” in Montpellier (France). She Sound design: Panos Bartzis Purcell graduated with the state diploma of France “EAT” Light design: Alexander Jotovic Video-art: Konstantinos Kepolas (Examen D’ Attitude Technique) as a professional Costumes, styling: Alexander Cara “The subject matter (…) can be identified. It is that dancer in 2006. In 2011, she continued her studies Dance: Costas Chrysafidis, Michail Kriempardis, class of events which occurs during co-presence at the Higher School of Larisa in Greece. She Nondas Damopoulos, Periklis Skordilis, Ryan and by virtue of co-presence. The ultimate joined the Thessalian Ballet under the direction Lange behavioural materials are the glances, gestures, of Gesh Mihov (2008-2011). In 2010, she was positionings, and verbal statements that people among the 15 finalists of the National Competition Supported by: Dance House Lefkosia, Dance continuously feed into the situations, whether “Premio Roma” in Rome and in 2011, she won Gate Lefkosia, Νο_Βody Festival, Dance Cultural intended or not. (…) The normative order can be Centre (DAN.C.CE) the 3rd prize at the “Chausson d’Or” competition. uncovered prevailing within and between these In Cyprus, her first collaboration was in 2009 for MAN and their OEUVRES. The past of primal units, that is, the behavioural order found in all the Kypria Festival with Amfidromo Chorotheatro matter meets a future that seeks its forms of peopled places, whether public, semi-public, or and in 2010, she joined the company created for expression. private, and whether under the auspices of an within and between the events of the 50th anniversary of the Republic The performance draws inspiration from the organized social occasion or the flatter constraints
14 15 Standstill with Chorotheatro Omada Pende 1999. In the Fifteen years since its foundation it in Cyprus and Germany, including the 2013 and Roula Kleovoulou (20’) has presented 30 projects, with participations in Most Promising Artist award from the City of Choreography: Roula Kleovoulou in collaboration the Contemporary Dance Platform, the Summer Düsseldorf. Alexandra’s choreographic work has with the dancers Dance Festival, the European Dance Festival and been selected and supported by networks such as Dancers: Arianna Markoulides, Milena Ugren independent productions. Some of the projects Aerowaves, Modul dance, IDEE - Initiatives in have been presented in London and Athens. Dance through European Exchange and Chin-A- Koulas Together with other groups, Chorotheatro Omada moves. In 2012, Alexandra was a finalist for the Dramaturge: Chloé Melidou Pende actively participates in coordinated actions, Rolex Mentor and Protégé Award. She presented Sound editing: C.C. Soundscape Studios aiming at the establishment of institutions that her choreographic works in Europe, Canada, Costumes: Ase Lazarou promote and develop the art of dance in Cyprus. Brazil, Korea and China. Between 2014-2016, Light design: Panagiotis Manousis Chorotheatro Omada Pende is one of the founding Alexandra Waierstall will be a Factory Artist at the “Movement is the freedom of the body; stillness, of members of the Dance House Lemesos (2007) Tanzhaus NRW in Düsseldorf, Germany the mind.” – Marty Rubin and of the New Movement of Dance Companies, For more information: www.alexandrawaierstall. The cliff is rising “...” The landscape is falling. Dancers and Choreographers of Cyprus (2004). com | [email protected] Falling upwards “...” You had one life only but Since the foundation of the group, its main artists it was trampled by your fear of being hurt «...» and choreographers have been Roula Kleovoulou and Chloé Melidou. Ιn the likeness of... with Κonstantina Skalionta I am still, stillness is me. Only the cliff is rising. (10’) Upwards. To the Skies? – Pavlos Matesis, Ili For more information: [email protected] Choreographer: Κonstantina Skalionta Dasous, Gia Ora Anagkis, page 95, Editions Dancers: Konstantina Skalionta, Typhaine Delaup Kastaniotis, Athens 2000. Lightless with Noema Dance Works and Visual Artist: Bea Bonafini Chorotheatro Omada Pende was founded in Alexandra Waierstall (18’) Costume Design: Bea Bonafini Concept / Choreography / Creation: Alexandra Music supervision: Chriso Katsoni Waierstall Musician: Irma Vastakaite in the likeness of... - Photo by Arsham Rafiei Performers: Harry Koushos, Fotis Nikolaou, Μusic: Traditional Cypriot Lullaby United Kingdom, such as Resolution! (The Alexandra Waierstall Special Thanks to Domenique Vannod for her Place Theatre), Kaleidoscopic, Women of Sound: HAUSCHKA artistic contribution in this project. Special thanks Mass Destruction 2 (Rich Mix), Surrey Dance Artistic collaborator: Marianna Christofides to Bea Bonafini, Irma Vastakaite, Τyphaine Light design: Alexander Jotovic, Alexandra Delaup, Dominique Vannod for their substantial Collective (Glive Theatre), The Friday League, Waierstall contribution towards the project, to my family for the Design for Dance Project (Cochrane Theatre) Support: Yiangos Hadjiyiannis their constant and unconditional support. and festivals such as the Surrey Dance Festival 2014 and City of London 2011. Together with Artistic collaborator / photo: Marianna Christofides A mother’s body: prison or home? A female duet Lucia Schweigert, they co-produced the artistic Lightless. A minimal Science-Fiction with humans, that explores the emotional bond between mother platform “Kaleidoscopic”. Standstill - Photo by Arsham Rafiei plants, objects and feelings. The choreography and daughter, their need to identify with each and dance are located in the relation between our together, the complexity and endurance of this For more information: konstantina.skalionta@ protagonists, creating an alternate reality based on relationship. gmail.com rapture, flux and affects. ‘Lightless’ questions the Konstantina Skalionta grew up in Limassol where relationship between man and the environment, she took dance lessons at Frosso Hadjigeorgiou I will dark you down with Transfiguratio and ecology and theatre, archaeology and future Dance Studio. In 2008, she moved to London Αlexia Nicolaou (10’) utopia, the visible and invisible. This work is where she studied Professional Dance and Choreography - concept: Alexia Nicolaou part of a choreographic study that will lead to a Performance at the Central School of Ballet. Upon Dancers: Alexia Nicolaou, Roza Maria Pantzis full evening performance to premier in Tanzhaus her graduation, she continued her postgraduate Music: Dimitris Spyrou NRW, Düsseldorf Germany, in the fall 2015. studies in contemporary dance at the London Alexandra Waierstall, born in England (1979) Contemporary Dance School, from which she Costumes - Light installation: Raissa Angeli and raised in Cyprus, is a graduate of ArteZ graduated in 2012. She is currently working as a Photography: Constantinos Panayides Arnhem (The Netherlands), where she received freelance choreographer, contemporary dancer “What is light? Staring with a fearless eye into the her master’s degree in Choreography. She has and dance teacher. So far, her choreographic darkness”. (Ascetic N. Kazantzakis) We all hide Lightless received numerous choreographic awards both work has been presented in platforms in the a bright and a dark side. It is a part of our dual
16 17 (David Earle, Darryl Hoskins, and Patricia Beatty), the US (Martha Graham Ensemble as a principal dancer) and Cyprus. For more information: [email protected]
Happiness with Μilena Ugren Κoulas (15’) Choreographer/dancer: Milena Ugren Koulas Music: George Koulas Costumes: Ase Lazarou Light design: Aleksandar Jotovic Happiness - Photo by Arsham Rafiei According to Aristotle: Happiness is the ultimate 2001 under the name “Dance Encounters”, and end and purpose of human existence. Happiness included the participation of four groups. The first is not pleasure, nor is it virtue. It is the exercise five Platforms were competitive with a st1 and a of virtue. Happiness cannot be achieved until 2nd prize, as well as special recommendations. the end of one’s life. Hence it is a goal and not a In 2007, an effort to enrich the Platform was temporary state. initiated with the organisation of parallel events It reveals the richness of creativity, imagination such as a photo exhibition and projections of and determination of the choreographers, as well dance performances. The effort to further develop as the hard work and skills of the dancers all of the Platform continued in 2008 and for the first which enable Cyprus Dance to succeed and time, the event “Dance Throughout the Year” was Diluted Intentions - Photo by Arsham Rafiei prosper. The institution opens, at the same time, presented at Dance House Lemesos, which started a window of opportunity for both creators and existence. Both of these actions are nourished Diluted Intensions with Alexander Michael to actively participate in the organisation of the dancers to overcome linguistic and geographical th by our thoughts, by our experiences and our (18’) Platform. Starting with the 10 Contemporary boundaries and become ambassadors in the Dance Platform in 2010, three groups which memories. In the background of every challenge, Choreographer: Alexander Michael International Cultural scene. excelled at the Dance Platform were selected a hidden dark ego exists. It is waiting to throw Dancers: Julia Brendle, Rania Glymitsa, Dara Cyprus Contemporary Dance Platform is hosted to represent Cyprus at the 13th European Dance us back into the abyss from which we came… Milovanovic-Michael, Alexia Perdikakis Lighting: and co-organised by the Rialto Theatre in Festival which took place in Limassol and Nicosia It enjoys whispering hurtful thoughts; or at least Alexander Jotovic Limassol. The first event was organised in March in June of the same year. what we perceive as hurtful. Get to know it; it is Music: Tim Hecker (abused & manipulated by the only way to face it. Look at it, love it, because Panos Bartzis) you will live with it forever. Only then you will The artist, who aims to create a work that reflects About the Cyprus Contemporary Dance Platform stare at darkness with a fearless eye… society, must embark on a creative process during Transfiguratio is the transformation in Latin (trans- which the artist, being open to intuitive choices, Dancer/choreographer Milena Ugren Koulas and musician George Koulas have been collaborating figura). The name of the group is based on the inevitably discovers new intentions during this for the last 10 years. They both graduated from the Codarts Academy in Rotterdam, Netherlands. idea that anything that moves, can change and be process, thus altering the preconceived outcome They presented their work in different venues in Cyprus and abroad, in Croatia, Czech Republic, transformed. The group was founded in 2007 by of the work, resulting in a Diluted Intention. Poland, Italy, Greece, Sweden, Germany, France, Serbia. In 2007, the piece While Walking was dancer Nicolaou Alexia aiming at the exploration The confines of the funding application process awarded at the New Europe Festival in Prague, Czech Republic. In 2012, their choreography House of personal movement and language. Projects influenced the framework of this work’s intention. presented: 2007 M’akous 2010 In five minutes of Heaven II was nominated at the International Choreographic Competitions in Hanover and No- Alexander Michael is a Lecturer in the Dance Ballet was selected in Ludwigshaven, Germany. Manlike has been selected as one of the Aerowaves (Contemporary Dance Platform Cyprus), 2011 Department of the University of Nicosia. He holds priority works for 2015. Internal Pier (Dance Waves Festival), 2013 Silence an MSc in Dance Science from the University of of the mind (for the International Dance Day, Wolverhampton. In 1994, he began his formal For more information: www.ugrenkoulas.com | [email protected] organised by the Cyprus Centre of International dance training at the School of Toronto Dance Τhe Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture had the initiative to introduce and Theatre Institute), 2014 He alone, with her (for the Theatre. Later on, he continued his dance training establish “Dance Platform - Dance Encounters” as an institution in 2001. The Platform has contributed International Dance Day, organised by the Cyprus at the acclaimed Martha Graham School of enormously to the advancement of dance in Cyprus by exposing works by artists and different dance Centre of International Theatre Institute) Contemporary Dance with a full scholarship. He groups in the field of contemporary dance. For more information: [email protected] has had an extensive performing career in Canada
18 19 Play me, I’m yours: Nicosia Locations & Artists
(By alphabetical order of the artists) Pascalis Anastasi – Stavrou Avenue icosia became the 45th city across the globe to Communicating with one another Doros Heracleous – Mall of Engomi adorn its capital with pianos personalised and N The Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education Nikos Kouroussis – Kynerias Avenue decorated by local artists last autumn, all for the and Culture together with the Avantgarde Cultural public to enjoy, as part of the Play me, I’m yours Foundation, presented Play Me, I’m Yours: Nicosia Andreas Ladommatos – A.G. Leventis interactive installation. from 17 to 26 October 2014. Ten street pianos Gallery Touring internationally since 2008, Play Me, I’m decorated by renowned local artists were placed in Achilleas Michaelides (Paparazzi) – Ledra Yours is an artwork by British artist Luke Jerram. parks, squares and other public spaces in Nicosia, Street checkpoint Reaching over six million people worldwide while at the end of the project the pianos were – more than 1,300 pianos have already been donated to local charities and community groups. Elena Michaelidou – Faneromeni Square installed in 45 cities across the globe, from New Throughout the installation, the public could use Christos Michlis – Acropolis Park York to London, bearing the simple instruction a special website to upload and share their, films, PIN Cartoons (Petros Papapetrou) – Mall Play Me, I’m Yours. photos and stories of their interaction with the of Cyprus Located in public parks, bus shelters and train pianos. Each city’s website acts as one of the legacies stations, markets and even on ferries the pianos of the project, providing a means for the public to Hambis Tsangaris [with: Eleni Panayidou are available for any member of the public to play communicate with one another on a local level, but and Stelios Stylianou] – Strovolos and enjoy. Who plays them and how long they also within an international arena with people from Municipality Cultural Centre remain on the streets is up to each community. By all over the world. The websites help to connect Andreas Charalambides – Kyriakides creating a place of exchange, Play Me, I’m Yours the different communities, providing maps of each Luke Jerram Times Sq NYC Photograph by Amarynth Sichel Piano Gallery (Nikis Avenue) invites the public to engage with, activate and take city’s piano locations and promoting special events. ownership of their urban environment. All content is created and uploaded by the public. The Cyprus interaction installation is hosted on The outcome exceeded all expectations. It is the international website of the artwork (www. estimated that some 250,000 people engaged in streetpianos.com) and the public may post and the installation, sending hundreds of messages share films, photos and stories about the pianos. and thousands of photos and video clips to the Whilst documenting each piano’s journey, this websites and social media pages. What’s more, connected the pianos and their communities across no acts of vandalism were reported, showing the the city and acted as a legacy for the artwork. people’s respect towards the beautiful creations. Alternatively, one may visit the Cypriot website Staying true to their commitment to donate the at www.nicosiapianos.com or Facebook: www. ten pianos to places that could do with some facebook.com/kyriakides.piano.gallery entertainment, the organisers selected a number of homes and shelters that were selected following A final home for the pianos careful consideration. The brand new Perzina UP- The interactive installation wrapped on 26 122 pianos, sent in especially for the cause, ended October 2014. Following in the steps of big cities up in children’s homes, hospitals and rehabilitation like Barcelona, London, Sydney, New York, centres, among others. Paris, Monaco and Los Angeles, this majorly Once the installation wrapped, the President of successfully cultural phenomenon reached the Avantgarde Cultural Centre and the officer in shores of Cyprus and its capital city Nicosia. The charge of the installation at the Cultural Services Cypriot pianos joined thousands of others across of the Ministry of Education and Culture visited a Luke Jerram with sphere the globe to create possibly the biggest ever number of places in person and finally concluded Photograph by Thes international interactive installation. on the ten locations that would house the pianos.
20 21 Creating music, enjoying the melody and “Play me, I’m yours is the biggest audio-visual impromptu performances! interactive installation that has ever been organised In Nicosia in Cyprus, as it unites the arts of music and The Nicosia leg of the interactive installation 1. Makarios III Hospital Child Psychiatric was co-organised by the Cultural Services of the visual, while simultaneously engaging the entire audience of Nicosia and beyond. For ten days, Department – piano painted by artist Ministry of Education and Culture and Avantgarde Petros Papapetrou Cultural Foundation. starting tomorrow, the town of Nicosia will host the ten pianos that we unveiled a while back and 2. Paediatric Oncology Unit at the At the opening ceremony, Minister of Education which distinguished Cypriot artists very willingly Makarios Hospital – piano painted by and Culture Costas Kadis said the Cultural painted,” said Kadis at the October opening. Paschalis Anastasi Services had embraced the Avantgarde Cultural Foundation’s initiative to host this original “By prompting the public to Play me, I’m yours, 3. Shelter for the Victims of Domestic installation with a keen interest. “It significantly the pianos will be at the disposal of anyone who Violence – piano painted by Paschalis contributes to the creation of opportunities to wishes to create music; to enjoy their melody Anastasi cultivate, develop and promote, not just music and share impromptu performances and unique 4. “Agia Skepi” Therapeutic Community artistic experiences with their friends and but all the other forms of artistic creation too,” – piano painted by Achilleas passers-by,” he added. said the Minister. Michaelides (Paparazzi) Stavrou Avenue - piano by Pascalis Anastasi photo uploaded by Krystallena Stylianou In Limassol:
5. Cyprus Red Cross Society Children Therapy Centre “Stella Soulioti” – piano painted by Andreas Ladommatos 6. Child Development Centre ‘To Alma’ at Theotokos Foundation – piano painted by Christos Michlis
In Larnaca:
7. Children’s House of Larnaca Mall of Engomi - piano by Doros Heracleous In Paphos: The Minister was especially pleased to announce that once the installation expired, the pianos 8. Paphos Children’s Home – piano would then be donated to children’s homes, painted by Andreas Charalambides hospitals, rehabilitation centres and other special locations, to offer support, encouragement and entertainment. “This way, the pianos that will In Famagusta: uplift the citizens of Nicosia musically and visually, will continue to offer this to society for 9. ‘Apostolos Pavlos’ Centre for people many years to come,” said Kadis. with special needs in Liopetri – piano painted by Nicos Kouroushis Play me, I’m yours: The man behind it 10. Gymnasium of Rizokarpasso – piano Play Me, I’m Yours was first commissioned by painted by Hambis Tsangaris, Stelios Fierce Earth in Birmingham, UK in 2008. With Stylianou and Eleni Panagidou. Cambridge. Photograph by Claude Schneider Photography 15 pianos located across the city for three weeks
22 23 Engage, activate and claim ownership musicians the opportunity to share their creativity Disrupting peoples’ negotiation of their city, by performing in public. Street Pianos are designed to provoke people into In cities like London, hundreds of perfectly good, engaging, activating and claiming ownership of working, second-hand pianos get thrown away their urban landscape. Like a musical equivalent each year. Jerram transports dozens of these pianos of Facebook, Street Pianos, together with this annually, to countries where the instrument is rare website, provide an interconnected resource for and more valued, for the public to enjoy. After being the public to express themselves. presented as part of a Play Me, I’m Yours installation The pianos have also enticed many hidden many of the pianos are donated to schools and musicians out of the woodwork. It has become community groups within the local area. apparent that there are thousands of pianists The first city signed up for 2015 is Florence, South out there who don’t have regular access to a Carolina, which will be taking place in April. And piano. Play Me, I’m Yours provides access to a number of potential partners for 2015 and new this wonderful musical instrument and gives cities will be announced in due course.
Kyrenias Avenue - piano by Nicos Kouroussis A.G. Leventis Gallery - piano by Andreas Ladommatos photo uploaded by Natassa Gregoriou
Acropolis Park - piano by Christos Michlis Mall of Cyprus - piano by Petros Papapetrou
Ledra Street Barricade - piano by Achilleas Michaelides Faneromeni Square - piano by Elena Michaelidou (Paparazzi)
it is estimated that over 140,000 people played time with one another in silence. Placing a piano or listened to music from the pianos. Since then into the space was my solution to this problem, Play Me, I’m Yours has reached an estimated six acting as a catalyst for conversation and changing million people worldwide. Each new city that the dynamics of a space.” commissions the artwork becomes part of this News of the project spread internationally growing international legacy. and since then, the artwork has toured the “The idea for Play Me, I’m Yours came from world, acting as a high profile event for many visiting my local launderette,” said Luke Jerram, organisations, including the Pan Am Games, 2010 international artist and creator of Play Me, I’m European Capital of Culture in Pécs, LA Chamber Yours. “I saw the same people there each weekend Orchestra, San Jose Biennial, Sydney Festival, and yet no one talked to one another. I suddenly City of London Festival, Faculty of Music at
realised that within a city, there must be hundreds University of Cambridge and Barcelona’s Maria Strovolos Cultural Centre - piano by Hambis Tsangaris, Eleni Kyriakides Piano Gallery - piano by Andreas Charalambides of these invisible communities, regularly spending Canals International Music Competition. Panayidou and Stelios Stylianou - photo by MiRo
24 25 Centre of Visual Arts and Research in Nicosia
he Centre of Visual Arts and Research objects is also the story of Cyprus that has Twhich opened in Nicosia last September made the collection available to the wider can be described as a real treasure trove of art public and it is through being able to see the and other artefacts about Cyprus. history of Cyprus through multiple aspects - Located within the walled city of Nicosia, architecture, landscape, religion, monuments the Centre is housed over the four floors of a and most significantly people - that the vision has, without a doubt, succeeded. renovated 1950s flourmill. The guided tours are an intricate account of It offers everyone, local and foreign, the periods in time which tell a story of yesteryear, opportunity to relate to the island’s history from and having these stories manifested through an objective, though somewhat melancholic artworks allows one to read between the lines. point of view. The Centre of Visual Arts and Research is the The Collections home of the Costas and Rita Severis Foundation Through the Travelling Artists Collection and is very much the result of the devoted study with more than 1,000 artworks, the history and personal collection of the duo. of the island becomes apparent through It is the realisation that the story of these paintings of prominent foreign artists such
The Centre of Visual Arts and Research
Louis Francois Cassas (1756-1827) ruines du Monastere David Bomberg (1890-1957) Gate to the Princess’s Garden, de Cozzafani, Chypre, 1785 watercolour, 40 x 25 cm St. Hilarion Mountain, Cyprus 1948
26 27 Levant. Rare and old books and a large number remaining in operation until the 1990s. of modern books, particularly reference books, Architects Andreas and Zoe Lordos are are made available to scholars and researchers. responsible for turning the building into Archival material on many historical subjects is a research and exhibition centre, with the also made available through an online archive financial support of the Costas and Rita Severis with newspapers (1878-1960), manuscripts and Foundation, as well as the USAID and EEA information on artists as well as photographs Grants Norway. Long before the Centre was and films from 1878-1960. renovated, the Foundation began touring Cyprus Smaller collections which are displayed on the to become acquainted with its history, both in the walls of corridors leading to the various floors southern and northern parts of the island. include posters of Cyprus, political cartoons, The Centre will continue to offer new artistic botanical illustrations and an important events and is expected to host a number of collection of paintings of the last queen of periodical exhibitions by Cypriot as well as Cyprus, Caterina Cornaro. foreign artists, in addition to musical, cookery, dance and cinematic events, which the Centre’s At the old Inn organisers say would be mostly bi-communal. Just like the collection, the history of the Centre of Visual Arts and Research, 285 Ermou building that houses the Centre follows a Street, 1017 Nicosia. Tel: 22 300 999. Web: significant part of the island’s recent history. www.severis.org/cvar Known back in the day as the Ermou Street Inn, Opening hours Monday to Saturday 9.30am to it was converted into a Flourmill in the 1950s, 4.30pm. The Centre is closed on Sundays.
Keith Henderson (1883-1982) Famagusta ca 1928 Oil on Board 64 x 21 cm as Cornelius Van Bruyn, Henry White, Keith curtains and embroidery, again spanning three Hendersson and Gladys Paty to name a few; centuries, and concentrates on the influence of but also a small collection of Cyprus artists, the East and West on the development of local such as Adamantios Diamantis and Ismet Vehit Cypriot dress. Güney, who created the Cyprus Flag. The many original costumes displayed in These works on Cyprus depict sociological and representations and in specially adapted historical aspects of the island and its people. As drawers range from clothing worn by High the Centre asserts, visitors can understand and Commissioners and Consuls; from pashas to appreciate the rapport of various communities wedding dresses, furs and christening robes. of the island through the scenes of everyday The Colonial Collection includes Government life, street scenes and peopled interiors. House (1878-1960) memorabilia such as Representations of monuments, villages authentic guest books, dinner services and and landscapes enable the viewer to follow furniture, with smaller items such as cigarette the architectural development of towns and boxes, travel labels, souvenirs and maps, which villages while at the same time, changes in give a common representation of the Cyprus the countryside and the transition from the realm at the time. traditional to the modern also become apparent. The Research Collection includes more than The Costumes Collection comprises 500 pieces 5,000 books on art and travel diaries and of costumes, clothes, shoes, hats, bed linen, travelogues to Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and the Luigi Mayer (1755-1803) Antique Fragments at Limisso, 1803 engraving 24 x 32 cm
28 29 It was the 1st of April…
o mark the 60th anniversary of the EOKA documents and various relics depicting the Tstruggle to end British rule in Cyprus, the EOKA struggle. These include the heroic Archbishop Makarios III Foundation - Byzantine soldiers’ uniforms, equipment, prisoners’ Museum and Art Gallery is hosting an exhibition handicrafts and handmade flags. of artworks, documentation and relics under the The 1st Section provides a synopsis of the heading It was the 1st of April… – the date at Cypriots’ yearning for ‘Enosis’ – to join Greece which the 1955-59 EOKA struggle began. – as expressed through the October 1931 riots, The exhibition, which opened on 1 March the Cypriots’ participation in World War II, the 2015 and will last until 28 June 2015, is 1950 referendum and Greece’s 1954 appeal to hosted on the Gallery’s second floor, where the United Nations UN for self-determination the Ethnographic Collection is kept, presenting to be applied for the people of Cyprus, as was Cyprus’ participation in the struggles of modern the case with other countries. Hellenism from 1821 until 1974. The 2nd Section presents the two leaders of The exhibition aims to outline the most critical EOKA – National Organisation of Cypriot and decisive historical period for the Greeks Fighters (Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston) of Cyprus, which ultimately led to the island’s – Archbishop Makarios III and Colonel Georgios Grivas Digenis Archbishop Makarios III liberation from the British, and draw lessons Georgios Grivas Digenis, Makarios’ exile to and parallels from the paintings, sculptures, the Seychelles, the self-sacrifice of Grigoris engravings, photographs, books, newspapers, Afxentiou and other EOKA fighters who died
View of the It was the 1st of April… exhibition Military arrests citizens
30 31 1st anniversary of the A. G. Leventis Gallery
n 25 March 2014, the A. G. Leventis Wishing to thank the Cypriot public for its support, OFoundation presented the public and visitors the A. G. Leventis Gallery is celebrating its 1st to the island with the A. G. Leventis Gallery. Thus, birthday with a series of events for children and the vision of Anastasios G. Leventis – to make adults, which began on 25 March 2015 and will the artworks he had collected throughout his life wrap on 18 May 2015, International Museum Day. accessible and affordable to his compatriots – was These include special tours, theatrical performances, made a reality, and at the same time, it provided readings for children and adults, workshops, music the Cypriot people with a Museum that is unique shows and an exhibition dedicated to Anastasios G. for Cyprus’ standards; a cultural contribution that Leventis and West Africa. narrates the story of European art and provides an insight into the world of the periods covered. Recognition Certificate This March, the Gallery had a lot to celebrate On 2 February 2015, the A. G. Leventis Gallery on its very first anniversary. Throughout a year had yet another reason to celebrate, after being Exhibits of ongoing and creative contribution to the awarded a Recognition Certificate along with the community, culture and the arts, the Gallery in battle. The various aspects of the struggle are through the photographic archives of Felix Cyprus Theatre Museum. organised two temporary exhibitions, gave ten depicted through small references, documents Yiaxis. The 5th and final Section measures lectures focusing on the History of Art, provided Recognition Certificates are provided under the and photographic material. These include the air the outcome of the struggle and the return dozens of tours and offered a variety of educational Recognition of Private Museums and Museums of dropping of propaganda leaflets by the British; of Georgios Grivas Digenis to Greece, and programmes for all ages. More than 30,000 people Local Authorities (Procedure and Conditions) Law Turkish efforts for Cyprus’ Turkification; the makes small references to the problems faced 58 (1) of 2009. cooperation between Turkish Cypriots and the by the newly-established Republic of Cyprus, visited the Gallery, while the people behind it made English and the reaction of EOKA. the bombing of Tylliria in 1964 and the 1974 a number of important collaborations with other The Certificates were handed over during a special Turkish invasion of Cyprus. museums and foundations in the works, in a bid to ceremony at the Ministry of Education and Culture, The 3rd Section showcases the national heroes establish uninterrupted cultural “dialogue” with the by Minister Costas Kadis. They were received by who were detained at the Central Prison and Meanwhile, the Archbishop Makarios III art world of Europe. former First Lady Photini Papadopoulou on behalf various detention barracks set up by the British Foundation and Association of Cyprus Travel Sovereign Army, through a series of handicrafts Agents organised a reception for the island’s they created during their imprisonment, their media on 28 January 2015, to present its personal items, photographs and notes. One Museum’s enriched Collections. exhibit is the high school leaving certificate of The exhibition lasts until 28 June 2015 and is a pupil, who took her final exams in prison. open to the public Monday to Friday from 9am The 4th Section details the four-year EOKA until 12.30 pm, and from 1.30pm until 4pm.
Besides the works belonging to the Byzantine Museum, Art Gallery and Library, exhibits were also provided by Archbishopric, National Struggle Museum, Society of Cypriot Studies, Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation and Historical Museum and Archive of the Municipality of Idalion. Furthermore, the exhibition included artworks, documents and relics from seventeen private art collectors: Agis Philippides, Akis Asproftas, Anastasia Hamatsou, Andreas Anaxagoras, Andreas Eliades, Andreas Nicolaides, Andreas Pitsillides, Eleni Christoforidou-Neophytou, Efthymia Slafori-Georgiadou, Maria Stavrou, Ambassador Charalambos Christophorou, Renos Kyriakides, Savvas Chrysanthou, Spyros Lazarou, General Loukis Avgoustides and Christodoulos Hadjichristodoulou. The Cyprus Collection
32 33 his newly independent homeland in a number stolen and smuggled abroad, but above all, it was of ways. President Makarios, with whom he had the needs of the injured and the refugees that he collaborated to found the main old people’s home did his best to help alleviate. The great pressures in Nicosia, made use of Anastasios’ political of the time may have been to blame for his last expertise at several meetings of the United Nations serious illness at the end of 1976. Anastasios G. General Assembly and, in 1966, appointed him Leventis died in October 1978 having provided Cyprus’ first Ambassador and Permanent Delegate for the establishment of a Foundation to support to UNESCO, in recognition of his support for educational, cultural, artistic and philanthropic education and the cultural heritage of Cyprus. causes in Cyprus, Greece and elsewhere. The 1974 invasion of Cyprus imposed a particular The A. G. Leventis Foundation formally came burden on Anastasios G. Leventis. Not only was his into being in May 1979 and had begun to operate own home village, Petra, occupied by the Turkish on a small scale by the end of that year. Over the army, with the loss of the cultural centre and family following three years the scope and volume of its church he himself had built, but he had to deal, at activities gradually increased, so that within thirty UNESCO, with the overwhelming problem of the years of its founder’s death, the A. G. Leventis invaders’ destruction of Cypriot cultural heritage. Foundation can claim a fully-fledged operating He gave what help he could to repatriate treasures record of more than twenty five years. The A.G. Leventis Gallery in Nicosia Anastasios G. Leventis of the A. G. Leventis Gallery and Mr Yiannis Anastasios G. Leventis Toumazis, Board of Directors Chairman of the Anastasios G. Leventis was born in Cyprus in Cyprus Theatre Museum. December 1902, in the Cypriot mountain village of Addressing attendees, the Minister of Education Lemythou, the home of his mother Salome. and Culture highlighted the benefits and perks that Anastasios’ secondary education was at the Mitsis the state’s official recognition offers museums, School in Lemythou, founded by an emigrant from such as the fact that they gain access to state the village who had made his fortune in Egypt and sponsorships thus increasing their ability to grow, set up a school that specialised in more commercial and that they have the ability to develop into subjects and foreign languages. At the end of the educational and cultural organisations. First World War the young Anastasios, determined Mr Kadis said the A. G. Leventis Gallery, even after to improve his education and prospects, travelled just one year of operating, had made its presence to visit his elder brother, George, who was already felt in the island’s cultural scene. He added that the based in Egypt. From there he boarded a ship to The Greek Collection Gallery operated like a living organism, playing Marseilles, where he first found work and then a catalytic role in forming the capital’s cultural completed his commercial education at the ‘Ecole identity. Superieure de Commerce’ in Bordeaux. The Cyprus Theatre Museum, which is housed at He went on to found one of the biggest enterprises the Panos Solomides Culture Centre since 2012, in West Africa in 1936, A.G. Leventis & Company has been embraced by the public of Limassol, and Limited, and become a hugely successful not only, said the Minister. businessman. “Both these museums are major culture elements Business was by no means Anastasios G. Leventis’ for our country,” said Mr Kadis. “Warm only interest. He also helped with many projects congratulations are warranted for everyone who to improve life in the Cypriot villages connected contributed and worked towards creating and to his family, supporting many students at courses organising them, as well as for their successful overseas, and helping many in need. operation and their recognition, which we are These efforts were intensified in the face of the happy to welcome today,” he concluded. political turmoil that unfolded in Cyprus in the late The Paris Collection 50’s and 60’s, and Anastasios G. Leventis aided
34 35 Nativity Stories
5 December 2014 – 2 March 2015
he A.G. Leventis Gallery presented its first Painters through the ages were influenced, Tever international temporary exhibition she suggests, not just by the artists who had Nativitiy Stories, co-curated by Myrto Hatzaki gone before, but also the prevailing mood and (curator of the Paris Collection) and Loukia dictates of the time. St Bridget’s Revelation Loizou Hadjigavriel (Director of the Gallery), in the 1300s, for example, greatly shaped the from 5 December 2014 – 2 March 2015. succeeding iconography: “From a prone Virgin Mary and swaddled Jesus, we suddenly change According to the Gallery’s Education Officer, to Mary venerating a naked baby. And in a Katerina Stephanides, the exhibition looks not similar manner, the Council of Trent ruled that, just at the Nativity, but also how the story has in the 1500s, the midwives should no longer changed over time. be present – this, after all, was an immaculate “How the history of art has shaped the relationship conception, and anything ‘inappropriate’ should between text and image. Imagine,” she says, be removed.” explaining that this is a technique she often uses In effect, then, the exhibition is aptly titled, for it with school groups, “our modern day idea of the is really all about storytelling; the story not just Nativity scene – Mary sitting up, holding a naked of the Nativity, but also of how perceptions of baby Jesus and surrounded by the adoring Magi this best-loved scene have changed over time. – as the culmination of a chronological game of Describing a roughly chronological expedition Chinese Whispers…” down the ages, it is a journey from traditional
Byzantine depictions through western mediaeval of images and words. art to the 17th century and the aftermath of the And what emerges is a Nativity that’s not merely a Baroque period into Modernism. Comprising nearly 60 different works – most of which are single narrative, but an exciting and multifaceted th on loan from internationally renowned galleries story. From the 13 century cameo keepsake to and museums – the exhibition aims at bringing great Cypriot artist Adamantios Diamantis’ oil on a new perspective to the relationship between canvas The Nativity of 1959, this is an exhibition Order of St John - Rhodes Missal Shepherds I Order of St John - Rhodes Missal Shepherds II holy texts and art, focusing on the juxtaposition which utterly transports the viewer. There is a
36 37 divine Jacopo Bassano lapis lazuli miniature from highlighting the artistic layers of interpretation the 1500s; the Rhodes Missal of 1504 (a richly and reinterpretation.” illuminated manuscript on vellum); a Breughel Interspersed throughout the paintings, the masterpiece Madonna and Child with St John photographers’ work serves to accentuate what the Baptist in a Landscape; 17th and 18th century is truly a glorious – and topical – exhibition; the prints from the Bible Museum in Amsterdam; and ideal seasonal getaway when you need an hour or a Konstantinos Parthenis work of humble beauty two of quiet beauty. (entitled simply Madonna and Child) which was the artist’s gift to his own daughter on her 21st By Alix Norman (Cyprus Mail newspaper) birthday. And complementing the outstanding artworks The Rhodes Missal are pieces from three great photographers: Stelios Kallinikou, Matt Crossick and Guillaume The Rhodes Missal was presented to the Order Onimus. Commissioned to approach afresh of St John in 1504, as the gift of a Senior French the historical representations of the Nativity Knight, Fr. Charles Aleman de Rochechenard, – exploring the interaction between viewer, Prior of Saint-Gilles, whose arms are included image and text – the trio worked independently, frequently in the illuminated decorations. photographing famous paintings of the Nativity Containing the Catholic service of the Eucharist, in churches, museums and a number of other the Missal includes two full-page miniatures, institutions, as they identified the ways viewers depicting the Crucifixion and God the Father. In and the environment converse with these famous addition, there are 26 half-page miniatures that By Flemish Baroque painter Jan Brueghel the Younger works. illustrate the significant services of the Catholic religious calendar. The folios shown here depict “One of the photographers, for example, military order, the Knights cared for sick pilgrims right prepares to place the infant, feet first, into the Annunciation to the Shepherds, the Adoration focused on the idea of religious places that are and fought in the Crusades. Following successive the low basin. of the Shepherds and the Nativity. defeats by Islamic forces, the Order slowly also monuments, such as UNESCO churches,” Spinello Aretino was praised by Giorgio Vasari retreated westwards across the Mediterranean, Katerina clarifies. “Another turned a picture The Order of St John, also known as the Knights for demonstrating remarkable skill as a painter settling in Cyprus, then Rhodes and finally in of a famous, religious-themed painting into a Hospitaller and the Knights of Malta, was founded already in his youth; Vasari ascribed him with th Malta, where they remained from 1530 until the diptych – a traditional format for Christian art – in Jerusalem in the 11 century. As a religious a natural skill for painting that required little invasion of Napoleon in 1798. Today, the Order teaching and with having a better hand before continues the tradition of caring for the sick, as reaching 20 years of age than many who had an exclusively humanitarian organisation with an trained under great masters. enduring religious foundation. Spinello di Luca Spinelli was born in Arezzo, probably after 1345, and is recorded in the Painting by Spinello Aretino Florentine physicians’ guild – where painters were inscribed – by 1386; soon after, he was This scene, painted by Spinello Aretino, presents receiving important commissions in the area, the Virgin in the aftermath of childbirth, seated both for panel and fresco paintings. Documented in the heart of the composition, while two as working, besides in Arezzo and Florence, midwives are preparing Christ’s first bath. in Lucca, Siena and Pisa, he is acclaimed by Angels hover in the upper-left hand corner of scholarship for his dynamic sense of narrative the image, and Joseph and the two animals that and his style, which is seen to anticipate the form a key part of the Nativity narrative imagery growing ‘realism’ of Early Renaissance painting are also present. There is a noticeable realism in in the 15th century. (See S. Weppelmann, Spinello the scene, evident particularly in the poses of the Aretino e la pittura del trecento in Toscana, figures, such as the two midwives: the striking Florence 2011, p. 264.) angle of the down- turned forehead of the figure By Italian painter Spinello Aretino in red, and the way in which the figure on the For more information: [email protected].
38 39 Donation in memory of the late Pefkios Georgiades
n 2 March 2015, the Patients Welfare OCouncil of Archbishop Makarios III Hospital in Nicosia was presented with a donation of €6,620, in the name of the late former Minister of Education and Culture, Pefkios Georgiades. The Patients Welfare Council offers financial support to the families of sick children, whose conditions require lengthy and costly treatments. The money was raised during the annual concert held in remembrance of the much loved former minister, who died suddenly in 2007. The concert was held by the Musical (Centre front, left to right) Nikoletta Demosthenous, Marios Panagides, Matheos Kariolou and Egli Pantelaki Talent Development Program of the Ministry of Education and Culture, under the artistic direction of Professor Matheos Kariolou, on 24 January 2015 at the Strovolos Municipal Theatre. The cheque was handed over by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and The late Pefkios Georgiades Culture, Egli Pantelaki, to Nicosia District Officer and Chairman of the Council Marios The programme included works from the Panagides. She was accompanied by Matheos romantic period of classical music, by composers Kariolou and the children’s representative, Niccolò Paganini, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Nikoletta Demosthenous. Franz Schubert and Pablo de Sarasate. The concert was under the auspices of the The audience was also transported to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Baroque era, with classic work by Antonio Anastasiades. Vivaldi. will also take us to the Baroque era Major achievements in Cyprus and abroad Musical Talent Development Program of the Ministry of Education and Culture Announcing the concert back in January, the In memory of Pefkios Georgiades… Minister of Education and Culture, Costas conviction was that this curiosity, as a raw of the Musical Talent Development Programme. Kadis paid tribute to the late Education Minister Known as the “favourite Minister of children”, material, with the right guidance by enthusiastic His great desire was to give to the exceptionally the late Minister of Education and Culture for being the man who inspired and created the teachers can lead to the love for learning. talented children of Cyprus the opportunity to Musical Talent Development Program. “This is Pefkios Georgiades has remained in our develop their talent in music with the provision A passionate devotee of culture in all its aspects, why the annual concert presented by the some memory as the man who managed to gain the of education at the highest possible level. He he tried to ingrain into culture and education forty children that attend it, is dedicated to his hearts of a whole generation of children and believed in this Program and he dreamed its memory,” said the Minister. make his mark in the role of a Minister of programs, creative innovations and changes development into a distinctive presence both in aiming at developing children to become Kadis praised the Program’s children for their Education and Culture. Cyprus and the European region. integrated personalities who love and respect major achievements in Cyprus as well as abroad, A man with vision and many dreams for the And with the Program’s children’s repeated receiving rave reviews and demonstrating great children, he believed in them and their abilities. every facet of culture. and ongoing success, it appears he has been talent and skill. He invested in their natural curiosity and his One of these innovations was the establishment vindicated by the results…
40 41 The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra
he Cyprus Symphony Orchestra (CySO) in Moscow. Each of the characters in Prokofiev’s Tprovided classical music lovers with a wealth tale is represented by a different musical instrument of repertories to warm us up over the past chilly or instrumental group. Prokofiev himself wrote winter months. the text of the story: Peter enjoys the beauty of Offering everything from a romantic set-up on nature in the company of a duck, a cat and a bird, Valentine’s Day, to the popular children’s musical until a wolf appears. The CySO let the musical Peter and the Wolf and the Magic Remote Control, instruments tell the story in their own unique and our national orchestra certainly did not disappoint. subtle way. Following the musical story, the Orchestra had Peter and the Wolf a special surprise for its young friends: An extra performance entitled The Magic Remote-Control. The CySO brought Sergei Prokofiev’s (1891- 1953) much-loved musical tale Peter and the Wolf The concert was organised in collaboration with to life on 6 and 7 February, narrated by Cypriot the Department of Primary Education, Ministry of actor Petros Georgadjis and conducted by Alkis Education and Culture and the Cyprus Association The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra Baltas, Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of of Private Preschool Education (CAPPE). the CySO. Three family concerts took place at the Municipal The Magic of Love musical evening filled with “The Magic of Love”. The Bright Sounds and Reflective Sounds concert wrapped with Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No.2 Theatre in Larnaca and Strovolos Municipal Theatre The CySO helped couples celebrate their devotion Concerts were held in Nicosia, Larnaca and in D major, op. 73, which is often compared to in Nicosia, while the orchestra also presented the on Valentine’s Day with music and works inspired Paphos from 12 February to 14 February 2015. Beethoven’s Pastoral for its prevalent tranquillity, programme in four morning educational concerts by love. With Manuel de Falla’s passionate ballet joy, optimism and high spirits. in Nicosia and Paphos, which were attended by suite Love, the Magician as well as unforgettable Bright Sounds and Reflective Sounds selected primary schools and kindergartens. The concerts were presented at the Markideion arias and love duets from the operatic repertoire, (With the participation of members of the Cyprus Theatre in Paphos on 26 March and Strovolos Rumour has it that the great Russian composer the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra, its conductor Youth Symphony Orchestra) came up with the idea of “a musical tale for and artistic director Alkis Baltas, together with Municipal Theatre in Nicosia on 27 March. The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra presented a Cypriot baritone Kyros Patsalides and Cypriot children” following his two sons’ many visits to concert series with the participation of members performances at the Musical Theatre for Children soprano Chryso Makariou, promised a romantic of the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra, under Musical Clock of Yesterday and Today the artistic direction of Alkis Baltas and soloist It is always especially enlightening to juxtapose trumpeter Sokratis Anthis. classical music styles with their 20th century With his ballet Farewell, the Cypriot composer counterparts in a concert programme. The CySO Savvas Savva pays tribute to local hero “Musical Clock’s” first stop was contemporary Grigoris Afxentiou. The CySO presented three Cypriot composer Nicos Troullos’ Serenade for movements from the ballet, followed by the Strings. It then travelled back to the 1950s with much-loved Trumpet Concerto in A-flat Major Bohuslav Martinu’s Rhapsody Concerto for by contemporary Armenian composer Alexander viola, loved for its moving lyrical passages and Arutunian. Deemed by critics and soloists alike intense climaxes. Finally, the CySO travelled as a brilliant and virtuosic masterpiece, the more than two centuries back to Franz Joseph Concerto’s unrestrained rhythmic energy and Haydn’s Symphony No.101 in D Major “The the characteristic colours of its melodic lines Clock”, which is pervaded by heartfelt joy and and elements of Armenian folk music certainly a characteristic “ticking” rhythm throughout its dazzled music lovers. second movement.
42 43 Under the music direction of conductor Plamen work Octana, based on Andreas Empirikos’ Djouroff and with soloist Yuri Zhislin (viola), the surrealist poem by the same title. This was followed Cyprus Symphony Orchestra gave three concerts by a rare opportunity to enjoy the accordion in the in Paphos, Limassol and Nicosia on 28, 29 and 30 role of the soloist. The internationally acclaimed January 2015. accordionist Denis Patković interpreted Johann The concerts were supported by Paphos Municipality, Sebastian Bach’s fascinating Harpsichord Concerto Limassol Municipality and Rialto Theatre, and were No.4 in A major in his own arrangement for organised in collaboration with the Οrganisation accordion, and Ástor Piazzolla’s passionate tango “European Capital of Culture – Paphos 2017”. Fuga y Misterio from his tango-opera Maria de Buenos Aires. In the second part of the concert, the
intense tango pulse and atmosphere of Piazzolla’s Denis Patković Andreas Moustoukis Fugue – Mystery – Dance work was juxtaposed against the sombre colours, The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra presented an improvisatory clarinet passages and exhilarating intriguing programme in collaboration with the rhythms of Zoltán Kodály’s symphonic expression Goethe-Institut Cyprus in Larnaca, Limassol and of folk dances from Galanta and Marosszék. The Nicosia on 11, 12 and 13 March 2015. The concerts concerts were conducted by the renowned maestro opened with Cypriot composer Andreas Moustoukis’ Dariusz Mikulski.
Sokratis Anthis (trumpet)
Sokratis Anthis was born in Corfu in 1952. He studied trumpet at F.E. Mantzaros in the class of Thanasis Voyatzopoulos and at the Hellenic Conservatory of Music in the class of Dimitris Peter Gospodinov (cello) Kafyris. He has attended and still attends trumpet seminars and brass ensembles both in Greece and abroad with foreign teachers. In Greece he has also taken part in the most important musical events since 1975 and in many recordings for the Greek Radio and Television. He has mainly performed with chamber music ensembles in most European countries but also non-EU countries, in music halls like the Carnegie Hall in New York, the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, the Salle Pleyel in Paris, the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, the Yotsuya Kumin Hall in Tokyo, to name a few. He has been one of Manos Hadjidakis’ close associates for twenty years and participated in all his concerts and recordings. Alkis Baltas Wolfgang Schroeder (violin) As a soloist he has performed with the State Orchestra of Athens, the State Orchestra of Thessaloniki, the Symphony Orchestra of Thessaloniki Municipality, the National Symphony Orchestra of ERT, The Artists Patković has received a number of prizes and the Orchestra of Leipzig Radio in Gewand House, the Pleven Orchestra of Bulgaria, the Orchestra Denis Patković has appeared in concerts throughout awards, among them the prestigious award for of Colours, the ALEA III Orchestra of Boston, the “Marcyas” Chamber Orchestra, the Patras Europe, South America, New Zealand and Japan. soloists by the European Art Foundation. Orchestra, the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra and the Camerata Orchestra of Music Friends. With He was recently named First Guest Professor of Dr Dariusz Mikulski’s careers has extended Camerata Friends of Music Orchestra, he took part as a soloist in the co-production of the Athens Accordion at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music to Conductor and French horn player, General Concert Hall and the Hamburg Opera with the ballet “Odyssey” by John Newmayer and music by in Tokyo. The latest recording of Denis Patković and artistic director of Sudecka Philharmonic George Kouroupos. He worked as solo trumpet in the Orchestra of the National Opera (1975-1990), is unique, as it presents him with Piano Concerti Orchestra of Wałbrzych (2005-2010), Professor the State Athens Orchestra (1980-1991) and the National Symphony Orchestra of ERT (1976-2003). Nowadays, he still co-operates with the Orchestra of Colours. He is a founding member of the from Johann Sebastian Bach, arranged by him, at the Music Academy of Łódz, General chamber music ensemble “N. Mantzaros” and of the Brass quintet “MELOS BRASS” with which together with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Manager of CONCORNO Kulturmanagement he is actively recording. He is a member of the national competitions state board for the European Giessen under the baton of Michael Hofstetter. (Berlin), guest conductor of the Thailand Union Youth Orchestra and the Mediterranean Youth Orchestra. Leading music magazines internationally have Philharmonic Orchestra (Bangkok). He has rated his recordings with the highest marks. Denis collaborated with many renowned orchestras
44 45 THOC signs Protocol of Cooperation with National Theatre of Greece
he Cyprus Theatre Organisation (THOC) d) Research and experimentation on the new Tand National Theatre of Greece signed theatrical trends. a Protocol of Cooperation on 22 January Special emphasis will be given to joint artistic 2015, opening the way for the two theatres activities that reinforce the effector origins of to implement an artistic programme aimed at theatre, interreligious discourse and religious promoting and developing the art of theatre. tourism, which will showcase the common The Protocol was signed by THOC Chairman roots and culture, and further boost ties between Yiannis Toumazis and the National Theatre’s the two countries. Chairman George Stephanakis and Artistic Director Soteris Hatzakis, at the THOC Theatre More specifically, the two theatres will in front of the Cyprus Theatre’s Board members, exchange shows, co-produce plays, transfer Artistic Committee, staff and the media. artists, theatre theorists and technicians from one to the other, hold educational programmes, With the common perception of the theatre’s seminars and lectures, and much more. educational character as a starting point, the Yiorgos Kountouris Sorin Alexandru Horlea (viola) agreement is based on four main themes: Welcoming attendees to the special ceremony for the Protocol signing, THOC Board a) The study, research, performance of Ancient of Directors Chairman Yiannis Toumazis in the world, mainly in Germany and Poland. Dances by Christodoulos Georgiades and Cypriada Drama Dr. Mikulski has been honoured by the Polish by Andreas Kameris. stressed the importance of the new, dynamic b) The development and enhancement of Ministry of Culture and National Heritage as and creative collaboration between the two Modern Greek Drama one of the youngest artists in the history of countries’ state theatres, which he said was the Chamber Music Concerts Polish culture, receiving the “Gloria Artis” c) Classical and contemporary international result of relentless efforts by THOC to “broaden medal for his artistic activity (2008). In 2011 he The exceptional String Trio comprising CySO repertoire its action beyond Cyprus and mainly in the was also awarded the Silver Medal of the City musicians Wolfgang Schroeder (violin), Sorin of Berlin, for his cultural contribution. Alexandru Horlea (viola) and Peter Gospodinov (cello) gave two chamber music concerts on 7 and 8 March in Nicosia and Paphos. Held in collaboration Works by Cypriot Composers with the Organisation “European Capital of Culture The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra joined – Paphos 2017”, the concerts were under the forces with members of the Cyprus Youth established chamber music series organised by the Symphony Orchestra to present a programme Cyprus Symphony Orchestra Foundation. dedicated to works by five contemporary The Trio interpreted Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cypriot composers, which were inspired by monumental Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 in the history and culture of Cyprus, as well as Dmitry Yulianovich S Sitkovetsky’s arrangement by the experience of contemporary life. It was for string trio. The great German composer wrote a small sample of the rich musical treasure Variations for keyboard instruments after being and visions of Cypriot creators of music today, commissioned by the Russian ambassador to the which reinforced their active presence in the Dresden court, with the request “to be cheered global musical landscape. up a little”. Bach’s response was a rigorous and Under conductor Yiorgos Kountouris, the orchestras inspired work; a set of 30 variations with an presented Six Miniature Paintings by Nicos Vichas, amazing range of styles, forms and emotions. This Ups and Downs by Andreas Yangopouos, Naked deeply humanistic music speaks to us even more Branches by Christina Athinodorou, Dionysian powerfully in today’s troubled times. (Left to right) Soteris Hatzakis, Yiannis Toumazis and Georgios Stephanakis
46 47 The Impressions of a Drowned Man
A film by Kyros Papavassiliou that made it to this year’s International Film Festival Rotterdam
ypriot director Kyros Papavassiliou’s film CThe Impressions of a Drowned Man was among thirteen other international movies to make it to the competition section of the 44th International THOC Central Stage in Nicosia Film Festival Rotterdam, which took place on 21 Mediterranean and European area, through great Greek poet),” he said, adding that this has January – 2 February 2015. such fertile, transnational cooperation”. made him all the more determined to make this Specifically, The Impressions of a Drowned collaboration a success. Man was nominated in the Hivos Tiger Awards He explained, “Through such cultural Competition. networking we aim towards the fruitful “Each and every stone (in Cyprus) is in our exchange of experience and knowledge that culture and in our poetry and if I may say so, I Even though it did not receive an award, Kyros Papavassiliou’s achievement did not go unnoticed will bridge any differences and highlight the am enchanted by it and I hope that we all turn Kyros Papavassiliou substantial power of the art of theater.” the words into actions and altogether attend the by the Ministry of Education and Culture, which common show,” said Stephanakis. funded the film and which proudly announced the Toumazis pointed out that it was not by chance director’s nomination in the Festival. that THOC used the National Theatre of Greece Artistic Director Soteris Hatzakis said the “International Film Festival Rotterdam is one as the artistic model to base its own operations Protocol started from the same reality and the of the most important and biggest film events on. “This unity of the two theatres as regards fact that both countries are currently in the midst in the world, which promotes talent, quality and their perceptions and expectations betokens of a financial war with difficult conditions, innovating and special cinematic aspects,” the a sincere and productive cooperation, which both financially and morally. “Culture is not a Ministry announced. promises to promote our common quests and derivative of growth; it is a component element constructively contribute to transforming our and the political branches of both countries The film is a poetic thriller, based on the final days key objectives into actions,” he said. need to understand that,” said Hatzakis. of the great Greek poet Kostas Karyiotakis. For more Information: www.drytreefilms.com Scenography: Andy Bargilly Underlining the need for more such Among the two theatres’ planned actions is A production of dryTree Films Sound Design: Persephone Miliou transnational agreements in cultural matters, to present, in cooperation with the National the THOC Chairman said this need was all Theatre of Israel, a play on the three letters – Directed by: Kyros Papavassiliou Costumes: Notis Panayiotou, Constantina Andreou the more pressing nowadays, when every epistles – of Apostle Paul. The plan is to present Co-produced by Monica Nicolaidou and Yiorgo Production: Kyros Papavassiliou dryTree Films facet and expression of culture is under threat it in Paphos in 2017, when the town will become Pantzi (Filmblades – Cyprus), Yianni Chalkiadaki of deteriorating amid the harsh economic the Cultural Capital of Europe. (Greece), Bojan Mastilovic (Restart Productions- The Impressions of a Drowned Man and cultural crises which are unfortunately Hatzakis also announced plans for the two Slovanis), the Cultural Services of the Ministry of affecting both countries. “The cooperation (Oi entyposeis enos pnigmenou) theatres to co-produce a show for the 2016 Education and Culture of the Republic of Cyprus between the two state theatres could not have A man who doesn’t know who he is meets his Athens and Epidaurus Festival, thus enabling and South-Eastern European Cinema Network come at a better time, to bring a refreshing former love. She tells him he is a famous poet, THOC to enter the Epidaurus for the first time, (SEE). new lease of life to the cultural and artistic life Kostas Karyotakis, who killed himself in 1928. through the Greek National Theatre. Main cast: Theodore Pantidis, Marissa of Cyprus and Greece, but also to shield our Triandafyllidou, Christodoulos Martas. Every year he returns on the anniversary of his countries’ culture.” The agreement will also see the National Theatre death. A day that has taken place many, many times of Greece provide THOC with invaluable Script: Kyros Papavassiliou, in collaboration with The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the before plays out again. Will Kostas make the same expertise on matters such as lighting, audio, Philippe Gianni Kkoyri, George Zois and Maria National Theatre of Greece, George Stephanakis, decisions again? archiving and more. Varnakkidou. said his personal ties with Cyprus were very Do we take responsibility for who we are? How Cinematography: Constantinos Othonos strong. “There are many things that connect me Concluding, Hatzakis said: “Exceptional free do we dare to be in creating our identity, to Cyprus; I experienced the invasion first hand, people of the theatre live, operate and create Montage: Yannis Chalkiadakis and to what extent do we take heed of what but also Cyprus through Seferis (Georgios, the here in Cyprus.” Music: Nikos Veliotis people expect of us? These existential questions
48 49 The winners of the Hivos Tiger Awards Competition 2015 As is the case every year at International Film Festival Rotterdam, three of the nominated directors went home with a Hivos Tiger Award and prize money of €15,000. Besides the prize, they also gain international recognition and attention.
La obra del siglo (The Project of the Century)
By Carlos M. Quintela HIVOS TIGER AWARDS WINNERS (L-R) Jakrawal Drifting effortlessly between raw psychological Nilthamrong,Carlos M. Quintela, Juan Daniel F. Molero realism and dreamy surrealism and loaded with Men from the pest control department arrive to unique Cuban archive footage, this film portrays spray an apartment for dengue fever mosquitoes. three generations of Cubans. In their apartment in Three Cuban men live here – son Leo, father the workers’ quarters at a half-built nuclear power Rafael, and grandfather Otto – forced by station, they are forced to simply carry on; a fresh circumstances to live together. This is not voice from, and about, a country in a stalemate. easy: Otto is obsessed with his few material The Electro-Nuclear City (ENC) was once part of possessions; Rafael is unemployed and without an ambitious Soviet-Cuban venture to build the first any prospect of work since construction of the nuclear power station, in Juragua in the Caribbean. power station stopped; Leo is back again because But the fall of the Soviet Union brought everything his girlfriend broke off with him. On television, to a complete standstill. Decades later, the ‘project they watch the arrival of the Cuban delegation at of the century’ has still not been completed, and the the Olympic Games in London. The grandfather enormous dome towers like a totem pole above the has a goldfish, Benjamin – the only one who can dismal blocks of workers’ flats. Carlos Quintela breathe under water. set his second feature film in this fascinating location, where the workers lived at the time of the construction. Videophilia (and Other Viral Syndromes) – Videofilia (y otros síndromes virales) The Project of the Century was shot in appropriate black-and-white. Interspersed with beautiful, By Juan Daniel F. Molero unique archive material from Cuban television Internet cafés and slackers, not-so-innocent – giving a more rose-tinted, assertive impression schoolgirls and amateur porn using Google Glass, Stills from The Impressions of a Drowned Man of the situation – this adds to the social-realist Mayans and the end of the world, acid trips and atmosphere, which gradually makes way for a guinea pigs as extras in an exorcism: things in formed the starting point for Kyros Papavassiliou from. Although he is totally free to do what he surreal, at times absurd sense of oppression. Lima, the Peruvian capital, are pretty similar to when making Impressions of a Drowned Man. wants, he is nevertheless shaped by the people he It is no coincidence that the main character is an meets. Everyone who crosses his path knows who existentialist poet. Kostas Karyotakis is considered he is, tells him what his days will be like and how one of the most influential Greek poets of the it will all end. 1920s. His poems, often impressions of nature, Almost as in a film noir, the film is a search for are highly expressive, showing influences from identity, while the story unfolds associatively and Expressionism and Surrealism. poetically. Referring to Karyotakis’ poetic style, the Under-rated in his own time, Karyotakis film is also shaped by impressions of nature and a committed suicide in 1928 at the age of 32. touch of surrealism. The world we see is a strange In the film, he appears in the here and now, reality; daringly serious and intellectual, with a without knowing who he is or where he comes beautiful, melancholic heart. La obra del siglo Videofilia
50 51 even if Thai director Jakrawal Nilthamrong does IFFR Audience Award 2015 not appear directly in the film. During International Film Festival Rotterdam, It opens with images of a car crash involving visitors are invited to rate the films with a voting Nilthamrong’s parents. Disturbing original news card. The final score determines which director will photos are initially used, but the director quickly win the IFFR Audience Award 2015. The prize is switches to a fictional reconstruction at the scene traditionally handed out on the last Saturday of the of a crime, deep in a wood. We do not yet know festival (right before the closing film). The prize is how this shocking crime is related to the car €10,000. accident. Various facts and stories are cautiously This year’s winner was The Dark Horse by James presented; the pieces of the puzzle do not fall Napier Robertson, a highly praised drama from into place straight away. New Zealand telling the true, impressive story Vanishing Point follows a young reporter of Genesis Potini, who fought for the future of who attends the reconstruction without being disadvantaged children until his death in 2011. In particularly impressed. He is against injustice, spite of his own bipolar disorder, he taught them to but is unable to give concrete expression to this play chess and fight for opportunities. feeling. Another storyline involves motel owner Yai, a joyless voyeur with little feeling for his The Dark Horse family. His attempts to escape his day-to-day existence don’t really help. In its own country, New Zealand drama The Dark Horse has been described by critics as one of the The film is not sombre, however. Nilthamrong best films to emerge from that country in recent makes good use of diverting elements such as years. This powerful drama tells the true and karaoke videos and popular music to develop turbulent story of Genesis Potini, a New Zealander his themes with a light touch. The question of Vanishing Point suffering from bipolar disorder who died in how his parents’ accident has affected his life is 2011. In a society in which it is difficult for a lot a serious sidelight; how all of our actions affect of young people to resist the temptation to stray contemporary reality, virtual or otherwise, in the Molero, whose documentary Reminiscences played the rest of our lives. from the straight and narrow, Potini tries to keep rest of the world. in Rotterdam in 2010, pays homage in his feature young people on track through chess. This involves debut to the power of the (misleading) image. In this ‘comedia tragedia’, multi-talent Juan Daniel overcoming the challenges of his condition and F. Molero takes us on a digital trip down all the As this film shows, the tactics introduced by at times some pretty nasty criminals as well. perfidious byways of ‘the interwebz’. Peruvian controversial Peruvian president Fujimori (1990- The Dark Horse is buoyed by great acting from schoolgirl Luz looks a lot more innocent than she 2000) to divert the attention of the Peruvian people Cliff Curtis, familiar from Whale Rider (2002) is. She meets Junior online, who spends most of his from what really matters (using sensational tabloids and Once Were Warriors (1994). The directing by days gaming in Internet cafés. His ambition is earn full of tales of murder, sex, celebrities, corruption young filmmaker James Napier Robertson, who a living making amateur porn. and paranormal activities), are still being used to also wrote the screenplay, also impresses. This Junior, obsessed by Mayan predictions of the end the full. film is often comical, at times raw, but above all of the world, does everything you are not supposed intensely poignant. The Dark Horse is a film that resonates long after you leave the cinema. to do with Google Glass. It is immediately clear Vanishing Point IFFR Festival Center - De Doelen that his seduction of the lovely Luz will have bad consequences. But for whom? By Jakrawal Nilthamrong About International Film Festival Rotterdam Full of pixels and glitches, featuring a psychedelic A serious film about serious, complex issues International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) acid trip amongst ancient ruins and an exorcism (including a dramatic car crash), presented in offers a high quality line-up of carefully selected involving a guinea pig, Videophilia (and Other Viral a light, playful way, the film follows two very fiction and documentary feature films, short Syndromes) is a fascinating non-love story as well different men, each of whom changes his life in films and media art. The festival’s Tiger Awards as a portrait of life today. Molero’s generation grew his own way. This does not seem to be a direct Competitions, Bright Future and Spectrum sections up with a flourishing Internet, full of confidence in result of the choices they make. Change can be contain recent work only, among which are many the endless opportunities and freedom offered by like that. world premieres. In its Signals section, IFFR this new medium. Vanishing Point is an exercise in self-examination, The awards ceremony presents retrospectives and themed programmes.
52 53 that a film has been nominated for the competition up to 60 minutes. As of IFFR 2015, there will be a in Rotterdam guarantees the necessary international distinction within Spectrum between the premieres attention. (films receiving their world or international Tiger Awards Competition for Short Films: Next premieres in Rotterdam) and a selection of to the festival’s Hivos Tiger Awards Competition highlights from other festivals. the short films have their own competition. What Limelight is a new section as of IFFR 2015 and differentiates this from the Hivos Tiger Awards consists of a selection of thirty films made up Competition is the fact that it is not just for young of new, original and striking films by talented and upcoming talents; all filmmakers have a directors of contemporary cinema which are set to chance at winning. be released in cinemas across the Netherlands after Bright Future: Presents idiosyncratic and IFFR. adventurous new work by novice makers. The Signals: Presents a series of thematic programmes section consists of first or second feature films and retrospectives offering insight in topical as well only. As of IFFR 2015, there will be a distinction as timeless ideas within cinema. within Bright Future between the premieres (films (Source www.iffr.com/en) receiving their world or international premieres in Rotterdam) and a selection of highlights from other festivals.
The Dark Horse Spectrum: Comprises new and recent feature length work by experienced filmmakers and artists who provide, in the opinion of IFFR, an IFFR actively supports new and adventurous cinema as well as of a welcoming meeting place essential contribution to international film culture. filmmaking talent through its co-production market for filmmakers, audiences, film professionals and Within Spectrum, Spectrum: Shorts presents some CineMart, its Hubert Bals Fund, Rotterdam Lab film critics. Under the subsequent directorships of 200 recent short films, covering a broad area of and other Industry activities. Anne Head (1989), Marco Müller (1990-1991), fictional, documentary and experimental works of IFFR is one of the largest audience and industry- Emile Fallaux (1992-1996), Simon Field (1996- driven film festivals in the world. During twelve 2004), Sandra den Hamer (2000-2007) and Rutger festival days, hundreds of filmmakers and other Wolfson (2008-present), IFFR grew to become one artists present their work to a large audience (2014: of the largest audience and industry-driven film 287,000 admissions) and 2,400 film professionals. festivals in the world, while maintaining its focus The festival’s Official Selection includes some on innovative filmmaking by talented newcomers 220 feature films and 320 short films out of60 and established auteurs as well as on presenting countries. It aims to organise and stimulate film- cutting edge media art. related activities in Rotterdam. IFFR’s programme: Highlighting Short historic profile the outstanding and exceptional Famously, seventeen people attended the opening International Film Festival Rotterdam emphasises night of the first Film International Rotterdam on diversity in its film programming and has no overall 28 June 1972. An initiative of the Rotterdam Arts theme. The festival programme consists of two Foundation, Film International (later International competitions and three non-competitive sections, Film Festival Rotterdam) showcased films and includes works supported by IFFR’s Hubert purchased for distribution to the newly established Bals Fund or launched as projects at CineMart: circuit of art house cinemas in the Netherlands. A Hivos Tiger Awards Competition: The prestigious driving force, famous figurehead and inspirational Hivos Tiger Awards Competition is IFFR’s director until his early death in 1988, Hubert centrepiece. Around fifteen first or second feature Bals gave the festival its solid reputation of filmmakers compete for a trophy, €15,000 and last commitment to and active support of independent but not least international recognition. Just the fact
54 55 The Apostate
A book by Petros Hadjitofi Makris
ember of the Greek Cypriot diaspora Petros work was almost as bad; there was the picking of MHadjitofi Makris presented his first book, the cotton from the plants, the gathering of beans The Apostate, on 25 November 2014 at the Barry (broad beans, haricot beans and black eyed beans); Library in the UK. not forgetting the lentils, chick peas, sesame seeds, A mystery thriller about greed, religion and sex, cumin and coriander seeds. All these were done in all interwoven in murder and retribution about the soaring heat, the wind, and dust. My endurance contemporary issues, the expatriated Cypriot describes was often pushed to the limit, which was reflected his accomplishment as the most fulfilling yet. in my outbursts of verbal monologues, such as “I Here, Petros Hadjitofi Makris takes us through the hate this work”, “When I grow up I am going to go long journey that brought him here. to Australia (people used to immigrate to Australia then) and never come back” or “This is the hell the bible talks about.” To which my mother, who A short biography was a devout Christian, bless her soul, would say, By Petros Hadjitofi Makris “You mustn’t say that Petros; it is Whenever I tell the story of how a “Of all my blasphemy.” small donkey changed my life, nobody achievements, Dr Petros Hadjitofi Makris and Mrs Beryl Makris at the signing of his first book, The Apostate believes me. I was born in 1935, in whether they A difficult start in life Akaki, a small farming village west of were professional, After the elementary school, I became, Nicosia; that’s where it happened. dumped around the well. The tunnel, which starts at which incidentally is now occupied by the Turks, academic, or career not by choice, an apprentice to a Life was really hard then. There were surface level as a trench (where the water is planned and because it was far away, we had to sleep there advancement, the farmers’ carpenter (aletraris) in the to come out), is small; just big enough for the man in the night in order to save the travelling time. Part no tractors, combine harvesters, cars, village. My father thought it was a good most fulfilling has who is digging it. As I was small and not heavy, I of my journey back to the field was at night, and as vans, or lorries, and because there was job, because the farmers will always been the writing and was lowered in a bucket into the last and deepest there was no moonlight I could not see anything. So no electricity, there were no mod cons want ploughs, donkey saddles to carry publication of well; I guess it was about 100 meters deep. Once at I just sat on the donkey and let it carry on walking either. Consequently, all the domestic, the crops, and the like. After about a the bottom of the well I had to unhook the bucket with the other two following behind. As I was late and farm work had to be done manually. The Apostate” year the master carpenter told my father and drag it along the tunnel to where the man was arriving, my father must have thought that I was lost; Adults, and children after the age of that I didn’t have it in me to become a digging and pushing the soil behind him, in order to twelve, when they finished the elementary school, carpenter, so I had to go. Other trades or professions led astray by the ‘asproyaoury’ – literally, this means extend the tunnel. My job was to fill the bucket with worked in the fields from dawn to dusk to scrape a were unheard of then, so I ended up working in the ‘white donkey’. There was a myth in my village the excavated soil and drag it back to the well. I then living. Compulsory schooling ended at the age of fields with my parents, brothers and sisters; that was about this; apparently, as I understood it, it was some 12 and hardly anybody went to a secondary school. when things got worse for me. had to unhook the empty bucket, which would have kind of spirit. According to my older brother you been lowered in the meantime, and hook the filled Apart from going to church on Sundays, there was Actually, when I think back about my early life in the could see it sometimes. It was a white shimmering one, which was then pulled up, and so on. Even for no time for hobbies, relaxation, and entertainment. village, I instantly recall three occasions in particular, light which appeared suddenly on the tip of the a small child the working area was claustrophobic, Toys, presents, birthday parties and pocket money which overwhelm me with dread. donkey’s ears and led you astray. Now thinking and it was dark, and wet; not a nice place to be and were unheard of. Most of the people were poor, very The first one was when I was about six and had to about it, it must have been caused by static, if it did work, and that’s putting it mildly! poor. All their produce was for family consumption, do a man’s job, literally. At the time my village was exist. I must have been a mile or so from our field, and those who had a little extra couldn’t sell it for involved in a project of getting running water for when I heard my father calling me; in the still of the cash; barter was still widespread. irrigation from a series of wells/shafts which were Beware of the ‘asproyaouri’! night sounds carry and you can hear for miles. I was It didn’t take me long, at an early age, to realise that linked at the bottom with a tunnel. This is an ancient The second one was when I was about thirteen. I had relieved; I was not led astray by the ‘asproyaoury’! that was a miserable existence, and I didn’t hesitate system known as qanats. The wells are spaced to take our three laden donkeys with bales of wheat The third episode was when I went with my father to make my thoughts known to my parents. The in a line about 20 to 30 metres apart in an easterly from our field, which was a few miles away from and our three donkeys to another field, some worst jobs on the farm were the harvesting of the direction and get progressively deeper. The soil the village to our ‘alonny’ (threshing field), which distance from the village to bring back the dried up wheat and barley. Mind you, other manual farm from the wells and tunnel is lifted up in a bucket and was near the house. We had a very large field there, broad bean stalks. Bundles of stalks were tied on
56 57 either side of the saddles and my job was to take the private secondary school in Nicosia. That was a few seeking higher education. Instead, I decided to go Studies, and IT. My interest in further studies did not laden donkeys to the “alonny”. My father who had years after the war and there was a good demand abroad and pursue higher studies in accounting. By stop there. I registered on another evening course to stay behind to do some other work in the field, for farm produce, so my father had some money then I had saved three hundred pounds, and when I and got my Master’s degree (in Social Ethics) from said to me. “Walk behind the donkeys and keep an by then. As I was fourteen years old, and I hadn’t told my father that I wanted to go to England and Cardiff University in 1991. As soon as I completed eye on their loads; push them back up gently if they been to school for two years, I had to take some become a Chartered Accountant, he agreed and that, I started another part time senior degree course start leaning to one side.” One of the donkeys was school exams so that they could decide which class promised to support me after my money ran out. So at the University of Glamorgan and was awarded my short and its load was only a couple of feet from the I should be admitted to. They allowed me to jump in the autumn of 1956, I left for England. doctorate (in Environmental Accounting) in 1996. ground. In the soaring heat, if the pods were crushed a class, which was good for my dad, because he It was only after I arrived in the UK that I found Whilst doing my PhD, I wrote and had published they would split open and release the beans. Well, the saved one year’s fees, but bad for me because I had out that I did not have the required exams in order many articles, and when I went to creative writing three laden donkeys started walking and I followed a lot of catching up to do. I knew that that was my to become an “articled clerk” and start studying, classes I also wrote a number of short stories, which them; we hardly covered a couple of hundred yards last chance. So, I worked hard, studying every night by correspondence course, to become a Chartered I hope to publish one day. when I heard my father shouting. “They are going to sometimes until the early hours. I was determined Accountant. So I spent two years at a college in When I was 65 I retired and left the accountancy fall, can you not see them, and what did I tell you to to escape from the drudgery I experienced in the Cardiff studying various GCE ‘O’ and ‘A’ level profession and started presenting a variety of courses, do?” He came running, angry and upset. Only then village. subjects, in order to qualify for admission. The and teaching, part time, at Cardiff University, where I noticed what was happening, but it was too late. After the first year, I caught up; from then on I found gap between my previous education and the GCEs I am still teaching Managing Finance. The load on the small donkey was leaning over to learning and studying easier, and at the end of my was too wide, especially English which was hardly After getting my second professional qualification I adequate for such an ambitious course, and at times the right so much that it was dragging on the ground, four years I won three of the school’s prestigious got married to a Welsh girl. We had three children; it was hard-going during those two years. During the crushing the dried up bean stalks and pods. That leaving prizes. a son and two daughters, and now have five grand summer vacations in order to earn some money, one event is still very vivid in my mind, but for the life I then found a job as a clerk and worked for two children. Since I left Cyprus, apart from the three of me, I do not know why I didn’t see it happening year I worked as a waiter in my uncle’s restaurant years when I lived and worked in Athens, I have years, whilst attending evening classes for Advanced in Deal, and the other I washed dishes in a big before my father did. That was it, my father had spent the rest of my life in and around Cardiff, Accounting and Turkish. I enjoyed the accounting restaurant in London. enough of me as a farm-hand; my new career also classes but not the Turkish. I did Turkish because Wales. I am now living with my second wife Beryl. came to a sudden end. When I became an articled clerk my boss, who was at the time it was necessary and invaluable for a also a qualified Chartered Secretary, encouraged me The Apostate government job. I took the relevant exams and passed to study for the examinations of both the Institute Turning to education accounting but failed Turkish, which was really just of Chartered Accountants, and of the Institute of My latest accomplishment Not knowing what to do with me, my father decided as well, because had I passed Turkish I would have Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. Being a is the publication of The to send me away, to Samuel’s Commercial School; a found a government job and stayed there without glutton for punishment I did, and in time I ended up Apostate, my first book. with two professional qualifications. Of all my achievements, Of the two, I chose accountancy for my career, and whether they were gradually it went from strength to strength; I held professional, academic, or a number of positions, such as Senior Accountant, career advancement, the Audit Manager, Group Manager, Financial Manager, most fulfilling has been Regional Financial Manager, and Senior Regional the writing and publication Financial Manager. I was fortunate to work all my of The Apostate. It is a life, i.e. never been unemployed or made redundant, mystery thriller about greed, religion, and sex, and it did not bother me that I did not make it to all interwoven in murder and retribution about even higher positions. Although I was continuously contemporary issues. under pressure to meet demanding deadlines, and It was launched on the 25 November 2014 at the deal with numerous financial ‘organisations’ and Barry library. The event was publicised well, and in ‘reorganisations’ in my region, I found the level of advance, both by the library and the local press. It my duties and responsibilities not at all taxing. So, I was attended by people from Barry and other towns turned my attention to further studies. in South Wales and was followed up afterwards in the Over the years I attended evening classes in: pottery, local press with further coverage and photographs. car maintenance, cordon bleu cookery, bee keeping, The Apostate is published by SilverWood Books. creative writing, dancing, computer programming, Available also from Amazon as paperback: ISBN French and Italian. I also studied and acquired three 978-1-78132-285-7, and as ebook: ISBN 978-1- Mr Makris is number eight in the back row counting from the left. University Diplomas: in Social Studies, Computer 78132-351-9, or from book sellers.
58 59 The Magic of Heaven and Earth
Exhibition by Susan Kerr
new exhibition of paintings by the well- A known artist Susan Kerr opened at the Gallery, Kypriaki Gonia, in Larnaca on 4 February 2015. This new exhibition, entitled The Magic of Heaven and Earth, presented for the first time in Cyprus, paintings of the Stars; a series of artworks that have only previously been shown in Italy, Austria and UK, at international exhibitions including the 7th Biennale of Florence, Art & Integration in Italy, Spirit of Art in London and Vienna, and the Art Fairs of Florence and Vienna. In addition, paintings relating to Earth cover a wide range of topics from landscapes of Cyprus and abroad, flowers of the earth, and figure compositions.
All the paintings have one thing in common; the of light, colour and life, and, in this way, love of light and colour, expressing the natural expressing the Magic of Heaven and Earth.” elements of earth, fire and water, enveloped by the immediate environment or space. In the catalogue ‘Il Calore del Colore’ at Galleria Mentana in Florence, Italian Art Critic Susan Kerr is concerned with expressing light Barbara Angiolini writes of the participation of and space; interior space, landscape space, or the infinite Cosmos. “Light and colour Susan Kerr: “This search for pure abstraction, in are my means of expression and I explore which colour is freed from the subject, resolves itself in an expressive study of the elements. the innumerable possibilities for creating About the artist continued to work and exhibit her paintings at this phenomenon,” states the artist. “Recent Energetic exchanges, with cosmological the new Bellapais Studio in Nicosia. paintings are about universal life, and cosmic implications, realise themselves in chromatic Susan Kerr was born in London in 1943 and space; searching for the mysterious sources explosions on the canvas.” studied painting and graphic arts, from 1961 to From 2008 Susan Kerr taught Visual Arts (all 1965 at Bath Academy of Art, Corsham, and levels) at the American International School in from 1965 to 1966, Art Education at Leicester Cyprus Nicosia, until 2008. Then she continued University UK. to work exclusively on painting and graphic design. Susan Kerr’s first solo exhibition She is married to well known Cypriot artist was at the Cyprus Hilton in 1969 and she has Costas Joachim, and moved to Cyprus where subsequently held many more solo exhibitions, she settled in 1966 and acquired Cyprus including two in Berlin and Munich in Citizenship. They established their studio and Germany, Greece and many others in Cyprus. gallery in the occupied village of Bellapais, Susan Kerr has also participated in many group birthplace of Joachim, and worked there until exhibitions in Cyprus and abroad, including forced to leave in the 1974 Turkish invasion. the recent international exhibitions mentioned She lived and worked in London and Athens above, with the latest being Little Treasures in until 1977, then returned to Cyprus, where she Bologna, and Spirit of Art in Vienna 2014.
60 61 The World of Cyprus
Exhibition by Yiannis Pelekanos
rtist Yiannis Pelekanos presented his 36th and the sense of movement. He is spontaneous Asolo exhibition The World of Cyprus at and sincere, in his own words “like every the Gallery, Kypriaki Gonia, in Larnaca from naïve person”. In his exhibition The World of 11 to 23 March 2015. Cyprus, Yiannis Pelekanos presented paintings His paintings, depicting traditional Cypriot life, created on small and large surfaces. His main provide a vibrant and colourful contemporary inspiration came from the traditions, customs, culture and occupations of the Cypriot farmer. look at a theme that is rarely touched upon by modern local artists. “My source of inspiration is the rich palette of the Cypriot tradition and folklore,” the artist With his paintings, Yiannis Pelekanos attempts explains. It is often supported by his personal to transport us to the past. His goal is to take experiences and his memory revived by reading something that is gradually vanishing and books about folklore and history. make it live forever. His art is characterised In the words of Yiannis Pelekanos: “Some use words by genuine chromatic colours, his instincts to create literature, others write verses and create poetry, or notes and create music, I paint and write with this instrument the history of my homeland, the traditions, the customs and its beauties. The pursuits of women at home, like kneading, baking and making pasta; the occupations of the villagers in the fields like threshing, harvesting and cotton planting; scenes from the Cypriot traditions about religion like the swings in Easter, Epiphany Carols, returning home after the Resurrection Service; the creation of a family, like the matchmaking, the A result of the deep love for the art that remind one of the old beauty of Larnaca. marriage and its feasts.” By Dr Tonia Loizou This stone house, lovingly cared for by him, preserves the traditional arches, the high roof Art Critic and the big windows, all intact. The place is The owner of the gallery, Nikos Psatharis, who discreetly decorated with the artist’s creations studies the popular art and is an artist himself, that add to the house’s traditional beauty. Since organised his “space”, which at the beginning the opening of the gallery in January 1993 was on K. Kalogera Street, in order to exhibit under the name Kypriaki Gonia, it has hosted a his traditional pieces of art and to give the number of remarkable artists. chance to the public to get acquainted with traditional art. What is the role of the gallery? It is the link He later decided to give opportunity to other between the creator and the public and gives the artists to exhibit their work and so he transformed chance to people in Cyprus to get acquainted an old traditional house into a gallery to serve with the artists and brings a cultural air to the this exact purpose. This new venue was at 45 town. The gallery’s custom of viewing the artists Stadiou Street, near the old G.S.Z stadium. Very with respect and responsibility, while keeping near is the ancient church of St. Lazarus and in it away from any kind of commercialisation, the neighbourhood there are many mansions helps accomplish its goal.
62 63 Global recognition for Cypriot poet Roula Ioanidou Stavrou
ypriot poet Roula Ioannidou Stavrou Cgained international recognition for the second year running after receiving an Honorary Mention for her poem Yellow Ribbons on the Tree at the XXX Nosside World Poetry Prize 2014 in Italy. The Prize is part of the UNESCO World Poetry Directory. Our national poet received the Nosside Medal and Certificate, while her poem has been included in the “Nosside Poetry Anthology 2014” e-book, which will soon be available online at www.nosside.org The winners of XXX Nosside World Poetry Prize 2014 were announced during a special received her RSA TEFL Diploma (UK) with ceremony in Reggio Calabria, Italy, on 28 distinction in English Language Teaching. November 2014. She has served as a teacher in secondary Yellow Ribbons on the Tree deals with the drama education and, in parallel, as a researcher, and suspense suffered by relatives to missing writer, anthologist and editor of publications at persons throughout the world, who anticipate – various departments of the Cyprus Ministry of and hope – for their loved ones’ return. Education and Culture. She has also served on Hundreds of poets from across the globe editorial committees of anthologies and other took part in the competition, under its publications, and as a Consulting Teacher. President, Italian Professor Pasquale Amato. She writes poetry, prose and drama and has An International Panel of Judges comprising published 23 titles to date. sixteen eminent literary personalities was Roula has received awards and distinctions for nominated after the application deadline and her literary work both in Cyprus and overseas, was dissolved after the last meeting before the including prizes for the entirety of her work and competition. for her contribution to Letters and Culture. Roula won a similar distinction at a poetry She is a regular contributor to respected literary competition in Greece, which awarded her magazines in Cyprus and abroad. compilation of narratives entitled: “Behind Her work has been published in translation in the Lines”, which tell the story of how pupils self-contained volumes or featured in foreign contributed to the Cypriot 1955-59 National anthologies and magazines. It has also been Struggle. presented on radio, television and stage. Her poetry has been set to music and released on About Roula Ioannidou Stavrou CDs. Roula Ioannidou Stavrou was born in Nicosia, Roula Ioannidou Stavrou is also an Cyprus. She studied Greek and English accomplished illustrator whose work has Literature at the University of Athens. She later received various distinctions.
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