Volume LVI, No 2, April-June 2017

CyprusTODAY Volume LVI, No 2, April-June 2017

201 202 Contents

New elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage...... 4

The Poems of Nikos S. Vrachimis...... 18

Solomos Frangoulides: The Artist – The Art Critic...... 20

20th Cyprus Contemporary Dance Festival...... 22

15th Cyprus Film Days International Festival...... 29

Tefkros Anthias and Theodosis Pierides Awards...... 32

Sender-Recipient...... 37

Images & Views of Alternative Cinema Film Festival...... 42

Belief...... 46

Once Removed...... 48

17th International Pharos Chamber Music Festival...... 50

THOC presents...... 62

Linking Continents – Bridging Cultures...... 64

Volume LVI, No 2, April-June 2017

A quarterly cultural review of the Ministry of Chief Editor: Education and Culture published and distributed by Jacqueline Agathocleous the Press and Information Office (PIO), Ministry of [email protected] Interior, Nicosia, Cyprus. GNORA COMMUNICATION CONSULTANTS (website: www.gnora.com) Tel: +357 22441922 Fax: +357 22519743 Address: Ministry of Education and Culture Editorial Assistance: Kimonos & Thoukydides Corner, 1434 Nicosia, Cyprus Chryso Demosthenous cdemosthenous@pio,moe.gov.cy Website: http://www.moec.gov.cy Press and Information Office Press and Information Office Apellis Street, 1456 Nicosia, Cyprus Design: GNORA COMMUNICATION CONSULTANTS Website: http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio Front cover: Still from Cypriot filmBoy on the Bridge, which won the Audience Award at the 15th Cyprus Film Days EDITORIAL BOARD International Festival Chairperson: Pavlos Paraskevas, Director of Cultural Services, PIO 131/2017 Ministry of Education and Culture ISSN(ONLINE) 1986-2547

The electronic editions of Cyprus Today can be found on the websites of the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture (www. moec.gov.cy/politistikes_ypiresies/) and of the Press and Information Office (www.pio.gov.cy) 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.

1 Editorial

elcome to our brand new issue of Cyprus Today, where we start off by taking a look W at the eight new registrations that have been included in the Cyprus Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO. Readers can find out all the details of the new inscriptions, which include the Karagiozis Shadow Theatre, which has entertained people of all ages for decades, the Traditional Cyprus Wedding and its amazing customs and traditions, and Fervolites Lace, and learn more about our intangible cultural heritage and its importance.

Our issue also presents the great Cypriot poet Nikos S. Vrachimis, who was killed in a car accident at the age of 47 but who left his mark on Cypriot letters as the creator of poetic works that are part of the global current of inter-war modernism. The Leventis Art Gallery pays tribute to another of the pioneering artists of the first generation of Modern Cypriot Art, with an exhibition dedicated to Solomos Frangoulidis: The Artist – The Art Critic.

A number of festivals grace this issue’s pages, including the 20th Cyprus Contemporary Dance Festival, which brought together dance performers from France, Israel, Austria, Switzerland, Japan and Spain, alongside Cypriot dancers, as well as the 15th Cyprus Film Days International Festival; the largest international film event in Cyprus dedicated exclusively to contemporary world cinema and fiction feature films.

Read on to find out about the exhibition Sender-Recipient with Cypriot artists Ioanna Kythreotou, Thekla Papadopoulou and Elena Tsigaridou, which was held at The Cyprus House in New York; or take a walk with us through internationally-acclaimed Israeli photographer Natan Dvir’s travelling outdoor photography exhibition entitled Belief, which travelled to all of the island’s towns. The exhibition was initiated by the newly- founded BPRarts Art & Cultural Management Company and co-organised by the Embassy of Israel in Cyprus.

These and plenty more for our art and culture lovers, in this issue of Cyprus Today!

2 New elements added to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Contemporary Dance Festival THOC presents…

Sender-Recipient

3 New elements added to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

ight new registrations have been included (karagiozopaiktes) who would come to the Ein the Cypriot UNESCO national list of island to perform shows, and from Cypriots who intangible cultural heritage of humanity, the learned their craft from puppeteers in Greece. Cyprus National UNESCO Committee and the Today, the few remaining karagiozopaiktes are Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education to be found in the Paphos, Limassol, Nicosia and Culture announced. The new inscriptions and Larnaca districts. include the Karagiozis Shadow Theatre, the Description Traditional Cyprus Wedding and Fervolites The first karagiozopaiktes would perform in Lace. The Representative List of the Intangible coffee shops, inns and open spaces such as Cultural Heritage of Humanity aims to provide village squares and school yards. Children greater visibility to the intangible cultural heritage in general, raise awareness of its and adults would watch and be entertained by importance and encourage dialogue in respect the plot of the shadow play, and would either of cultural diversity. pay a fixed fee or contribute whatever they wished to - or were able to give. Today the karagiozopaiktes continue this tradition, and Shadow Theatre - Karagiozis perform in festivals and fetes, as well as in The art of Karagiozis, the most popular form schools and various cultural events. Through of shadow theatre in Cyprus, made its first their performances and teaching activities, they appearance on the island in the early 20th aim to pass on the art to the new generation, in century, through Greek shadow puppeteers order for this popular art form to continue.

Shadow Theatre – Karagiozis © Christodoulos A. Pafios

The subjects of the plays are largely drawn from too, they would present many of their plays ancient Greek mythology, the Scriptures (Old in episodes. Most Cypriot karagiozopaiktes and New Testament), Greek and world history, would bring and perform published works from world literature, popular legends and traditions, Greece or purchase the scripts from bookstores local history, news and events. In older times, in Cyprus. because karagiozopaiktes would set up their A karagiozopaiktis must have his or her own stage at a coffee shop or a similar establishment workshop to make the cardboard or wood for a set amount of time - and they wanted to puppet figures, the props and set designs, and attract an audience for the following evenings have the knowledge and skills to create them

5 The “zosimo” ritual © 2015, Tolis Xepaterakis and perform a show. The skills needed include the figures. But as the figures would fray, the designing, painting, carving and cutting shadow theatre masters would paint them with the puppets, writing, acting, improvising one or more layers of wood glue. Christodoulos and directing skills, correct articulation and Antoniades Pafios would make his own glue, enunciation, musical talent to perform songs, by mixing powder with water. And by painting and good communication skills. the figures, the karagiozopaiktes became folk The shadow theatre plays are presented on a artists too. Nowadays, the figures are made white, tightly stretched screen, lit from behind mainly from coloured transparent plastic, which by a bright light. In older times karagiozopaiktes showcases their colours with more vibrancy would use acetylene, oil lamps and paraffin and they represent various heroes, such as: lamps to light up the screen, whereas today they Karagiozis: The model of the rascal, intelligent, actually use electric lamps. Besides singing scandalous, poor and hungry Greek man. Always songs during their plays, karagiozopaiktes cheerful and willing to get involved in anything. would also provide the appropriate sound He almost always ends up being beaten up. effects by clapping or slapping their hands and Aglaia: Karagiozis’ wife. She represents the using instruments and sound-making objects, character of the impoverished, bedraggled such as reeds, bells and tins. Nowadays, recorded music and sound effects are also used. Greek housewife, who is always trying to help her family. The puppet figures were initially made from hard condensed cardboard, which Kollitiria: Karagiozis’ three children - karagiozopaiktes would cut out after drawing Kollitiris, Myrikongos and Kopritis, are always the outline. In rare cases, they would also use hungry but crafty enough to ensure they always animal skin. The various decorative elements manage to find food. were added at a later stage. In order to highlight Hadjiavatis: Karagiozis’ friend and the Pasha’s the various characteristics of the figures, such town crier, who always ends up being wrapped as the eyes, karagiozopaiktes would also carve up in Karagiozis’ schemes.

6 Omorfonios: Omorfonios, meaning the pretty Alexander the Great, symbolises the intrepidity boy, is ugly; with a huge head and big nose. He and strength of the Greek nation. According is of the impression that he is handsome and to tradition, in the shadow theatre he also mocks other ugly people. He satirises the so- symbolises Saint George, who kills the snake called successful people of each era. When he and liberates the country from suffering. faces trouble, he runs to his mummy. Thirio: the cursed Ophis. He symbolises all the Sior Dionysios: A civilized and dignified fallen suffering and evils of the world. aristocrat, he wears a top hat and tails and speaks with a Zakynthian accent. Cyprus Traditional Pasha: He represents the Turkish authority and Wedding Customs the power. Dressed as a rich commander, he The customs of the traditional wedding are expresses his formality with his sombre, strict followed by people across Cyprus. Maintaining style. and transmitting these customs is mainly up Vezyropoula: Pasha’s daughter. A young spoilt to new couples, their families and friends, and girl accustomed to the easy life - she seems whether they decide to incorporate wedding to respect and obey her father. Due to her traditions and customs into their wedding day cunningness she always manages to get what celebrations. They are also kept alive by the she wants. musicians and singers of traditional music and Megas Alexandros: The King of Macedonia, other individuals who actively participate in carrying out the traditional wedding customs. Folklore societies, traditional dance groups and other cultural groups also play a very important role in keeping the tradition alive, contributing to the promotion and preservation of the wedding customs. In the past, there used to be a greater variety of wedding traditions and customs celebrated, though with the passage of time and for a variety of reasons, many have been abandoned. Today, the main customs preserved and celebrated throughout Cyprus are associated with the rites of separation, that symbolize the separation of The traditional kapnisma wedding ritual the couple to be married from their families and © 2015, Tolis Xepaterakis from their social position as less than full adults. These are: the shaving of the groom, the “dancing of the wedding clothes”, the dressing of the bride and groom, the zosimon ritual (the tying and untying of a red kerchief around the waist of the bride and groom) and the kapnisman ritual (holy smoke) for the evil eye. Also, specially linked with village weddings in the Paphos district, is the custom of preparing the traditional Resi dish, a mixture of meat and wheat. Description

Preparing the traditional Resi dish in Miliou village, The aforementioned rituals and customs take in the district of Pafos place at the childhood homes of the bride and

7 groom to be, before the wedding ceremony at pretends that he will cut the groom so the the church takes place. In the old days, the bride attendees pay him money not to. and groom were made to sit on a chair with an The “dancing of the wedding clothes”: The embroidered pillow, under which they placed a clothes of the bride and groom are placed straw mat. The best man and the maid of honour, folded on a basket, the so-called tsesto, and with all due formality, help the bride and groom covered with a red cloth. The basket is usually to get ready, which is why they are always by placed on a chair. In the old days, the priest their side. The dressing of the bride and groom would bless the clothes with the censer - a is accompanied by traditional musicians (violin metal censer suspended from chains, in which and lute players), who perform music and incense is burned – by crossing them with his songs, that describe and give instructions on the hand three times, and blowing at them in the way and procedure to carry out the ritual. shape of a crucifix. Today, the mother of the Shaving of the groom: The groom’s relatives, groom circles the clothes three times with the friends and best man gather to dress, shave and censer, above the basket. Then, accompanied adorn the groom, with the accompaniment of the by violins and songs, three women and three music and songs of the violin and lute players. men dance with the bride’s and groom’s A professional barber shaves the groom while clothes. Additional dancers can perform the the best man holds the towel and helps him. The “dancing of the wedding clothes” as long as the gathered relatives, friends and other guests, gift number of dancers remains odd. Each dancer the barber and the musicians, placing money in would first make the sign of the cross and then a plate in front of them. The atmosphere is quite pick up the basket with the clothes to dance. joyous and humorous, as attendees “compete” He/she dances three circles around the bride or among themselves to see who can “torture” groom, or around the chair on which the basket the groom more. In fact sometimes, the barber was placed.

8 of individuals must be odd and in some cases must not exceed five. They use the scarf to make the sign of the crucifix on the bride and groom’s chest or head, while in some villages the crucifix is shaped by stretching the scarf and making two cross movements in front of the chest. They then take it in turns to wrap the scarf or belt around the bride and groom’s waist three times, tying it loosely. In the old days, the scarf/belt was blessed by the village priest, or he may even have wrapped the belt around them himself. The red scarf blessing, zosimo, symbolises the couple’s purity; the untying of the scarf by the parents marked the couple’s transition from virgin life to married life, according to folk but also to byzantine sources. Furthermore, the use of the red scarf, which is held lopsided and folded in a triangular shape, refers to the red triangular fabric that was used in the medieval era to prevent evil and protect against the evil eye. Similarly, the wrapping of the scarf three times around the waist is to keep the evil eye away from the couple. At the same Fythkiotiko weaving © 2016, time, in the process there is a wish for fertility. Panayiota Koutsofta Laona Foundation The censer blessing: After the zosimo, the bride and groom are blessed with a censer to Preparing the bride and groom: In the old protect against the evil eye. The parents bless days, the best man would cross the groom and the couple by circling the censer around their dress him in the traditional clothing, which head three times. Sometimes they also sprinkle was a shirt and vraka, the wide-breeches them with rosewater. They used to smash the worn traditionally by men in Cyprus, while plate holding the censer, as well as the plate the groom’s parents would put his belt - or used to collect money for the violinist. Zostra - and purse on. The mother of the groom Preparation of the resi: Resi is a traditional would wrap a scarf around his neck. Likewise, Cyprus wedding dish. It is made from coarsely the koumera (maid of honour) dresses the ground wheat boiled in meat broth. As the bride with other women and places the veil preparation method is time-consuming, it is on her head, adorns her with jewellery and usually carried out as a ritual at weddings, with dabs her with rosewater. In the old days, the special attention to every detail. Fellow villagers father, mother and or godmother would place would help with preparing the resi in the old a tsemberi, which was the traditional women’s days, and so they would be invited to gather and headscarf of Cyprus, on the bride’s head. wash and beat the wheat. The violin would be The red scarf blessing or zosimo: The couple played from the moment the procedure began. is blessed with a red scarf or belt three times At first they used to use faoutes (wooden flails) by each parent. This is a special and sacred to beat the wheat before turning to grinding it moment, as the parents are bidding their either in a hand-made mill or the village’s olive child farewell. In certain areas, the bride and mill. The wheat would then be left out in the groom are blessed by other relatives as well, sun to dry, before the bark was removed and it grandparents, siblings, godparents. The number was taken to the village fountain to be washed.

First they boil the meat thoroughly and mash it others. Today, fythkiotika are still being created with their fingers to ensure there are no bones by the few remaining Fythkiotisses (women left in the broth. They then slowly pour in the from Fyti) who still live in the village, or who wheat and cook over a low heat overnight, so relocated after wedlock - or for other reasons it turns into porridge. The resi is cooked in - to Nicosia and Paphos. The tradition is also cauldrons and the procedure, which demands carried out by weavers trained by the Cyprus delicate handling, must always be carried out Handicraft Service. by someone experienced. Nowadays, this Description tradition is being kept alive by families mostly Even though there are no clear indications in the Paphos and Limassol districts. In fact, as to when this art was developed, according Letymbou village in Paphos has established an to Frenchman Mas Latrie, the art of weaving annual resi festival, aimed at safeguarding the was particularly prosperous during the Middle tradition as a part of our cultural heritage. Ages, mainly during the Lusignan period The abovementioned wedding traditions are (1192-1489). Later on, Elizabeth Alicia Maria practiced in all of Cyprus’ districts today, with Lewis would write with much enthusiasm variations. about these exceptional types of handicrafts in Fyti and the surrounding region in her book A Fythkiotika - Fyti weaving Lady’s impressions of Cyprus in 1893. This type of woven fabric was developed in the Fythkiotika fabrics that are weaved on a voufa, Paphos district, with the village of Fyti taking or loom, are called ploumia tis voufas and are centre-stage and being the district’s main characterised by a variety of colours. Initially weaving centre, and the village from which the colours were red and blue, as they were the the fabric took its name. Up until 1970, they only ones the weavers could get a hold of. They would also weave in the neighbouring villages were later enriched with other colours, such as of Lasa, Simou, Drymou, Drynia, Yiolou, yellow, orange and green. Stato, Houlou, Polemi, Agios Demetrianos and According to the testimonies of Charalambos

10 Mavrellis, founder of the Fyti Weaving Description: Museum, in the 1950’s Nicosia tradesman The word ‘fervolites’ originates from France, Costas Christodoulou would trade the where a similar lace is called frivolité, meaning fythkiotika by providing weavers with the something that is created with circles. This lace yarns and coloured threads so they could create can also be found, with a different structure, shape fabrics for him, such as siemedes, mantilies, and manufacturing method, in other European squares and others. countries such as Italy, Spain and England. In Creation process the medieval era, there used to be a manor in Karavas that belonged to the family of Mattheos The procedure to create fythkiotika is made Paleologos, the wife of whom came from a family up of many stages: the gathering of the of French nobles. It seems the art of fervolites lace cotton, clearing it of seeds on the apparos (gin was passed on to the Cypriot women who came machine), turning it into yarn, wrapping the yarn into contact with these nobles. With the passage with the use of an anemi and doulappi (special of time, the Cypriot fervolites lace took on its wooden hand wheel) and syrma (stretching and own character and traditional Cypriot shapes and counting of warp threads, usually done on an motifs. While in other countries they use different outside wall), the gathering of the syrma and colours and sometimes two shuttles, in Cyprus placing it on a loom. Nowadays, readymade they exclusively use the makoukoudi (refers to a thread is used, while few weavers know how to small weaving row) of 2x6cm, a needle, scissors pass the thread through the loom (they usually and bobbin thread in the colour beige or white seek the assistance of the Cyprus Handicraft (traditional). Service). In more recent times, embroiderers would make fervolites race using different colours, Fervolites Lace depending on their taste and home décor. The art of fervolites lace was mainly practiced The main motif is the flower. Another in Karavas, in the Kyrenia district as well as in commonly used motif is the small circles, neighbouring communities, such as in Kyrenia feggarka (‘moons’), which are linked together and Lapithos. After 1974, the women who used to create square, rectangular, rhombus or round to create this art were dispersed throughout formations. Cyprus and even abroad. The practice of Besides being used for dowries, fervolites lace fervolites lace-making can also be found in was also a commercial commodity. In the old Omodos, in the Limassol district. days, the women of Karavas would gather

11 together to embroidery and visit other villages to on exclusively by people from Lapithos, and sell them. In the early 20th century, embroidery particularly traditional pottery making families, sellers, kentitarides, would purchase them and who after 1974 were forced to disperse around sell them on. The kentitarides would visit the Cyprus and open their workshops elsewhere. best embroiderers at their home regularly and Description: purchase sets of napkins, usually one big, six The glazed pottery of Lapithos was established medium-sized and six small. When tourism under the common name aleifta pottery of started to develop, fervolites lace was very sought after, particularly in Kyrenia. Lapithos or lapithkiotika aleifta. It is the only watertight kind of pottery, which can only be Today, a great effort is being made by all of found in Lapithos, as opposed to the porous Karavas’ organised bodies to keep the art of pottery that can be found in the rest of Cyprus. fervolites alive, despite the displacement of the Depending on their use, they had various community. Within this context, exhibitions names: mpotis (jug), to store and serve drinking and lectures are held, and the art of fervolites is water and wine; kourellos (vase or urn) to store regularly taught by experienced embroiderers products such as lentils, olives in their salt water, from Karavas. halloumi cheese and more. The mpotis had a handle, while the kourellos mostly had two, Glazed Pottery of Lapithos while in some cases it had three. The kouppa The art of glazed pottery, which originates (bowl) and plate were for everyday use and from Byzantium, first appeared in Paphos and came in different sizes. Other objects include Lapithos in the 14th century AD. In Lapithos the fizes (in various sizes, used to store various it is still going strong, while in Paphos it foods, sugar, salt, sweets, yoghurt, pickles etc.) lasted for less than a century. It also briefly Yoghurt would be sold in aleiftes fizes, the so- appeared in the Engomi area of Famagusta. called kkesedes or kkiasedes. Fruit bowls and The art of glazed pottery nowadays is carried decorative vases were also very popular.

Glazed pottery of Lapithos © Neoptolemos Kotsapas Archive

The raw material for pottery was - and making. Oriental potters, excellent craftsmen continues to this day to be - clay, which in the and foremen settled down and worked in case of Lapithos pottery must be of very good Lapithos, bringing with them the secrets of quality, free of foreign matter, sticky and fine. their art, which they gradually passed on to This type of clay, which can only be found in the local craftsmen they cooperated with. This Lapithos, was named kouliastos, from the way cooperation had a very positive outcome for it is processed. local potters, as the oriental potters came from In the early 20th century, during World War renowned ceramic factories in their country I and the period after that, the descent of the and were extremely skilled in their art. On their Asia Minor craftsmen proved an important arrival in Lapithos, the oriental potters initially landmark in the history of Lapithos pottery worked at the famous pottery shop of Costas

Christodoulakis, which besides producing Traditional Red Clay Pottery pottery, started training new potters. Traditional red clay pottery was used to create The art of pottery is deeply rooted in Lapithos red clay pots, intended for use as cooking and inseparably linked to the inhabitants. Some utensils and as a means to transport, preserve craftsmen would add the capacity “Potter” and store food. The pots are entirely handmade, after their signature on their creations, as it was with the main tool being the low and slow pedal considered a special honour. The Koupparis wheel on which the clay is placed and the pots family took its surname from its predecessors; are formed. The red colour of the pots comes potters specialising in the creation of kouppes from the clay, which is made from local red soil (bowls) and plates, while there are many more such examples. mixed with water. The art of glazed pottery is passed on to this The art of red clay pottery was practiced mainly day from the older generations of experienced by women in the mountainous Troodos region – potters from Lapithos, who teach at their particularly Agios Demetrios Marathasas, Phini workshops. The production of pottery continues and Kaminaria – as well as Kornos, Klirou, in the traditional way, with the exception that Vikla and Klonari. It survives to this day by the baking takes place in electric ovens and the being passed on from one generation to the clay is imported from abroad. The number of next by the “mastorisses” potters and generous female potters has reduced significantly. efforts of local organisations.

14 Traditional red clay pottery in Agios Demetrios into the pots they were creating, so they could To create pottery in Agios Demetrios, they used be distinctive. The types of pottery they would to use local raw materials, hence the colour create included cooking utensils (pots and plates), and quality of the pots. They would get the soil pittoplakes (trays to bake pie), beehives, censers, from the Petsouna and Moni areas. They would flower pots and small decorative pots. Today, they beat it with a mallet in the workshop, before mainly create decorative urns, censers, kouzes sifting it and fermenting it with water. They (small pitchers) and small koumnes (for milk). would use the soil from both locations (half and The furnaces in which the pottery was made half), as one was clayey and the other sandy. were cylindrical and open on top. Between The combination of the two ensured success in the bottom part (fire chamber) and the top creating the pot. The pots were created in back part, where they would place the pots to be yards, on a special wheel that was created by baked, there was a separating rack. Each the potters themselves. The wheel was wooden, neighbourhood had its own furnace, which the low, foot-powered and slow-moving. By potters would use together, helping each other spinning the wheel with their foot, the potters out. The pottery would be baked at 800 degrees had their hands free to model the pot. and take on a reddish colour. Proper baking The decoration of the pots was simple, dotted, demanded know-how and experience. Today, incised or engraved and was made with small the Cyprus Handicraft Service is responsible pieces of wood. The same decoration of linear for baking the pottery. Baking in a modern oven designs continues until today. It is worth noting allows the pottery to take on a uniform, reddish that certain potters would carve their initials colour, without any black marks that would

Traditional potter - mastorissa Christinou posing in front of a furnace Traditional potter - mastorissa Mrs Polyxeni © Agios Demetrios Traditional Pottery Museum Gloria London © Agios Demetrios Traditional Pottery Museum Gloria London

15 often appear when baked in a furnace with wheel made from wood, which is mounted wood. In parallel with the workshops offered on a poll in a way that allows it to spin. They by the Agios Demetrios Traditional Pottery would carve various shapes on it (i.e. squares) Museum to train potters, an effort is being and then spin it around the pot. This decorating made to re-operate the traditional wood furnace method is no longer used today. in the village, to bring back the traditional way Today, once the decorating is over, the pots of baking pottery with wood (kaminiasma). are baked in modern ovens operating on gas or Traditional red clay pottery in Kornos electricity. In the old days, the pots were baked in The creation of red clay pottery in Kornos is furnaces for ten to twelve hours. As opposed to done entirely by hand, with the main instrument the furnaces in Agios Demetrios and Kaminaria, being the low, slow-turning, foot-powered which are cylindrical and open on top, the wheel. Pottery from Kornos has a simple Kornos furnaces look more like those found in design, which is limited to a few decorative the rest of the island. They have a domed shape strips that adorn the pots, a little below the and on their facade they have a high-rise door. neck, which are carved using a comb. Three During baking, the Kornos furnace’s door would techniques were applied for the decoration: be sealed shut with pieces of broken pottery. Stikti (punctate): a piece of comb is used to The pottery that is produced in Kornos varies in press down on the pot’s surface, as it is being size and shape, depending on its use: pitharia spun on the wheel. This achieves linear designs. (jugs used to create the soup trachanas; they Furthermore, a splinter of wood or matchstick is were also used to store wine and water), used to create small superficial cavities / holes. pitharouthkia (pots to cook meat), kouzes Anaglyfi (embossed): the potter creates by (medium-shaped pots with necks, used to serve hand various types of birds, which it places water), cooking utensils that were big and in the belly of the pot. She designs embossed open. Besides the traditional pottery, which has decorations on the lip of the pot or around it. survived the passage of time and is still being Trochoti (circular): it is a small cylindrical made, pottery created today has more decorative

16 concerned for each element are processed by an expert Committee, in close collaboration with communities, groups of bearers, individuals concerned, research institutes and other stakeholders concerned. Inscription of elements on the National Inventory is based on the following principles: 1. The element constitutes intangible cultural heritage as defined in Article 2 of the Convention: 1.1 Belongs to one or more of the following domains: (a) oral traditions and expressions; (b) performing arts; (c) social practices, rituals and festive events; (d) knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe; (e) traditional craftsmanship 1.2 The element is transmitted from generation to generation and is constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their Vatta (water pot) © 2016, Demetris Anastasiou interaction with nature and their history, and provides them with a sense of identity and continuity, thus promoting respect for and aesthetic value, rather than practical. cultural diversity and human creativity. Even though the growth is slow, because the 1.3 The element is compatible with existing mastorisses tend to use the methods they were international human rights instruments, as taught by previous generations, pottery is well as with the requirements of mutual definitely evolving. Today, new types of pots respect among communities, groups and are created, adjusted to modern day demands, individuals, and of sustainable development. such as fruit bowls, vases, mini jugs etc. 2. Inscription of the element will contribute to ensuring visibility and awareness of the List of Intangible significance of the intangible cultural heritage, Cultural Heritage and to encouraging dialogue, thus reflecting cultural diversity worldwide and testifying to A first Register of elements of the ICH of human creativity. Cyprus was created by experts at the Cyprus Research Centre on the basis of the Centre’s 3. Safeguarding measures are elaborated that Oral Tradition Archive. The register was may protect and promote the element. published in 2012 with the title: Elements of the 4. The nomination files were prepared with the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Cyprus. widest possible participation of communities Further to this Register, the Cyprus National (local authorities, practitioners, cultural Commission for UNESCO, under the Ministry organisations, other NGOs), with their free, of Education and Culture, has launched an open prior and informed consent. call for proposals to communities and NGOs in The National Inventory of Intangible Cultural 2015, in order to establish a National Inventory Heritage is updated every year, with the of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Cyprus. The addition of new elements and the updating of nomination files submitted by communities existing entries.

17 The Poems of Nikos S. Vrachimis

he Cultural Services of the Ministry of the book Nikos S. Vrachimis, Poems Found by TEducation and Culture in cooperation with Rina Katselli, while actors Manolis Michaelides Theatro ENA organised a special event in Nicosia and Erika Begieti read out some of his poems. on 8 May 2017, to commemorate the much-loved The event was attended by Nikos Vrachimis’ Cypriot prose-writer Nikos S. Vrachimis, under grandchildren and other members of his family the title The Poems of Nikos S. Vrachimis. who now reside in Athens. Nikos Vrachimis holds a special place in the world of Cypriot letters. He is the creator of poetic works that are part of the global current of inter-war About Nikos S. Vrachimis modernism. Through his work, which continues to Nikos S. Vrachimis was born in Famagusta in be topical to this day, one can easily distinguish the 1914 and was killed in a car accident when he was existential anxiety and the search of man as well as 47 years old, in 1961. His novel O Agnostos (The the pioneering osmosis between poetic monologue Unknown Man), his short stories and poems are and philosophical prose. His authenticity lies in the considered a landmark for Cypriot letters of the fact that he processes historical realities and draws 20th century. He was ahead of his times, enriching inspiration both from the field of literature as well Cypriot literature by seeking and employing new as from the field of international politics and war, expressive means, producing work that Rina with the aftermath of the then war being evident in Katselli describes in her book as: “…one-of-a- his work and poetics. kind; an authentic, odd, agonising cry amidst the During the event, writer Costas Vasiliou presented chaos”.

18 Nikos S. Vrachimis, Poems Found introduction, written by Lefteris Papaleontiou. In his introductory note in Rina Katselli’s book In 2011, fifty years since his death, the Cultrual Nikos S. Vrachimis, Poems Found, the Director Services cooperated with Theatro ENA, which of the Cultural Services of the Ministry of presented the novel O Agnostos on 2 October 2011, Education and Culture, Pavlos Paraskevas, in a dramatization by N.S. Vrachimi’s nephew, said: “The period between the two world wars Andreas Christodoulides. It is worth noting that was particularly fertile for the flourishing of the show’s programme incorporated the first draft our literature and intellectual life in general of his biography, which was prepared by Rina and it created the foundations upon which our Katselli. contemporary literary physiognomy was built. In 2013, Rina Katselli and Chrysopolitissa Nikos S. Vrachimis was among the artists who Publications published the book Nikos S. appeared during this period, a very special and Vrachimis, Reading his life through his uncovered particular case, whose untimely passing – at the works. The book sheds light, in depth and with age of just 47 (1914-1961) – was perhaps one of exhaustive detail, over his life course and how this the reasons why his work and contribution were impacted on his literary creation. not met with the appreciation they deserved. With this present publication, which has Today, 100 years since his birth, we have been been funded by his family’s members and brought closer to his work thanks to the substantive Chrysopolitissa Publications, N.S. Vrachimis’ efforts that have been made by the State, but also poetic is made available to us. The poet of writer and researcher Rina Katselli, which led to Jerusalem, with three collections under his belt the encoding of his literary work and an analytical – Eldorado (1934), Metaptoseis (Transitions) review of his life through his uncovered work. (1939) and Apospasmata (Extracts) (1941) – the In 1997, the Cultural Services published the introvert and melancholy man, who explored the book O Agnostos kai alla afigimata (The subconscious like no other of his contemporaries, Unknown man and other short stories), which perhaps the most important originator of new gathered all his prose work (seventeen stories in poetic trends of the Interwar period, can now gain total), accompanied by an extensive and in-depth the place that he deserves.”

19 Solomos Frangoulides: The Artist – The Art Critic

Temporary exhibition with works by Cypriot artist Solomos Frangoulides

he Leventis Art Gallery is paying tribute many samples of his script can be found at the Tto one of the pioneering artists of the exhibition. The exhibition’s curators managed first generation of Modern Cypriot Art in the to collect a multitude of articles by Solomos exhibition Solomos Frangoulidis: The Artist Frangoulides, which he regularly had published – The Art Critic, which opened on 9 May and in Haravgi newspaper and the Nea Epochi will run until 4 September 2017 in the Claude (New Era) magazine, and which turned out Monet Hall. to be an intriguing source of information on The exhibition, which was opened by the Cyprus’ art world of that era. The museographic Director of the Cultural Services of the Ministry approach and the choice of works and texts of Education and Culture, Pavlos Paraskevas, by Frangoulides help the visitor approach showcases a number of Frangoulides’ art the objectives of this innovative exhibition at reviews, which he wrote for local newspapers, the A.G. Leventis Gallery’s CoCo-Centre of along with a number of his artistic works. The Creative Occupation, while also contributing to gallery said it aims to present the art scene of carving out new routes towards understanding the 1930s as a whole. the work of Frangoulides, through the prism of The artist has offered a lot of material and his era.

20 The exhibition was coordinated by the Gallery’s Fine Arts in Athens from 1924 to 1930. He Director, Loukia Loizou Hadjigavriel. The returned to Cyprus for two years and in 1934 curators were Dr Eleni S. Nikita and Katerina went back to Athens, where he worked as a Stephanidou. The museographic design was designer. From 1947 until his death in 1981, curated by architect Nayia Savvidou, while the artist returned to his homeland and worked the graphic design was taken care of by on Byzantine-Italian type of icon-painting, and Appios Communications. Special educational painted portable icons for various churches on programmes and lectures are running in parallel the island. with the exhibition. He had a number of solo exhibitions in Greece, Cyprus and Britain. He also participated in About the artist many group exhibitions, including one for Solomos Frangoulides was born in Pano Zodia the Commonwealth Institute under the name in 1902 and studied at the Higher School of Exhibition of Cypriot Art in 1970.

21 20th Cyprus Contemporary Dance Festival

he 20th Cyprus Contemporary Dance Contemporary Dance Festival has given the TFestival took place on 11-27 June 2017 audience the opportunity to view innovative and brought together dance performers from contemporary dance performers from all over France, Israel, Austria, Switzerland, Japan Europe, as well as Cypriot dance groups. and Spain, alongside Cypriot dancers, who Throughout the years, the Festival’s audience presented their work in Nicosia, Limassol and has become more accepting of new ideas Pafos - for the first time. and experimentation and has acquired higher The Cyprus Contemporary Dance Festival is one standards. of the most successful state festivals aiming to This year the audience had the opportunity to raise public awareness regarding contemporary enjoy one performance in Nicosia, at the Pallas dance in Europe, and is co-organised by the Theatre, four in Limassol, at the Rialto Theatre, Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and two in Pafos, at Attikon Open Air Theatre and Culture and the RIALTO Theatre with the - the performances in Pafos were part of the collaboration of foreign Embassies in Cyprus. programme for the Pafos Cultural Capital of Since 1998, every June, the Cyprus Europe 2017.

Alexandra Waierstall, ANNNA

22 Cyprus opens the Festival emerge. In each choreographic approach, place and time are undefined and the here and now is The participation of Cyprus was the opening generated between vague hints of the future and performance of the Festival at the Pallas Theatre the bodily presence of the dancer. in Nicosia, on the 11 June. The two dance groups that performed were selected by the selection Alexandra Waierstall is a graduate of ArteZ committee of the Cyprus Contemporary Dance Arnhem (The Netherlands), where she received Platform and foreign representatives that attend her master’s degree in Choreography. She has the Dance Platform (Cypriot choreographers received numerous choreographic awards in present to the public their creative work and both Cyprus and Germany, including the 2013 Most Promising Artist award from the City of choreography in the field of modern dance) that Düsseldorf. Alexandra’s choreographic work has takes place every year in March. been selected and supported by networks such as Alexandra Waierstall, ANNNA (20’) Aerowaves, Modul dance, IDEE - Initiatives in Concept, Choreography, Creation: Alexandra Dance through European Exchange and Chin-A- Waierstall moves. In 2012, Alexandra was a finalist for the Performer: Anna Pehrsson Rolex Mentor and Protége Award. She presented Sound Design: Hauschka her choreographic works in Europe, Canada, Artistic Collaborator: Marianna Christofidou Brazil, Korea and China. Between 2014-2016, Lighting Design: Panayiotis Manousis Alexandra Waierstall was a Factory Artist at the In ANNNA Alexandra Waierstall creates a Tanzhaus NRW in Düsseldorf, Germany. physical landscape where movement is weaved Elenana Alexandrou, 10’ (10’) like a long breath through ever changing Choreography, Text: Eleana Alexandrou relations of sound and silence, fast shape Performers: Fotis Nikolaou, Eleana Alexandrou shifting movements and stillness, where Advisor: Eva Korae various, yet never definite spaces and images, Sound Design and Performance: Panos Bartzis

23 Lighting Design: Aleksandar Jotovic France The work 10’ was made for the 2017 Cyprus Centre Chorégraphique National de La Contemporary Dance Platform and was Rochelle / Cie ACCRORAB, The Roots (90’) presented in March 2017. “As it was the first Artistic Director, Choreographer: Kader Attou time I participated as a choreographer, I had Cast: Babacar “Bouba” Cissé, Bruce Chiefare, ten minutes. Ten minutes is all I have today as Virgile Dagneaux, Erwan Godard, Mabrouk well. I will do my best to communicate, within Gouicem,Adrien Goulinet, Kevin Mischel, this timeframe, my sense of alertness about the times we currently live in, as well as my need Artem Orlov, Mehdi Ouachek, Nabil Ouelhadj, to enter into a dialogue with the organisers Maxime Vicente of institutions such as the Platform and other Scenography: Olivier Borne dance and choreography festivals. I have a lot Creation of the Original Painting: Ludmila Volf of questions about my role as an artist and the Original Sound Creation: Régis Baillet- role of art in general.” Diaphane, Along With Additional Music Lighting: Fabrice Crouzet Eleana Alexandrou obtained the DasArts Costume Design: Nadia Genez Master of Theatre from the Amsterdam School Production: CCN De La Rochelle/Poitou- of Arts in 2016. In 2009 she completed her BA in Dance and Choreography at Bath Spa Charentes, Kader Attou/Cie Accrorap University, UK. She has been working as a Co-Producers: La Coursive-Scène Nationale performer since 2004 and making her own De La Rochelle/ Ma Scène Nationale - Pays De work since 2011. She presented her work at Montbéliard the Open House Festival of Dance House The eleven dancers that are the bearers of The Lemesos, the Athens Festival, the Come Roots, together with the choreographer, form a Together Festival of Amsterdam and the sort of chorus from which individuals emerge, B.Motion of Operaestate in Italy. each one as interesting as the next one, as each

France, Centre Chorégraphique National de La Rochelle - Japan, Motoko Hirayama, Emi Toko, Oreka TX, Cie ACCRORAB, The Roots Hybrid* K

24 Fotis Nikolaou, Elenana Alexandrou, 10’ Austria, Liquid Loft, Candy’s Camouflage of them has his own style, his own physique Israel and his own technical specificities. The Roots Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, is a dance for tomorrow, where relationships Horses in the sky (60’) between men (the show is all masculine) find a new way of being together without harming Choreography, Stage & Lighting Design: Rami each other and, if possible, with enjoyment. Be’er Music: Faultline, J. Carpenter’s, A. Thersi, S. Today’s hip hop creative works convey an image of French culture throughout the world. Kader Endersen & C. Wallumrod & H. Sten, A. Desplat, Attou, Director of the CCN of La Rochelle and Bjork, F. Buttons, Krieg Und Frieden, Thee artistic director/dancer/choreographer of the Silver Mt. Zion, O. Arnalds & A.S. Ott, Blonde Accrorap dance company, can claim to be an Redhead,D. Labrosse & I. Mori & M. Tetreault, integral part of this new dance scene. He has Elvis Presley, P. Jeck, Kid Koala, Primus, The enriched and re-tuned his dance through the Knife, Murcof, E. Karaindrou, Micachu & The alchemy of hip hop, circus arts, contemporary Shapes & London Sinfonietta, O. Yoshihide dance and visual arts. From the local to the Sound Editing: Rami Be’er, Alex Claude international scene, his works have travelled Costume Design: Rami Be’er, Lilach Hatzbani around the world. His works include: Les corps Rehearsal Director: Nitza Gombo étrangers (2006), Petites histoires.com (2008), Dancers: Shani Cohen, David Ben Shimon, Trio (?) (2010), Symfonia Piésni Załosnych Martin Harriague, Su Jeong Kim, Hagar Shachal, (2010), The Roots (2013) Un break à Mozart Niv Elbaz, Rony Ben Simon, Ilya Nikurov, (2014), OPUS 14 (2014) and Un break à Mozart Megan Doheny, Anastasia Cheshun, Jin Hwan 1.1 (2016). Seok, Shelly Lemel, May Asor, Albert Galindo, The Centre Chorégraphique National de Lea Bessoudo, Nat Wilson, Jungwoon Jung La Rochelle et du Poitou-Charentes / Cie Artistic Director: Rami Be’er Accrorap - Direction Kader Attou is funded by Executive Director: Amira Teomi the Ministry of Culture and Communication - Founder: Yehudit Arnon (1926-2013) Regional District DRAC Aquitaine - Limousin International Director: Yoni Avital - Poitou-Charentes, the Regional Council of Technical Director: Diego Fernandez Nouvelle - Aquitaine,the Municipality of La Sound & Lighting: Lior Cohen Rochelle and the Institut Français for several Performance Manager: Zadok Zemach international tours within the framework of Wardrobe: Ofra Sharon Heimann exchange programmes. A space of movement in constant change. With The Support of Châteauvallon Centre Empty spaces, splashes of colour, moments of National De Création Et De Diffusion convergence. Landscape, a glance, a touch. A Culturelles. whiff of remembrance in time and space. Horses

25 in the Sky premiered at the Sydney Opera House Austria in the Fall of 2016 before embarking on an Liquid Loft, Candy’s Camouflage (65’) international tour. Choreography, Artistic Direction: Chris Haring Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company Dance, Performer: Stephanie Cumming, (KCDC) is widely identified with the Katharina Meves, Karin Pauer work of Artistic Director Rami Be’er Composition, Sound Design: Andreas Berger whose exclusive and unique choreographic Light Design, Scenography: Thomas Jelinek character has become the company’s Costumes: Julia Cepp trademark both in Israel and abroad. With Theory: Stefan Grissemann its technically strong and physically eclectic Rehearsals Assistance: Luke Baio cast of dancers and its dynamic sensibility, Texts: By the Performers KCDC characterizes Israeli dance at its best. KCDC was founded in 1973 by the late Stage Management: Roman Harrer Yehudit Arnon who laid the foundation for Videodocumentation: Michael Loizenbauer today’s thriving International Dance Village, International Distribution: Line Rousseau, the heart and home of the company, which Marion Gauvent, A Propic comprises of a total of nearly 80 Israeli and Production Management: Marlies Pucher international dancers. These dancers make The Imploding Portraits Inevitable-Series, up KCDC’s Main Company, KCDC’s Second which began with Shiny, Shiny... and False Company and KCDC’s 5-month & 10-month Colored Eyes, continues with Candy’s international study abroad dance programme Camouflage. Projections of the feminine – Dance Journey. KCDC also hosts an annual or what one may take for it – are called up; Summer Intensive for both international and deceptive stereotypes and fragile clichés are Israeli dancers, as well as year-round courses. put to the endurance tests they deserve. In

Israel, Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, Horses in the sky

26 Fotis Nikolaou, Elenana Alexandrou, 10’ Spain, Kukai Dance Company, Roots

Candy’s Camouflage the colourful frenzy of Music Dramaturgy: Petra Ronner the previous pieces dissolves into the black and External Advisor: Zoé Kilchenmann white of Film Noir. What remains are the tools Sound: Silvio Buchmeier of camouflage and deception, which provide the Light: Eric William Sauge possibility to create a new self again and again. Production Management: Nicole Friedman, The piece is an ode to weird and messiness, to Tanztotal the controlled chaos of grimaces and erupting Production: Egli_Items, Zürich dance. Co-Production: Zürich Tanzt 2016 The Austrian choreographer Chris Haring Subsidies and Sponsoring: Swiss Arts Council, worked with choreographers and companies Pro Helvetia, Kultur Stadt Zürich, Fachstelle such as DV8 Physical Theatre (London), Kultur Kanton Zürich, Migros-Kulturprozent, Nikolais/Luis Dance Cie (USA), man act (GB), Ernst Göhner Stiftung Nigel Charnock (GB), pilottanz et.al. One of As if being a string trio, the performers step the main influences of his performances, such on stage with their bodyinstruments, sit down, as Fremdkörper (Best Performance at Biennale arrange scores, wait for silence. Ready: an de La Danse in Lyon 2004) is science fiction almost soundless concert begins, a play of and the human body as a cybernetic landscape. bodies following partitions. In the beginning, Since 2005, he is artistic director of Liquid Loft. plays the legendary Bacchanale by John Cage In 2010 Chris Haring received the “Outstanding -seen, but not heard: withOut!- By playing Artists Award” for performingarts from the without musicians, a direct link and visible Austrian Federal Ministry of Arts (BMUKK). connection from architecture of music to the Liquid Loft is supported by: MA7 Kulturabteilung dancing body is created, aiming to achieve der Stadt Wien (Cultural Department of the City movement being watched as music is listened of Vienna) and BKA Bundeskanzleramt Kunst to at a concert. & Kultur (Austrian Federal Chancellery Arts & Philipp Egli has initiated, elaborated and Culture). choreographed numerous works, has created dance in various spaces, counting nearly 60 Switzerland choreographies until today. After having worked as a dancer with Cie. Philippe Saire and ROSAS Egli_items, withOut- a ConcerDance for (Anne Teresa De Keersmaecker) in Brussels, in three bodies (65’) 1995 he founded his own company MOLTeNi in Concept and Choreography: Philipp Egli Zurich. Philipp Egli is leading the dance company Dancers: Azusa Nishimura, Samuel Delvaux, of Theater St. Gallen and, from 2000-2009, the Philipp Egli theatre’s dance school. In 2010 he founded Technique and Dance: Christina Bauer his label egli_items aiming to further promote

27 experimental, contemporary dance, having the Performing Arts Award for Life Casting and won objective to design and create unusual, original both The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, choreography with a main focus on movement. Science and Technology’s Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists and the Takaya Eguchi Japan Award for The Rite of Spring in 2009. Motoko leads the Japanese dance scene, continues to Motoko Hirayama, Emi Toko, Oreka TX, seek new ground without losing her adventurous, Hybrid* K (60’) pioneering and open-minded spirit. Director, Choreographer, Dancer: Motoko Hirayama Dancers: Barabbas Okuyama, Kotaro Mizushima Spain Singer: Emi Toko, Fukiko Goukon Kukai Dance Company, Roots (70’) Music: Oreka Tx Choreographer: Jon Maya Musicians: Harkaitz Martinez De San Vicente Artistic Direction: Jon Maya, Igor Otxoa Urriza, Mikel Ugarte, Jean Michel Ducau- Musical Direction: Harkaitz Mtez. De San Lucart, Juan Jose Ochandorena, Inigo Eguia Vicente Stage Director: Dai Shibasaki Dancers: Jon Maya, Urko Mitxelena, Nerea Stage Director Assistant: Aiko Oguro Vesga, Alain Maya, Izar Aizpuru, Beñat Salegi Sound Engineer: Mikel Fernandez Krutzaga Musicians: Harkaitz Mtez. De San Vicente, Technical Director: Yutaka Endo Mikel Ugarte, Mixel Ducau, Iñigo Egia, Juanjo Lighting Designer: Noriyuki Mori Otxandorena Lighting Operator: Carlos Solano Lighting Designer: Carlos Solano Production Management: Igor Otxoa, Hitomi Sound Engineer: Mikel F. Krutzaga Tsuchida Costume Design: Ana Turrillas Supported By: Japan Foundation, Art Council Production: Igor Otxoa, Nerea Ganzarain, Tokyo, Eu Japan Fest Nagore Martinez Produced By: European Capital of Culture- The piece aims to show the roots of the Basque Pafos 2017 and Npo Alfalfa culture, but with its branches open to the world The piece explores the moment of emerging and innovation. Dancers and musicians will new species by crossbreeding, unlike ordinary fuse together dance and music, understanding collaboration between different cultures. that there is music in the dance itself and that Baraba Okuyama, a Butoh dancer (former playing music is dancing too. member of Dairakudakan), Kotaro Mizushima, KUKAI Dance Company and Oreka TX music a contemporary dancer, and Motoko Hirayama band are international, multiawarded Basque show a fantasy in which an organic body companies with their roots in the Basque culture, generates its acceptance and repulsion by rhythm and dance, reinventing and re-reading hybridization with the Basque rhythmical them in a contemporary way. The KUKAI sound by Oreka TX and the melodious Ainu Dance Company director and choreographer, song by Emi Toko and Fukiko Goukon. This Jon Maya, has managed to create an original new project was part of the Donostia - San Sebastian style which is recognisable on the international European Capital of Culture 2016 programme, scene. Among other awards, the company has and is being reworked by choreographer received the Max Award for Performing Arts Motoko Hirayama especially for Pafos2017. (the most important performing arts award in Motoko Hirayama started out as a dancer Spain) for the production HNUY ILLA. He has renowned for controlling both tranquillity and merged his art with well-known choreographers, uplift. In 2006, Motoko’s solo piece of classical such as Cesc Gelabert, Israel Galván, La intrusa ballet Revelation was produced at Bolshoi Danza (Damián Muñoz and Virginia García), Ballet. She is the 2008 recipient of the Asahi and Jone San Martín (Forsythe Ballet).

28 15th Cyprus Film Days International Festival

he 15th Cyprus Film Days International yet another successful festival. Next on stage T Festival, the largest international film came the representative of the Student Jury of event in Cyprus dedicated exclusively to the University of Nicosia, Maria Larkin, who contemporary world cinema and fiction feature announced that the Student Jury Award winner films, came to an end on 6 May 2017 with the is the film Harmonia, by Ori Sivan. annual award ceremony at Rialto Theatre, in The five- member International Jury consisting Limassol. of world renowned cinematographer Phil The ceremony began with the presentation Méheux ΒSC (Jury President), from the UK, of short films and stop motion animations Massimo Lechi, film and theatre critic from created by the children who participated in Italy FIPRESCI member, Renars Vimba, last film workshops in the framework of Cyprus year’s winner of the Best Director Award at Film Days for Children and Youth. Elena Cyprus Film Days, from Latvia, Greek actress Christodoulidou, Senior Offficer at the Cultural Evangelia Andreadaki and Cypriot producer, Services of the Ministry of Education and scriptwriter and director Kyriacos Tofarides, Culture, and Rialto Theatre Chief Executive awarded in a past festival edition, announced George G. Papageorgiou handed out diplomas this year’s winners. to the participants. Directors David Hands and On behalf of the Jury, Phil Meheux said that, Andreas Kyriakou were the artistic committee “choosing just one film for an award amongst for the children and youth programme this year. such a rich collection can be very challenging The Artistic Committee of the Festival, Dr especially by a jury comprising several film Costas Constantides, director Tonia Mishiali makers who are only too aware of the emotional and director–producer Marios Stylianou and physical effort that goes into getting a film thanked the organisers and the sponsors for on the screen”.

Rosemarie

29 The awards Jury award went to Indivisible by Edoardo De Angelis. The award was accompanied by the Best Film Award sum of €3,000. The award was handed out by For its masterful and nuanced tragic-comic the President of the Board of the Rialto Theatre, portrayal of a man torn between art and reality, Kikis Kazamias to the Honorary Consul of Italy the Best Film award went to Rosemarie by in Cyprus, Andreas Zenonos who received the Adonis Florides. The award was accompanied award on behalf of the filmmakers. by the sum of €6,000. The award was handed Indivisible, 100’ (2016), Italy, Directed out to the director by the Head of the Cultural by: Edoardo De Angelis Services of the Ministry of Education and Two conjoined twins and singers manage to Culture, Pavlos Paraskevas. support their entire family on what they earn Rosemarie, 112’ (2017), Cyprus, directed by from their performances. All is well until they Adonis Florides discover they can be separated. A burned out soap opera writer turns his gaze upon his dysfunctional neighbours, but gets Best Director Award more than the inspiration he bargained for. In the presence of the director For the bleak and unsettling depiction of human beings who are prisoners of a corrupt society, and for the daring and stark mise-en-scene, the award for Special Jury Prize Best Director went to Ralitza Petrova for Godless. For the director’s original visual approach to The award was accompanied by the sum of storytelling which combines anthropology and €1,000 and post production mastering services surrealism, and for the memorable performances worth €3,500, offered by Greek company by Angela and Marianna Fontana the Special Authorwave. The prize was handed to the

Godless Boy on the Bridge

Suntan

30 Harmonia, by Ori Sivan

Indivisible

Bulgarian Ambassador in Cyprus, Christo viewers, was won by Cypriot film Boy on the Georgiev, by Ioanna Soultani from Authorwave Bridge, directed by Petros Charalambous. The Hellas. award was accompanied by the sum of €1,000. Pavlos Paraskevas, Director of the Cultural Special Mentions Services of the Ministry of Education and Indivisible for its soundtrack by Enzo Avitabile Culture, thanked the organisers, guests and Makis Papademetriou for his performance in Festival jury for the success of this year’s Suntan by Argyris Papadimitropoulos festival and congratulated the winners, stating Elli Tringou for her performance in Suntan by that “Cypriot films not only get made but they Argyris Papadimitropoulos also get awarded both in Cyprus and abroad”. Audience Award Τhe 16th edition of Cyprus Film Days will take The Audience Award, as voted by the Festival place in Spring 2018.

31 Tefkros Anthias and Theodosis Pierides Cultural Contribution Awards

Annual award by the AKEL Central Committee

he Central Committee of the Cyprus University of Russia, where he served as a TProgressive Party of Working People (AKEL) Council member for three years. decided to hand this year’s Tefkros Anthias and Besides his literary creations, Antis Kanakis Theodosis Pierides Cultural Contribution Awards has also been an active member of the island’s to acclaimed Cypriot artists Antis Kanakis and political scene, with a significant socio-political Valentinos Charalambous. contribution. He was the secretary of EDON Famagusta from Antis Kanakis, a national literary treasure 1973 until 1976, before serving as Secretary of trade union PEO’s Central Education Offfice Acclaimed artist Antis Kanakis, literary and then a member of its Executive Offfice from pseudonym for Andreas Koukoumas, was born 1976 until 2006. From this position he gave a in the occupied village of Angastina in the series of lectures on the labour movement in Famagusta district in 1946. Cyprus and abroad. He reached second grade at Famagusta In 1986, he was elected the first Mayor of Gymnasium and after completing his military Latsia, a post he served for five years, up service, he studied historical sciences at until 1991 when he was elected MP for the the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship Famagusta district for the AKEL party.

Andreas Koukoumas (Antis Kanakis)

32 Andreas Koukoumas (Antis Kanakis), Andros Kyprianou and Valentinos Charalambous

He has also been a member of the AKEL loansharking in Cyprus over the 1930s-1950s Central Committee for thirty years. and were adapted into a Cypriot television show He was President of the Industrial Disputes in 1996 under the title To Violi (The violin). Tribunals for 10 years, member of the Human His poems and short stories have been Resource Development Authority’s Board, published in Cypriot and Greek magazines the Tertiary Education Committee, the THOC and newspapers, while many are included in board and other boards and committees of a anthologies, school collections and also the social, educational and cultural character. Cyprus Pedagogical Institute syllabus. Andreas Koukoumas became interested in Antis Kanakis has also stood out for his massive literature from his school years. His first poems contribution to the effort to bring youths closer and short stories were published in Haravgi to literature and especially poetry, making over newspaper in 1962. 400 visits to schools across Cyprus. In 1963 and under the pseudonym Antis His poems and short stories have been translated Kanakis, he published poems and short stories into eleven different languages and have been in Haravgi, Neolaia and Nea Epochi, as well published in foreign magazines, newspapers as other magazines and newspapers. He has and anthologies. also published studies, chronicles, political Articles on the Cypriot tragedy of the 1974 and literary articles, art and theatre reviews in invasion by Turkey were written and published various magazines and newspapers. based on his poems, by Cypriot, Greek and Until this day, he has published fourteen poetry foreign journalists, as well as Bulgarian and collections, an anthology of poetry in Greek Russian authors. and English, a study into the work of poet Antis Kanakis’ work has been reviewed by a Nâzım Hikmet, the collection of short stories vast number of literary critics, authors and I Riza (The root), four of which referred to journalists, who have written over 40 reviews,

33 features and articles in various newspapers and of the war that he himself experienced, his magazines. unwavering desire to return to his homeland, He was awarded in 1977 for his poetry the peaceful coexistence of Greek Cypriots and collection Mnimi kai Syneidisi (Memory and Turkish Cypriots before and after the invasion, Conscience). the battles of the workers, and love in all its expressions, are the prevailing elements of his Tireless and with inexhaustible talent, Antis poetic inspiration and creation. Kanakis continues to contribute to literary creation, particularly to poetry but also culture Antis Kanakis’ poems have left their mark on in general. Cypriot poetry. The poet has provided a wealth of valuable work and he continues to do so unabatingly. Reasoning behind Antis Kanakis’ award It is for this longstanding and remarkable Antis Kanakis is one of the most important contribution to literary creation and culture in contemporary poets of Cypriot letters, who general that the Tefkros Anthias and Theodosis has deposited vast and significant literary and Pierides Cultural Contribution Award Committee poetic work to Cypriot literature. of the AKEL Central Committee decided to award He has been fighting with his pen for over 40 him with this honorary distinction for 2017. years. He speaks to the people, sharpens their memory and considers the life of people and the country of supreme value. His interest in The valuable contribution public affairs, topical and global, is expressed of potter Valentinos Charalambous in multiple ways and on multiple levels in Antis Valentinos Charalambous, one of Cyprus’ most Kanakis’ poetry, impressively and intuitively important potters of international acclaim, was capturing the historical and social climate, born in Famagusta in 1929. His father, Mastro- while at the same time praising the universal Christos, was a well-known traditional potter. humanistic values. However, Valentinos’ involvement with the Antis Kanakis’ poetry penetrates the subject clay oven was limited, as his parents wanted a of many topical and time-related problems. better future for their children. But that early His social sensitivity, endless love for the morning sound of clay kneading and the clay human and his divided country, the tragedy oven’s fragrant smoke, fused with the aromas that people experienced in 1974, the horrors of the citrus trees and the murmur of the sea

34 Valentinos Charalambous AKEL General Secretary Andros Kyprianou are life experiences for Valentinos that remain He exhibited his work for the first time in engraved in his memory to this day. Cyprus in February 1952. On 1 October 1957 So when he graduated from the gymnasium, where he left Cyprus after being invited by the he excelled in all lessons and won along with Iraqi Education Ministry to found a pottery Panayiotis Sergis the school literature award, as well department at the Institute of Fine Arts in as awards and distinctions for his participation in Baghdad. He was selected thanks to his sporting events; despite the ambitious expectations diploma, which he acquired with distinction. of his school and social environment that he would His initial plan was to spend a year doing this; follow sport and literature, his desire was to follow but he ended up staying in Iraq for thirty whole studies in pottery. years. Later, in 1960, he was assigned the The power of clay steered him towards studies creation of a similar department at the Tahrir in London in 1948, during a politically diffficult Girls’ College, again in Baghdad, and in 1967 he era. He enrolled in and studied at the Central became a member of the newly-established Fine School of Arts and Crafts in London, where his Arts Academy at Baghdad University, where he initiation to pottery and its practices became a was appointed the head professor of the pottery reality. In 1951 he graduated from the School department. All those years he was surrounded with honours, which was rare in those days. But by far-reaching, renowned artists. This interaction he didn’t stop there. He went on to work with and exchange of knowledge and artistic reflection the great potter and teacher Bernard Leach, who further enriched his skills and led him to the heart taught him about the philosophy, aesthetic and of his art. history of the East. He spent years working and Iraq turned out to be an endless source of researching, which were to define his course as inspiration for the artist; the engraved murals, the an artistic potter. colours and the shapes inspired mainly by the In 1952, Valentinos Charalambous returned to inexhaustible folk art of the country that had so Cyprus. He worked alongside his father at his warmly welcomed him; and engraved murals are a pottery studio, to help pay towards the debt from large part of Valentinos Charalambous’ work today. his studies. There he started creating traditional The artist was repatriated in 1985 and chose kouzes (small pitchers), vases, ashtrays and Limassol as his home base, where he opened other objects to sell to tourists. his workshop to create as well as teach. At the same time, he worked on his own In 1986 he cooperated with the Authority for creations, a marriage of traditional work, his Industrial Training to examine the prospects studies and his evolvement. Kouzes from the for reviving and promoting the art of Pottery hands of Valentinos Charalambous are elevated in Cyprus. However, almost all of his proposals from just pitchers to a work of art. and suggestions, as the artist himself reveals,

35 remained on paper. Reasoning behind Valentinos Charalambous’ In 1988 he was appointed at the Cultural award Services of the Ministry of Education and Artist and potter Valentinos Charalambous is by Culture in Cyprus, where he was in charge of general admission one of the most remarkable Cyprus-Arabic Relations; a very fitting post contemporary Cypriot artists, who has served given his excellent knowledge of the Arabic the art of pottery with dedication and unique culture and language. He gave it his all, aiming zeal, and who seals modern Cypriot artistic to improve ties and exchanges with the Arabic creation with his creative and inspired work. countries, but above all to open new horizons A forerunner of contemporary Cypriot art, along for Cyprus’ cultural scene. He organised art with other great artists such as Adamantios exhibitions in Cyprus showcasing the works of Diamantis and Telemachos Kanthos, the master artists from Syria, Kuwait, the UAE, Baghdad potter has gifted our country with outstanding and Egypt. His presence was and remains innovative work. strong and adored among the artists, poets and In his dynamic and progressive course, he intellectuals of the Arabic world. worked the clay with love and mastery, giving In October 1990, the Cyprus-Egypt Cultural his works a body, spirit and soul, offering Association was founded on his initiative, under pioneering creations, striking bowls, shapely the name Nicos Nicolaides. In that same year, he sculptures and harmonic engraved murals. was honoured by the state for his contribution For his contribution to contemporary art and to contemporary art. In 2008, he received the his longstanding, endless and remarkable Award for Excellence in Letters and Arts. contribution to artistic creation and generally Valentinos Charalambous is an artist of culture, the Tefkros Anthias and Theodosis international scope and has received many and Pierides Cultural Contribution Award significant distinctions abroad, including being Committee of the AKEL Central Committee distinguished by the International Biographical decided to award him with this honorary Centre of Cambridge, England, as an outstanding distinction for 2017. personality of art and pottery, as well as for his contribution to Creative Pottery. He was AKEL General Secretary Andros Kyprianou also honoured by the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters for his contribution “By giving these awards, we would like to to the art of pottery. He has presented a number congratulate and thank first and foremost the of solo and group exhibitions, including in honourees themselves, but also the people of London, Athens, Baghdad and Cairo. the letters and arts of our country in general,” said the General Secretary of AKEL, Andros Large scale works of the artist can be found Kyprianou. “People who work without in the reception area of Larnaka International interruption under a truly diffficult framework, Airport, the KEO offfices in Limassol, the to push society forward, even by just one Offficers Club in Baghdad and a number of step.” He added, “If one was to take a trip to Cyprus hotels. His work has been reviewed a bookstore one would unfortunately see very in magazines of London, Paris, Athens and few people. The same applies if one visits the Cyprus, while references have been made to premiere of a remarkable play or the opening his work by Georgios Seferis, John Lehrrman, of an art exhibition. But if one counted how Manos Kralis, Jabra Ibrahim and Athena many pairs of eyes wait every night to gobble Tarousli, among others. up the various types of trash on the television, Today artist Valentinos Charalambous splits his one would be surprised,” said Kyprianou. “The time between Limassol and Kapedes, where he Left has a role and duty to stand up to this works tirelessly on his pottery, as his energy situation. To showcase the cultural values and and inspiration levels remain unabated. raise society’s cultural level.”

36 Sender-Recipient

Cypriots artists take New York

ith the exhibition Sender-Recipient, the surface of her canvas, compiles a memory WCypriot artists Ioanna Kythreotou, Thekla of her creative process and transcends the Papadopoulou and Elena Tsigaridou presented work with the element of a floor mirror. their new body of work at The Cyprus House in Elena Tsigaridou reveals a personal narrative New York from 21 June until 28 July 2017. The through a still–life, with thistles as her vanitas exhibition was part of a residency programme symbol. The exhibition title resonates as the at the Cyprus Consulate, through which the three artists act both as senders and recipients. three artists were invited by curator Marina The sender–artist becomes the work, which Christodoulidou, to interact with three artists independently represents its own concept to based in New York and with whom they bear the viewer–recipient. Based on this thought, common features in their artistic practice, so as the dialogue in the book questions: What is to generate an exchange platform. With this said, the relevance of the artist’s intention, when the the residency was two-fold. On the one hand work stands independent as the sole means of was the exhibition, and on the other was the communication with the beholder? communication and interaction with their artistic The exhibition was held under the auspices of collaborators on location. For the exhibition, a the Consul General of Cyprus in New York, book edited by the curator, with a text in a dialogue Vasilis Philippou, with the support of the format between architect Georgios Makridis and Loukia & Michael Zampelas Art Museum in Marina Christodoulidou, was published. Nicosia. The publication was made possible Ioanna Kythreotou, inspired by remnants with the financial support of Paradisiotis Ltd, based on archival material, creates plasmatic in their interest of supporting culture and this landscapes. Thekla Papadopoulou, by layering exhibition.

37 About Elena Tsigaridou Elena Tsigaridou obtained a BA with Distinction in Fine Art and Painting, Academia di Belle Arti di Urbino, Italy. She has been the Art Director of the Creative Workshop Ispirazione in Athienou, Larnaca, since 2003, as well as an Art and Design Teacher at the American Academy Private School in Larnaca since 2007. She has taken part in a series of solo and group exhibitions from 2001 until present, including: Summer Breeze group exhibition at Diatopos, Nicosia (2017); World Art Dubai group exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai (2017 and 2016); Group exhibition at the foundation of Telemachos Kanthos, Nicosia (2016); Group exhibition, Kypriaki Gonia, Larnaca (2016); Art Souq group exhibition at the Etihad Modern Art Gallery, Abu Dhabi (2016); Seven Stories-Lace and Modern Art group exhibition at Kallinikeio Municipal Elena Tsigaridou Museum of Athienou (2016); silent auction for charity at Skali Aglantzias, Nicosia (2016); exhibition, Arte Contemporanea, Gallery ‘La Opposites group exhibition at the Larnaca Pigna’, Palazzo del Vicariato, Rome, Italy Municipal Gallery, Larnaca (2016); Circles (2002); Group exhibition, Lettere e Caffe, made up of cubes solo exhibition at Kypriaki Rome, Italy (2001). Gonia Gallery, Larnaca (2015); Golden Elena Tsigaridou’s paintings are held in Thread group exhibition at Collection Gallery, numerous private and corporate collections Nicosia (2015); Group exhibition at the throughout Cyprus, Brussels and Italy, Akamantis Conference & Exhibition Center, including the Frissiras Museum in Athens, Nicosia(2015); Group exhibition, ‘Four Towns the Cypriot State Gallery and the Kallinikeio of Cyprus’ 120 years of Ephorate Greek Schools, Municipal Museum of Athienou. E.KA.TE building, Nicosia (2015); Group exhibition, 50 years EKATE, Evagoras Lanitis She won the first painting award for Kanthos’ exhibition Center, Limassol (2014); Group Art Competition, 2016. exhibition, Change and Exchange, Omikron For more information: elenatsigaridou.com Gallery, Nicosia (2014); Group exhibition, Contemporary Artists, Apothikes Gallery, About Ioanna Kythreotou Larnaca (2013); Group exhibition, Cheap Art Limassol, Penintaplinena Gallery, Limassol Ioanna Kythreotou was born in Larnaca in (2013); Four-person Exhibition, 4/4, Peter’s 1984. She studied in the UK and returned to Gallery, Limassol (2012); Group Exhibition, Cyprus with a BA degree in Fine Arts from the Europe-Larnaca, Municipal Art Gallery, University of Sunderland and a MA degree in Larnaca (2012); Four-person exhibition, Painting from the University of Wolverhampton. Witnesses, Kypriaki Gonia Gallery (2012); She lives in Larnaca where she works as an art Group exhibition, Cyprus Olympic Committee, teacher at the American Academy Larnaca. Nicosia (2011); Three-person exhibition, She has participated in various solo and group European Parliament, Brussels (2006); Group exhibitions in Cyprus.

38 These include: World Art Dubai group Gonia Gallery, Larnaca (2014); RotarArt group exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, exhibition at Aigaia School of Art and Design, Dubai (2017); 9th Annual Exhibition of young Nicosia (2014); Change and Exchange group Cypriot artists 2016 group exhibition at the exhibition at Omikron Gallery, Nicosia (2014); Akamantis Conference Center, Nicosia (2016); Art and Photography exhibition by secondary Ancient Kition and the Modern World of Larnaka education teachers group exhibition at the group exhibition at the Visitors’ Centre of the Art centre for secondary education in Nicosia Archaeological Site of Kition, Larnaca (2016); (2014); Affordable Art group exhibition at Peri Tales of dystopian grandeur solo exhibition at Technis, Larnaca (2013); Not a day without a Apocalypse Gallery, Nicosia (2016); Group line group exhibition at Larnaca Municipal exhibition, 50 years EKATE, Famagusta Gate, Gallery (2013); Cheap Art Larnaca group Nicosia (2014); Kypriaki Gonia (20 Year Exhibition at Kypriaki Gonia Gallery and Anniversary) group exhibition at Kypriaki Cheap Art Limassol 2013 group exhibition

Ioanna Kythreotou

39 (Left to right) Cypriot businessman Nikos Mouyiaris, Curator Marina Christodoulidou, Elena Tsigaridou, Thekla Papadopoulou, Ioanna Kythreotou and Nicos Nicolaou at CFO at Mana Products at Penintaplinena Art Gallery; Witnesses 2 “Posing a range of possibilities to shape the group exhibition at Peter’s Gallery, Limassol viewer’s consciousness, the paintings of Ioanna (2012); Project Art: Larnaca – Europe 2012 Kythreotou reconstruct and interpret scenes group exhibition at Larnaca Municipal Gallery of vigilance”. –Marina Chrystodoulidou (Art (2012); Witnesses group exhibition at Kypriaki Historian) - 2016 Gonia Gallery (2012); Chromatopoiites group For more information: ioannakythreotou.com exhibition at Aspelia Gallery in Larnaca (2009); 2nd and 3rd Annual Exhibition of young Cypriot artists 2009 group exhibition at Akamantis About Thekla Papadopoulou Conference Center; Ready Images group Thekla Papadopoulou was born in Limassol in exhibition at Heliotropion Gallery, Larnaca 1978 and lives in Larnaca, Cyprus. (2008). In 1997 she graduated from the American “The theme of interiors including covered Academy Larnaca and was admitted to the markets, abandoned warehouses and solitary Academy of Fine Arts “Raffaello” of Urbino, rooms is now prevalent in Ioanna Kythreotou’s Italy, where she followed a four-year program recent work. A profound sense of loneliness of study in Contemporary Art and Painting. and desolate beauty haunts these paintings due She graduated in 2002 with distinction. She in part to the absence of the human presence now lives in Larnaca where she works as an art and also to Kythreotou’s consummate skill with teacher at American Academy Larnaca. colour and a soft-focus technique that imbues She has taken part in a number of solo and group the subject with a shimmering ethereal light”. exhibitions, including: Colour Fields group –John Warren (Artist) - 2012 exhibition at Gallery Skoufa, Mykonos, Greece

40 (2017); Summer Breeze group exhibition at Athens (2013); group exhibition Not a single the Centre of Contemporary Art Diatopos, day without a line, Municipal Art Gallery, Nicosia (2017); Paradise group exhibition at Larnaca (2013); Mode of Expression group Gallery Skoufa, Mykonos, Greece (2016); To exhibition at Iliotropio Gallery, Larnaca Sum Degree group exhibition at The HUD (2005); Equilibrio group exhibition, Group Gallery, Ventura, USA (2016); Fragments Cerchio, Atelier di Pittura, Larnaca (2004). solo exhibition at Apocalypse Gallery, Nicosia Online representation: Emerging Artists, 5 (2016); International juried competition and Pieces Gallery, Bern, Switzerland (2016). exhibition Art Takes Manhattan “Extended Thekla Papadopoulou was commissioned in Consciousness”, at the Caelum Gallery 2012-2013 to create 350 paintings, mixed in New York, USA (2016), which saw the media on canvas (40cm x 30 cm), for Faros selection and participation of 20 artists from Hotel in Ayia Napa, Cyprus. She was also countries around the world; International commissioned in 2012 to create 15 large scale juried competition and exhibition Donkey Art paintings (mixed media on canvas), by Eos Prize 3, Dubai International Art Center, Dubai Trust Ltd, Nicosia. (2015); International juried group exhibition Contemporary Painting, The Brick Lane Her work is exhibited at the Municipal Art Gallery, London, UK (2014); group exhibition Gallery of Larnaca, Cyprus and the Municipality 20x30x50 at Cultural Foundation ARTOS, of Larnaca. Paintings are also held in numerous Nicosia (2014); Mindscapes solo exhibition at private and corporate collections throughout Kypriaki Gonia Gallery (2013); international Cyprus, Greece, Italy and the United Kingdom. juried exhibition Cheapart 19 Athens, CAMP, For more information: thekla-papadopoulou.com

Thekla Papadopoulou Vistors included Vasilis Philippou, Consul-General of the Republic of Cyprus (third from left)

41 Images & Views of Alternative Cinema Film Festival

mages and Views of Alternative Cinema the old town centre of Nicosia. IFilm Festival took place on 14-20 June 2017, This year’s programme showcased a number bringing its alternative content to audiences in of important films, created by various directors Cyprus, and showcasing the vast possibilities deriving from different cultural backgrounds, and boundaries of the cinematic medium. historic and social life experiences. All of the The Festival is an initiative of the Cultural films attempted to show – via the immersive Services of the Ministry of Education and viewpoints of their directors – the dilemmas of Culture in collaboration with Brave New the societies and eras that produced them. Culture. Like in past editions, the Festival’s aim was Being the only festival of its kind on the island, to build a discussion and lecture forum to IVAC presented a programme defined by a search complement the screenings, while attempting for non-narrative forms of cinematic expression to bring together film professionals, critics and and the indulgence of the viewer in a world that film theorists, artists, art lovers and friends of is born out of twists and experimentation. alternative cinema. The screenings took place at Book Club The 2017 edition showcased the following Yfantourgeio, close to Faneromeni Square in programmes:

Curator Chriustopher Zimmermann presenting the Dutch film programme Dutch it Yourself

42 Actress Michelle Valley presenting Nicos Nicolaides’s film Morning Patrol

Nicos Nicolaides, The Raging Balkan most important influences were independent Nicos Nicolaides created chaotic stories of American cinema, in particular film noir, Rock multiple symbolic layers, in an atmosphere of n’ Roll culture and anti-establishment ideology. damned works. Fantasy, grotesque, violence, All of these formed his original signature. romance and black humour constitute his The following four films by this important cinematic universe. There live the characters Greek director were screened: of his films. Babies in adult bodies, amongst - Singapore Sling (1990) emotional and social dead-ends that at the - Morning Patrol (1987) same time mock with a nihilistic joy, while - Sweet Bunch (1983) walking towards their natural death, the biggest expression of their personal self-determination. - Euridice BA 2037 (1975) Nicolaides’ cinema would not compromise with Research and presentation by Neilos Iacovou, the traditional theories of “Hellenism” and his Director and Programme Curator

43 Nicos Nicolaides, The Raging Balkan D.I.Y. [Dutch It Yourself] Experimental Cinema in The Netherlands In collaboration with the EYE Filmmuseum Netherlands, D.I.Y. [Dutch It Yourself]— Experimental Film in The Netherlands embarks on a ‘road trip’ or ‘bicycle tour’ through the eclectic landscapes of Dutch experimental cinema. The Do-It-Yourself attitude, elevated by the Dutch experimental filmmakers to a way of being, has resulted in a wide array of radically liberating approaches to the moving image and to an unshakeable commitment to the art of experimentation. The two programs in Dutch It Yourself open complementary journeys (of the body in motion in Perpetuum Mobile and of the mind and subjectivity in Mindscapes) through this fragmented, yet fierce Dutch scene and its history. The IVAC curators were joined by Simona Monizza (Curator, EYE Filmmuseum) to introduce the programs and engage in discussions after the screenings. All films were selected from the EYE’s Film Archives. Research and presentation by Christopher Zimmerman and Pascal Richard, Programme Curators

44 Seijun Suzuki: Creating Art out of Absurdity Research and presentation by Doros Demetriou, The Images and Views of Alternative Film historian and Programme Curator Cinema Festival (IVAC) presented four cult Phanos Kyriacou: Digital Οccurrences masterpieces by Seijun Suzuki, one of the most Visual artist Phanos Kyriacou, a multidimensional radical Japanese filmmakers and one of the creator amongst the most representative of his protagonists of the country’s New Wave. Tokyo time, with an important career in Cyprus and Drifter (1966), Branded to Kill (1967), Gate abroad, participated in the festival with three of Flesh (1964) and Youth of the Beast (1963) video documentations made in 2011 and 2012. are prominent samples of Suzuki’s diverse Presentation by Doros Demetriou, Film Historian filmography, as they highlight the combination and Christopher Zimmerman, Art Critic of absurdity and high art, and the presentation of A series of parallel events sociopolitical comments through the extremity Like every year, the programmes were accompanied in theme and image, that characterised his work. by a series of short lectures and specialist At the same time, they stress, in the best way discussions, while Q&A sessions followed each possible, Suzuki’s influence on contemporary screening. Entry was free. For more information, filmmakers, like Takeshi Kitano and Takashi visit the festival’s Facebook page: Images & Views Miike, Quentin Tarantino and Jim Jarmusch. of Alternative Cinema Film Festival

Frans Zwartjes Film II, 1967, Perpetuum Mobile

Barbara Meter, Song for Four Hands, 1970, Mindscapes

Seijun Suzuki

45 Belief

Outdoor Photography Exhibition by Natan Dvir

nternationally-acclaimed Israeli photographer belief may also provoke hatred, separation and INatan Dvir presented his travelling outdoor aggressiveness. photography exhibition entitled Belief from In the artist’s own words, “The information May through to July 2017 in all of the revolution has shortened distances between island’s towns. The exhibition was initiated people, enabling interactions never before by the newly-founded BPRarts Art & Cultural possible. Yet, even in these exciting times, Management Company and co-organised by belief continues to be one of the basic, most the Embassy of Israel in Cyprus. significant and profound factors defining and The exhibition captures what belief looks like. shaping individuals and societies alike.” It is still one of the basic, most significant In this exhibition Dvir depicts Israel in the and profound factors defining and shaping light of the long and complex history of individuals and societies alike. No matter its social and ethnic pluralities. Holy sites where you come from or your cultural situated throughout Israel are what make this background, we all lean on belief to provide us physically small country very important for with a sense of community, belonging, safety Jews, Christians, Muslims and many other and understanding. But it also has a flip side; religious groups.

46 With his photographic eye, Dvir explores the focuses on the human aspects of cultural, various ways in which cultural communities social and political issues. Based in New York practice their beliefs, the places their beliefs City, Dvir photographs around the world and take them to and the scenes in which they take is represented by Polaris Images photo agency place with his photography. His fascination with and Anastasia Photo gallery. the extreme situations people reach in defence His work has been published by leading of their beliefs is also shown in these images, international magazines including among which were not merely taken to document an others The New York Times, Newsweek, Wall event but rather to promote self-reflection, Street Journal, Der Spiegel, Stern, Focus, The since the viewers can relate to the images on a Times, Daily Mail, Paris Match, Le Monde, more universal level. and Le Figaro. The exhibition in Limassol ran until 15 May; He enjoys international recognition and has been it then moved to Nicosia from 16 May until 4 awarded prizes which include the Picture of the June, before arriving in Larnaca from 9 June Year (POYi), PDN Photo Annual, American until 27 June and lastly in Pafos from 1 until 12 July. Photography, International Photography Award (IPA), New York Photography Festival Award, Critical Mass top 50, Black & White Spider Short biography of the photographer: Award, and the Picture of the Year Award in the Natan Dvir is an Israeli photographer who Israeli press.

47 Once Removed

Exhibition by Gideon Rubin

he Pharos Arts Foundation presented a is as if his selected characters are entrenched in Tpainting exhibition by artist Gideon Rubin multiple histories or are unrecoverable in the on 17 May – 5 July 2017, at the Pharos Centre here and now. And as such, the artist asks what it for Contemporary Art in Nicosia. means to paint and to transplant people and objects Gideon Rubin asks what it means to be a into his selected medium. In bringing paintings contemporary painter by using anonymous representational possibilities and its self-reflective photographs, often from the turn of the century. qualities within reach of each other, Gideon Rubin He then selects characters and scenes which he asks the viewer to consider the act of painting and conveys onto canvas or linen. Through the use of its legacy. broad brushstrokes and a muted palette, the figures “Though firmly ensconced in the 21st century, and landscapes are often abstracted, details are Gideon Rubin is unquestionably a painter effaced and scenes move in and out of the picture of history. His is a complex and multivalent plane. The surfaces of the paintings reveal strata of history, one that draws in equal measure on previous paintings or are scraped back to reveal the the past and the present, the known and the canvas beneath. In other instances, Rubin leaves unknowable, the personal and the universal. entire areas of canvas untouched so that they It is shaped by chance, by place, by family, become integral parts of the work whilst drawing by beauty, by the masters who came before; attention to the paintings support. Embedded formed by his childhood in Israel, global within layers of paint or receding from view, it travels, studies at the School of Visual Arts in

48 New York and the Slade School in London, the Man at Galerie Karsten Greve, Paris (2013), galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Measured Distance at ROKEBY, London and and the Prado, and the pages of the Daily Mail Brief Encounters at Galerie Karsten Greve, and Hello! magazine.” Cologne (2012). Painting History by Sarah Suzuki Selected group exhibitions include The Reading Room Rokeby Gallery, London, Words Without About Gideon Rubin Letters at Alon Segev Gallery, Tel Aviv (2015), Nourish at Napa Valley Museum, CA (2015), Born in 1973, Gideon Rubin is an Israeli artist and Facelook at Tel Aviv Museum of Art (2011). based in London. He received his BFA from School of Visual Arts in New York and MFA Gideon Rubin was the recipient of the from Slade School of Art in London. ‘Shifting Foundation’ grant in 2014 and Outset residency programme, Tel Aviv in 2013. New He has had numerous international solo exhibitions, most recently Memory goes as far monograph on Gideon’s work was published as this morning at Chengdu MOCA, Herzliya by Art / Books Publishers in July 2015. He is Museum of Contemporary Art, and San Jose represented by Galerie Karsten Greve (Paris, Institute of Contemporary Art (2015/16), Cologne, St Moritz), ROKEBY (London), Questions of Forgiveness at Galerie Karsten Hosfelt Gallery (San Franscisco) and Alon Greve, Paris (2016), Delivering Newspaper at Segev Gallery (Tel Aviv). Rokeby Gallery, London (2015), On the Road For more information: www.pharosartsfoundation. at Hosfelt Gallery San Francisco and Last Year’s org and www.pharosart.org

49 17th International Pharos Chamber Music Festival

15-20 June at Royal Manor House in Kouklia

fter an impressive start with two amazing and bold energy of his performances and his Aconcerts in Nicosia, the 17th International extraordinary mastery in exploring stylistically Pharos Chamber Music Festival moved to the diverse repertoire. Babayan was the first ancient village of Kouklia in Palaipaphos to host pianist from the former USSR who was able to some of the world’s greatest musicians for six compete without government sponsorship after concerts, between 15 and 20 June 2017. The the collapse of the system, and immediately concerts took place at Royal Manor House, one after his first trip outside of the USSR, he of the finest surviving monuments of Frankish won consecutive first prizes in several major architecture on the island, which is transformed international competitions including the by the Festival into a first class concert venue to Cleveland International Piano Competition, present an unparalleled array of chamber works. the Hamamatsu Piano Competition and the Busoni International Piano Competition. The Festival also featured one of the most musically The 2017 edition dynamic and technically gifted performers of the The Festival hosted one of the most renowned new generation of pianists, the Gold Medallist Russian pianists, Sergei Babayan, acclaimed of the 2013 Van Cliburn International Piano for the immediacy, sensitivity and depth of his Competition, Vadym Kholodenko, who is interpretations, the rare emotional intensity internationally recognised for his powerful and

Vadym Kholodenko

50 Diemut Poppen exhilarating performances. Alongside them, and awarded the Sacem Georges Enesco Prize. the Festival was thrilled to present the return It also included violinist Clara-Jumi Kang, visit of the amazing Yevgeny Sudbin, hailed prize winner in several major competitions, and by The Telegraph as ‘potentially one of the violist Jennifer Stumm, recognised as one of greatest pianists of the 21st century’ and by the the world’s dynamic and creative advocates for International Record Review as ‘one of the most her instrument, whose TED talk “The Imperfect important pianistic talents of our time’. Instrument” was named editor’s pick of all talks Besides the Festival’s regular guests – on ted.com. distinguished cellist and artistic director of the The 17th International Pharos Chamber Music Festival Alexander Chaushian, Russian violinist Festival also welcomed the return visits of Boris Brovtsyn, violinists Levon Chilingirian French cellist Marc Coppey, who was discovered and Monika Urbonaite, violists Diemut Poppen by Lord Yehudi Menuhin at a very early age and and David Abrahamyan, and cellist Tim Park – this year’s Festival also hosted for the first time who is nowadays considered one of the leading the violinist Alena Baeva, who is fast emerging cellists in the world, the renowned Italian flutist as one of the finest violinists of her generation Massimo Mercelli, who is the dedicatee of having already carved out an impressive career numerous works by some of the most important working as a soloist with some of the world’s contemporary composers, and the newly most important orchestras, as well as one of the founded Cyprus Guitar Trio, which comprises most engaging French violinists of our times – three renowned classical guitarists from Cyprus Nicolas Dautricourt, who was voted “Classical – Vasilios Avraam, George Christofi and Discovery of the Year” at the Midem in Cannes Socrates Leptos.

51 Yevgeny Sudbin Boris Brovtsyn

Sergei Babayan / piano Concert Hall in St Petersburg, Tchaikovsky Claimed for the immediacy, sensitivity and Conservatory Bolshoi Zal in Moscow, depth of his interpretations, the rare emotional Philharmonic Hall in Warsaw, and countless intensity and bold energy of his performances others. Sergei Babayan has appeared with and his extraordinary mastery in exploring many major orchestras throughout the world stylistically diverse repertoire, Sergei including the Cleveland Orchestra, Detroit Babayan is one of the most renowned names Symphony Orchestra, and he has collaborated of the great Russian piano school. Student with such conductors as Valery Gergiev, Yuri of such legendary musicians and teachers as Temirkanov, Michael Christi. In 2006, Sergei Gornostayeva, Naumov, Pletnev and Vlasenko Babayan was invited by Valery Gergiev to in the Moscow Conservatory, he was, however, perform the Lutoslawsky piano concerto in the not permitted to leave the country and be free to XIV International Festival “Stars of the White compete and study in the West. He was the first Nights” in St. Petersburg with the orchestra of pianist from the former USSR who was able Mariinsky Theatre: the performance was highly to compete without government sponsorship praised in major Russian publications and was after the collapse of the system. Immediately enthusiastically received by the audience. after his first trip outside of the USSR, he Many other invitations came from Gergiev, won consecutive first prizes in several major to perform Prokofiev‘s Third Piano Concerto international competitions including the in his Easter Festival, in London Barbican in Cleveland International Piano Competition, the 2010 with the LSO, and again in St Petersburg Hamamatsu Piano Competition and the Busoni with the Mariinsky Orchestra in 2011 playing International Piano Competition. He has given Mozart and the Rachmaninov Third Piano recitals in important venues, among them concerto. In 2015, Babayan performed two Carnegie Hall in New York, Wigmore Hall Prokofiev concertos at BBC Proms with Valery in London, Salle Gaveau in Paris, Mariinsky Gergiev and London Symphony Orchestra.

52 Vadym Kholodenko / piano Gergiev, Leonard Slatkin, Yuri Bashmet, and Vadym Kholodenko is fast building a reputation Vladimir Spivakov. Kholodenko has appeared as one of the most musically dynamic and with some of the world’s leading orchestras technically gifted performers of the new including Philadelphia Orchestra, Rochester generation of pianists. Gold Medallist of the Philharmonic, Indianapolis Symphony, BBC Fourteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Norwegian Competition, in 2013, Kholodenko captured Radio Orchestra, Orquesta Nacional de España. the attention of jury, audience, and critics His first recording for Harmonia Mundi was alike for powerful, exhilarating performances released in 2013, featuring Stravinsky’s Trois that “showed the guts of a true super-artist” mouvements de Petrouchka and the complete (San Francisco Classical Voice). Also taking Liszt Transcendental Etudes. In 2015, he home prizes for Best Performance of the released the Grieg Piano Concerto and the Saint- Piano Quintet and Best Performance of the Saëns Piano Concerto No.2 with the Norwegian Commissioned Work, he further demonstrated Radio Orchestra under the baton of Miguel his artistry with a stunning cadenza in Mozart’s Harth-Bedoya, which was awarded “Editor’s Concerto No.21 in C major, K.467 – which Choice” in Gramophone and was identified he composed himself on the plane to the as “a truly outstanding recording”. His latest Competition. Since then, Kholodenko has release for the label – the first instalment of his continued to build an international reputation Prokofiev Concerto Cycle (Nos 2 & 5) – was for interpretations that are impeccable, tasteful praised by Gramophone for its “forthright, lithe and vibrant. Kholodenko has collaborated with ad virile performances”. The rest of the cycle is distinguished conductors including Valery planned for release later in 2017.

Alena Baeva

53 Yevfgeny Sudbin / piano such as New Zealand Symphony, Australian Yevgeny Sudbin has been hailed by The Telegraph Chamber Orchestra, , BBC Philharmonic and as ‘potentially one of the greatest pianists of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. His performance 21st century’. As BIS Records’ only exclusive of Rachmaninov’s Concerto No.1 at the BBC artist, all of Yevgeny’s recordings have met with Proms in the Royal Albert Hall was described critical acclaim and are regularly featured as by The Telegraph as ‘sublime.’ Yevgeny has CD of the Month by BBC Music Magazine or collaborated with some of the world’s most Editor’s Choice by Gramophone. His Scriabin influential conductors, such as Neeme Järvi, recording was awarded CD of the Year by The Charles Dutoit, Osmo Vänskä, and Vassily Telegraph and received the MIDEM Classical Sinaisky. Award for Best Solo Instrument Recording at Cannes. It was described by Gramophone as ‘a Boris Brovtsyn / violin disc in a million’ while the International Record Review stated that Yevgeny’s Rachmaninov Boris Brovtsyn studied at the Moscow recording ‘confirms him as one of the most Tchaikovsky Conservatory and became a important pianistic talents of our time’. Yevgeny laureate of international competitions, such as performs regularly in many of the world’s Georg Kulenkampf (1994, Cologne), Transnet finest venues and concert series, both in recital (1996, Pretoria) and Yehudi Menuhin (1998). and with orchestra, including Tonhalle Zurich; In 2001 he was a finalist at the Queen Elizabeth Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall Violin Competition and won the 2001 Reuters (International Piano Series) and Wigmore Hall Prize. The following year he won the Tibor Varga (London Pianoforte Series) in London; and International Violin Competition. In 1998, Davies Symphony Hall (San Francisco). Recent Brovtsyn made his UK debut with the BBC engagements and tours have included orchestras Philharmonic conducted by Rumon Gamba. As

Nicolas Dautricourt Alexander Chaushian

54 Christian Westergaard Clara-Jumi Kang a soloist, Boris Brovtsyn has collaborated with conductors such as Valery Gergiev, Vladimir artists such as Yuri Bashmet, Gerd Albrecht, Jurowski, Krzysztof Penderecki, Sir Neville Yan Pascal Tortelier, and Arvo Volmer to Marriner, Vladimir Fedoseyev, Paavo Berglund, name but a few, and appeared with Orchestre Kazuki Yamada, Sakari Oramo and Pablo Heras- Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, Orchestre Casado. Her chamber music partners have Philharmonique de Strasbourg, Orchestre included Martha Argerich, Yuri Bashmet, Steven National de Belgique, BBC Philharmonic, and Isserlis, Nikolai Lugansky, Misha Maisky, Utah Symphony Orchestra. He has performed and Vadym Kholodenko, with whom she has at Verbier Festival, Lugano Festival, Edinburgh established a 10-year long musical partnership. Festival, and in the “George Enescu” Festival Alena Baeva is a graduate of the Moscow State among others. As a soloist, Boris has worked Tchaikovsky Conservatoire where she studied with Sir Neville Marriner, Yuri Bashmet, Gerd between 2002 and 2007. In 2003 she was invited Albrecht, Marek Janowski, Alain Lombard and by Mstislav Rostropovich to study in France Arvo Volmer to name but a few. where she attended classes by Boris Garlitsky and since 2007 she has participated in Seiji Ozawa’s Academy in Switzerland. Her major Alena Baeva / violin competition victory came in 2001 when she Alena Baeva is fast emerging as one of the won the Gold Medal at the Henryk Wieniawski finest violinists of her generation – having competition in Poznan, including the prize for already carved out an impressive career to date the best performance of a contemporary work. In working regularly as a soloist with orchestras 2004 Alena won the Grand Prix at the Moscow including the Mariinsky Orchestra, the Tokyo International Niccolò Paganini Competition, Symphony Orchestra, the Tchaikovsky giving her the right to perform on the Stradivarius Symphony Orchestra, the State Academic violin that belonged to Henryk Wieniawski; she Symphony Orchestra “Evgeny Svetlanov”, the was also awarded the Gold Medal and audience St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra and the prize at the International Violin Competition in German Radio Orchestra. Alena has worked with Sendai (2007).

55 David Abrahamyan Jennifer Stumm

Nicolas Dautricourt / violin the Jeunesses Musicales Competition in Belgrade, Voted “ADAMI Classical Discovery of the Year” the Rodolfo Lipizer in Gorizia and the Gian- at the Midem in Cannes and awarded the Sacem Battista Viotti in Vercelli Competitions. Georges Enesco Prize, Nicolas Dautricourt is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant and Clara-Jumi Kang / violin engaging French violinists of his generation. Clara-Jumi Kang was born in Germany under a Dautricourt, who is appreciated for his “sensitivity and passionate manner,” is particularly fond of musical family and she started playing the violin chamber music. As a member of the Chamber at the age of three. At seven, she got accepted at Music Society of Lincoln Center in New York, the Juilliard School to study with full scholarship he appears at major venues around the world and at the same time she had already performed including the Kennedy Center, Alice Tully Hall, with orchestras such as Leipzig Gewandthaus, Wigmore Hall, Tchaikovsky Hall, Copenhagen Hamburg Symphony, Nice Philharmonie, Atlanta Concert Hall, Salle Pleyel, Théâtre des Champs- Symphony and Seoul Philharmonic, and she Élysées, Opéra du Rhin. He has performed as released her first CD. She is prize winner in a soloist with a number of leading orchestras several major violin competitions, including, including the Orchestre National de France, Detroit Tibor Varga Violin Competition, Seoul Violin Symphony, Québec Symphony, Sinfonia Varsovia, Competition, Hannover Violin Competition, Capitole de Toulouse Symphony, Orchestre International Violin Competition of Indianapolis. Philharmonique du Maroc, under the baton of Clara-Jumi Kang has been invited to perform conductors such as Leonard Slatkin, Paavo Järvi, as a soloist with orchestras such as Dresden Tugan Sokhiev, Eivind Gullberg Jensen, Kazuki Kapellsolisten, Indianapolis Symphony, Santa Yamada, Yuri Bashmet. Dautricourt participates Fe Symphony, Tokyo Metropolitan Orchestra, in many festivals at home in France and abroad, Osaka Philharmonic, Taipei National Symphony, including La Chaise-Dieu, La Roque d’Antheron, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, KBS Printemps des Arts (Monaco), Folles Journées de Orchestra. For DECCA, she released in 2011 her Nantes, Rencontres Musicales de La Baule, and O first solo album, Modern Solo. This season she Modernt Festival (Sweden). He is prize-winner in appears as a soloist with the Mariinsky Orchestra, numerous international violin competitions, such the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre as the Henryk Wieniawski Competition in Poznan, National de Belgique, National Philharmonic of

56 Russia, China NCPA Orchestra, to name but a won numerous competition awards both in few, under the baton of such conductors Andrey her native Lithuania and abroad. After having Boreyko, Valery Gergiev, Lü Jia, Gidon Kremer, won the “Talent of Hope” award at the Heifetz Christoph Poppen and Vladimir Spivakov. competition in Vilnius, she was invited by Gidon Kremer to join the Kremerata Baltica chamber orchestra. She spent the next six years there, Levon Chilingirian / violin touring all over the world and collaborating with Levon Chilingirian, born in Cyprus, began violin the likes of Martha Argerich, Misha Maisky, with his great uncle, Vahan Bedelian. After Gustavo Dudamel, Yo Yo Ma, and with the emigrating to the U.K., he later studied with his orchestra’s founder, Gidon Kremer. Monika uncle, Manoug Parikian, Hugh Bean, and the Urbonaite has recently graduated from Trinity Amadeus Quartet. Chilingirian’s partnership College of Music where she was a recipient of with the late Clifford Benson was launched by numerous scholarships and awards including the winning first prizes in the 1969 BBC Beethoven Leverhulme, the Founders, the TCM Trust and Competition and the 1971 ARD Munich Duo the Tillett and Colin Keer Trust scholarships and International Competition. Founded in 1971, also won the Vivian Joseph classical concerto the Chilingirian Quartet is today one of the most competition. She studied with Ofer Falk. celebrated string quartets on the international scene, its highly regarded recorded repertoire spanning classical to contemporary works. Jennifer Stumm / viola Chilingirian also performs as a soloist and with Violist Jennifer Stumm is recognised as one of the other chamber music partners. He is co- artistic world’s dynamic and creative advocates for her director of the Pharos Festival (Cyprus) and instrument, known both for her distinctive sound for 14 years was Director of the Mendelsohn and unbridled enthusiasm for music. Hailed by on Mull Festival. Other partnerships as guest the Washington Post for the “opal-like beauty” director include Camerata Nordica, Gothenberg of her playing, Stumm appears on many of the Symphony, Armenian Chamber Orchestra, the world’s great stages, including Carnegie Hall, the Guildhall String Ensemble, Trondheim Soloists. Kennedy Center, the Concertgebouw, Sala São He coaches chamber music at the Lake District Paulo, and the Wigmore Hall, London. Her solo Festival, West Dean College summer course, career was launched after victories in three major and has worked with El Sistema in Venezuela. international competitions: William Primrose, Levon Chilingirian is Professor of Violin and Geneva and Concert Artists Guild (where she Chamber Music Artist in Residence at the Royal was the first violist ever to win First Prize.) An Academy of Music (London) and Professor enthusiastic speaker and writer about music, of Violin and Chamber Music at the Guildhall Jennifer Stumm’s TED talk about the viola and School of Music and Drama (London). He is the blessings of being different, “The Imperfect much in demand giving masterclasses, coaching, Instrument,” was named an editor’s pick of all as a jury member around the world and is talks on ted.com and she was recently cover chair of the Trondheim International Quartet artist of Symphony Magazine. A recipient of Competition. In 2017, he is a member of the the prestigious BBC New Generation artist and jury of the Osaka Quartet Competition. Levon Borletti Buitoni Awards for her work in chamber Chilingirian received an OBE in the Queen’s music, she appears at major festivals such as Honours List and the Cobbett Medal. Verbier, Marlboro, Spoleto, Aldeburgh, Delft and IMS Prussia Cove, and her collaborative partners have included the Beaux Arts Trio, Guarneri, Monika Urbonaite / violin Vermeer and Alban Berg Quartets. In 2015, Monika Urbonaite was born in Lithuania Jennifer Stumm founded the Ilumina Festival, a into a musical family. From an early age she chamber music festival in the mountains outside played as soloist with various orchestras and São Paulo uniting prominent international soloists

57 with Brazil’s most talented young artists. She is works, as well as concertos, sonatas and chamber currently International Chair of Viola Studies at music. Diemut Poppen has recorded for Deutsche the Royal College of Music, London and gives Grammophon, Cappricio, Live classics, EMI, masterclasses around the world. Tudor, Ediphone, Ondine, among others. Cyprus is Diemut’s favourite country and she visits the island quite regularly. Diemut Poppen / viola Diemut Poppen is one of the finest viola players of her generation. Born in a musical family, David Abrahamyan / viola Poppen studied in Germany, USA and Paris with From a very young age, David Abrahamyan has some of the greatest viola players of her time, collaborated with the Luxemburg Philarmonic, including Yuri Bashmet, Kim Kashkashian, Bruno OSPA in Oviedo Spain, Lagen Laden in Brussels Giuranna and Peter Schidlof. Diemut Poppen has where he was solo viola or Salzburg Chamber been awarded several scholarships and prizes, Soloists under the artistic direction of Lavard among them the Studienstiftung des Deutschen Skou Larsen. He has performed under the baton of Volkes and the renowned European Music Prize. conductors such as Claudio Abbado, Zubin Mehta, As a soloist, Diemut Poppen has performed in Bernard Haitnk, Roberto Benzi, Jesús López major music centres all over the world including Cobos or Plácido Domingo, amongst others. the Carnegie Hall in New York, Barbican in Between 2005 and 2009, he was the founder and London, Philharmonie in Berlin and Mozarteum artistic director of the master-class series “Musical in Salzburg and has worked with musicians like Improvement” in Felechosa (Asturias- Spain) Claudio Abbado, Leonidas Kavakos and Viktor inviting teachers like Dora Schwarzberg, Liviu Tretyakov. Several composers have written Prunaru, Alexander Chaushyan, Ashley Wass, new pieces for Diemut Poppen, including solo pelman or Boris Belkin. Abrahamyan’s chamber

Vitaly Pisarenko

58 Monika Urbonaite Massimo Mercelli music partners have included Boris Belkin, Alba Hall and Wigmore Hall, Sala Verdi Milan, and Ventura, Daishin Kashimoto, Boris Andreanov, Suntory Hall Japan. Chaushian has won the Ashley Wass, in concert halls like Concertgebouw Third Prize in the 12th International Tchaikovsky of Amsterdam, Koncerthaus in Berlín, Teatro Competition in Moscow and the Third and Special Coliseo in Buenos Aires, or Teatro Manzoni prizes given by the Munich Chamber Orchestra in Bologna. Has recorded a DVD performing at the ARD Competition in Germany in 2005. Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht in the Singel in Amongst the many distinguished musicians whom Antwerpen, a collaboration project between he has collaborated with are Yehudi Menuhin, Julia Europe and South Korea, also has recorded two Fischer, Emmanuel Pahud. His regular chamber CDs for Dutch Records Company with the Dutch music partner is Yevgeny Sudbin. Alexander’s composer Wim Zwaag, who dedicated his Adagio recordings include several highly acclaimed CDs for Viola to David. for the BIS label in which he is partnered by Yevgeny Sudbin, and his recently released concerto CD with the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra, Alexander Chaushian / cello also on BIS, received rave reviews and was Regarded as one of the finest cellists of his selected ‘Album of the Week’ by the Independent. generation, Alexander Chaushian has performed extensively throughout the world as a soloist with orchestras such as the Vienna Chamber Orchestra Marc Coppey / cello at Vienna’s Konzerthaus and at the Bruchnerhaus French cellist, Marc Coppey, winner of the two in Linz, the London Mozart Players and the highest prizes at the 1988 Bach competition Philharmonia Orchestra in London, the Orchestre Leipzig at the age of 18 is considered to be one de la Suisse Romande, the Royal National of the leading cellists of today. Lord Yehudi Orchestra of Belgium, Les Solistes Européens de Menuhin discovered Marc’s talent at an early Luxembourg in a gala concert conducted by Yehudi age, and subsequently invited him to make his Menuhin, the Boston Pops Orchestra at Boston Moscow and Paris debuts by performing the Symphony Hall, and the Armenian Philharmonic Tchaïkovsky Trio with himself and Victoria Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. He has given highly Postnikova, a collaboration documented on film acclaimed performances in such venues as by famous film director Bruno Monsaingeon. London’s Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth In 1989 Mstislav Rostropovitch invited Marc to

59 the Evian Festival and from that moment on his Massimo Mercelli / flute solo career took off. A frequent soloist with the Massimo Mercelli became, at the age of 19, the leading orchestras of today, Marc Coppey has first flute of the Teatro La Fenice of Venice, and collaborated with many distinguished conductors won the Francesco Cilea Prize, the International such as Eliahu Inbal, Emmanuel Krivine, Rafael Competition Giornate Musicali and the Stresa Frühbeck de Burgos and Asher Fisch and International Competition. As a soloist, he has appeared in some of the most prestigious appears regularly in the most prestigious concert concert halls of the world. He is the dedicatee halls in the world – Carnegie Hall in New York, of a number of works by composers such as Colon Theatre in Buenos Aires, Concertgebouw Christian, Durieux, Fedele and Fénelon, and in Amsterdam, Saint Martin in the Fields and his numerous recordings have received critical Wigmore Hall in London, Parco della Musica in acclaim worldwide, including Télérama’s ffff, Rome, Philarmonica in Warsaw, Tchaikovsky Diapason d’Or, a “Choc” from the Magazine Le Hall in Moscow – and collaborates with musicians Monde de la Musique and BBC Magazine five such as Yuri Bashmet, Krzysztof Penderecki, stars. Philip Glass, and Peter-Lukas Graf, and orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic, Moscow Tim Park / cello Philharmonic, St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Cellist Tim Park has been praised for his Prague Philarmonia, Wiener Symphoniker, and energetic and exhilarating performances as the Franz List Chamber Orchestra. Mercelli has well as for his expressive and beautiful sound. premiered a number of works which are dedicated Concerts as soloist, recitalist and chamber to him, including, Facades by Philip Glass, Ennio musician have brought Tim to many of the Morricone’s Cantata Vuoto di Anima Piena, world’s most prestigious concert halls. Tim has Concerto for Flute and Orchestra by Michael performed as soloist with orchestras such as the Nyman, and Contrafactus by Giovanni Sollima. New York Chamber, Detroit Symphony, Palo In September 2012 the CD Massimo Mercelli Alto Chamber Orchestra, Orquestra Sinfonica plays Philip Glass was released, and recent Nacional de Venezuela, Moscow Radio engagements include the recording of J.S. Bach’s Symphony Orchestra, Berlin Sinfonie-Orchestra, sonatas with Ramin Bahrami under the DECCA Berliner Symphoniker, Lithuanian National label, the world premiere of Sofia Gubaidulina’s Chamber Orchestra, Tel-Aviv Camerata, new concerto, dedicated to him, his participation Berliner Camerata. An avid chamber musician, in the concert for the celebration of Krzysztof th Tim performs frequently at music festivals such Penderecki’s 80 birthday at the Warsaw as the Jerusalem Chamber Music Festival, Bach Philharmonic and the exclusive performance of Festwochen Ansbach, Schleswig-Holstein Music his Sinfonietta for Flute and Strings. Festival, and the Kennedy Center, and regularly collaborates with such distinguished artists as Cyprus Guitar Trio Daniel Barenboim, Elena Bashkirova, Alessio The Cyprus Guitar Trio was founded in Bax, and Emmanuel Pahud. Born to Korean 2015. Comprising three renowned classical parents, Tim grew up in New York and began guitarists from Cyprus – Vasilios Avraam, cello lessons at the age of eight. He entered the George Christofi and Socrates Leptos, the Trio Juilliard School at eleven and continued studies is dedicated to the promotion of the important at Yale University with Aldo Parisot. He finished yet unexplored repertoire of the combination his degrees in Germany studying with David of three classical guitars, as well as the creation Geringas at the Musikhochschule Lubeck and of new works for this combination, and the the Hochschule fur Musik ‘Hanns Eisler’ Berlin. arrangements and transcriptions of existing Tim has also studied with Steven Isserlis, Boris works. Vasilios Avraam studied at the Ferenc Pergamenschikov, M. Rostropovitch and Janos Liszt Conservatory in Hungary, at the National Starker in masterclasses. Conservatoire of Region in Strasbourg and

60 at the Academy of Music in Bratislava where Harry Sparnaay (bass clarinet), The Endymion, he received his Musical Doctoral Degree in Kreutzer Quartet, Ensemble Cairn, L’Opéra classical guitar under the supervision of Jozef National du Rhin. His music has been broadcast Zsapka. He has participated in a number of on BBC Radio 3 and presented in Festivals festivals, including the Zempléni Festival and such as ‘Clarinet baix i electronica’ by Phonos the Spring Festival of Eger, and he is the First – Fundació Música Contemporània (Spain), Prize winner of the National Guitar Competition International Music Festival Heidelberger in Hungary in 1998. Several of his solo recitals ‘Frühling 2007’ (Germany), amongst others. and orchestra performances in guitar concertos Christofi is a Composition Lecturer at the were recorded by television channels and radio European University Cyprus. Socrates Leptos stations of Hungary and Cyprus. He published studied guitar at the New England Conservatory theoretical articles on the classical guitar in such in Boston. In 2000 he was awarded a Fulbright international guitar magazines as the Classical scholarship to study at Yale University under Guitar Magazine (England), the Soundboard Ben Verdery, and in 2009 he was awarded the (USA), the Guitarra Magazine (USA), Gitarr och Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the Peabody Luta (Sweden), Gendai Guitar (Japan). George Institute. During his studies, Leptos won three Christofi is a holder of a BMus (First Class), and awards and performed extensively in the US. MMus in Guitar Performance (Distinction) from He participated in masterclasses with Manuel the University of Hull and an MA (Distinction) Barrueco, Sharon Isbin, Jorge Morel, Paul and a PhD in Composition from the University O’dette, David Tannenbaum, Gordon Crosskey, of York. Considered one of the most important and John Duarte. Leptos has recorded music and talented composers of his generation, for radio and television and he has contributed Christofi has composed music for world to various recordings, both as guitarist and renowned soloists and ensembles, including, composer. He is currently a member of the guitar Mario Caroli (flute), Sarah Leonard (soprano), faculty at the University of Nicosia.

Cyprus Guitar Trio Marc Coppey

61 THOC presents…

The Loan make the person believe that they are true. by Jordi Galceran Translation: Els de Paros The Cyprus Theatre Organisation (THOC) Directed by: Vangelis Theodoropoulos, Pantelis presented two performances of the play The Detakis Loan, a comedy by the Catalan playwright Jordi Music: Phivos Delivorias Galceran in a production of the Greek theatre Set design-costumes: Magdalene Avgerinou group “Neos Kosmos”, in its Main Stage, Evis Lighting: Sakis Birbilis Gavrielides Auditorium on 16 and 17 May 2017. Assistant directors: Katerina Lypiridou, There are only two characters in this story, Katerina Panayiotaki a man who has come to ask for a €3,000 Actors: Michalis Economou, Yiannis Sarakatsanis loan and a bank manager. The beauty and suspense of the game, however, comes from About Jordi Galceran how the positions change of the extortionist Jordi Galceran was born on March 5, 1964 in and the side that gives in, of the master of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain as Jordi Galceran i the situation and the one who is in a bind. Ferrer. He is a writer and actor, best known for Needless to say, this duel is not held using his work Fragile (2005), The Method (2005) force – no, everything remains in the form of a and Palabras encadenadas (2003). conversation behind a desk. Yet nevertheless, fates are reversed! The manipulator’s best His massively successful work The Gronholm accomplice is naturally the other person’s Method (2003) has been translated into many fear. Feed fear with the necessary words, languages and has been brought to the stage give it sufficient material and it will evoke all in 20 different countries with great success, manner of possible and impossible dreadful including Cyprus in 2012-2013, when it was pictures before a person’s eyes and help to directed by Diagoras Chronopoulos.

62 Long Day’s Journey into Night in a particularly sensitive key and a highly by Eugene O’Neill demanding, acrobatic score. It is addressed to all of us, because we all have skeletons in Also on its Main Stage, Evis Gavrielides the cupboards of our familial history and dark Auditorium, THOC presented Eugene O’Neill’s corners in the depths of our souls and we all Long Day’s Journey into Night on 2 June 2017 yearn for Liberation from the unbearable Eugene O’Neill’s classic masterpiece, a burden that we carry.” landmark in the history of drama, touches O’Neill’s autobiographical play was first staged upon the deepest and ever-lasting troubling 3 years after his death and won a Pulitzer. It issues of family, society and broken human was staged at THOC once before in 1978 under relationships. The central figures of the play are the self-centred and stingy father James the direction of Evi Gavriilides. Tyrone, a great actor who sacrifices his talent Translation: Nikos Gatsos for the sake of commercialism, the mother, Dramaturgy and Direction: Yannis Houvardas Mary Tyrone, a cultured woman who has Set Design: Eva Manidaki become a morphine addict, and their two sons, Costumes: Ioanna Tsami James, who is an alcoholic, and Edmond who Music collaboration: Dimosthenis Grivas suffers from tuberculosis. Dramaturgy collaboration: Eri Kirgia For Yiannis Houvardas the play is: the Voice Teaching: Melina Paionidou martyred but liberating journey of a family Lighting Design: Georgios Koukoumas towards the night, both in terms of time Assistant to the Director: Natassa Triantafylli but mainly in the existential sense, through Assistant to the Set Designer: Thalia Melissa tormented confessions, horrific guilt, abysmal Cast: Antonis Katsaris (James Tyrone), Reni hate, extreme self-sarcasm, psychological Pittaki (Mary Cavan Tyrone), Thanassis Dovris cannibalism, and deep, heart-breaking love. It is (James Tyrone Junior), Aris Balis (Edmond a theatrical concert for five finely-tuned organs Tyrone), Iovi Fragkatou (Cathleen)

63 Linking Continents – Bridging Cultures

Cyprus Symphony Orchestra

he Cyprus Symphony Orchestra, under the Tgeneric title of Linking Continents-Bridging Cultures, presented two concerts on 23 June 2017 at the Pallas Theatre in Nicosia and 24 June 2017 at the Tala Amphitheatre in Pafos. Within the spirit of Linking Continents -Bridging Cultures, the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra collaborates with artists that do not belong in its circle and presents a diverse musical programme and through harmony, rhythm and melody it builds bridges between civilizations and communities. At this concert series, the orchestra collaborated with conductor Ali Hoca and with soloists Charis Hadjigeorgiou (violin) and Esra Poyrazoğlu Alpan (piano). The programme included the following works: J. Haydn: Overture to the opera L’isola disabitata, Hob. 28/9 Concerto for violin and piano in F major, Hob 18/6 Α. Baltas: 7 Cypriot traditional songs A. Hoca: Cyprus Capriccio (Kibris Kapricyosu) wizard” on any instrument, nonetheless these agreeably tuneful early works clearly show the composer’s symphonic aspirations. A few words about the programme: Alkis Baltas, inspired by well-known L’isola disabitata (The desert island) was Cypriot traditional songs such as Tessera Haydn’s tenth opera, and had its premiere Pallikarka, Agapisa tin pou karkias and at the Esterhazy Court in December 1779. Tshakkara-Makkara, he orchestrated these The opera is today remembered primarily beautiful, genuine melodies using the rich for its dramatic Sturm und Drang overture, palette of the orchestral sound colours. Ali typical of the proto-Romantic movement Hoca, inspired by the melodies, rhythms and which shaped the German-speaking world modes of Cyprus, such as the Zeybek, Syrto, of literature and music between the late Tsiftetelli and the Mandra traditional dance, 1760s and the early 1780s. The Concerto for violin and piano in F major (original title he created a work that encompasses love, Keyboard concerto with violin and strings) pain, melancholy and joy. is one of seven Haydn wrote for himself The concert in Paphos is part of the programme to play: by his own admission “no great of the ECoC - Pafos2017

64 65 66