The Hellenic Festival
Presented by The New York Public Library in association with the Queens Borough Public Library and other arts organizations
October 2004 through April 2005
The Hellenic Festival, presented by The New York Public Library in association with the Queens Library and other arts organizations, offers a unique opportunity to explore the profound impact of ancient and classical Greek culture on contemporary thought and art. The Festival will present a variety of compelling exhibitions and public programs designed for audiences of all ages at multiple locations throughout the city. The Hellenic Festival includes exhibitions, dance, theater, and music performances, films, workshops, lectures, and a host of other events.
The astonishing invention and accomplishments of Hellenic culture -- ranging from philosophy, literature, music, and theater to architecture, sculpture, and vase painting to the first Olympic games and the birth of the city-state -- represent humanity at its most exalted, an earthly embodiment of the divine in which individualism and its inherent contradictions were embraced. No wonder artists have long looked to Greece for inspiration. The Hellenic Festival will give audiences a rare opportunity to experience ancient, traditional and contemporary art forms from Greece, and the powerful influence of Hellenic culture across disciplines first-hand. All Library events are free.
The Hellenic Festival is made possible by a generous grant from the Stavros S. Niarchos Foundation .
The Hellenic Festival kicks-off on October 15, 2004 , with Mirrors to the Past: Ancient Greece and Avant-Garde America , a multimedia exhibit at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center's Vincent Astor Gallery . Mirrors to the Past draws on rare material housed in the research collections of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. The exhibit focuses on the liberating force of archaic and classical Greece and the countless 20th-century American choreographers, theater artists, composers, visual artists, and designers it inspired. Some of the many artifacts on display include photographic documentations of modern dance works inspired by Hellenic women and gods, focusing on Martha Graham; directorial drawings, scripts and photographs from Living Theatre's production of Antigone ; textiles and garments by Raymond Duncan, brother of Isadora Duncan; and musical scores based on modes and instruments by experimental composers, including John Cage. An online version of the show will accompany the gallery exhibition.
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts gratefully acknowledges the leadership support of Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman. Additional support for exhibitions has been provided by Judy R. and Alfred A. Rosenberg and the Miriam and Harold Steinberg Foundation.
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts-Vincent Astor Gallery
October 15, 2004-January 8, 2005
Mirrors to the Past: Ancient Greece and Avant-Garde America
Gallery hours: Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat: 12-6pm; Thur: 12-8pm
Closed Sun, Mon and public holidays
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The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Bruno Walter Auditorium resonates with dance, music, and myth in a series of Hellenic-inspired programs. The program will include dance performances by the Greek-American Folklore Society and Anahid Sofian and Dancers, festive music programs featuring the work of several distinguished composers and musicians, a range of lively discussions, and a multifaceted Orpheus Series. Orpheus has had an inexorable pull on artists of every discipline. For centuries, artists have been spurred to respond with groundbreaking work that illuminates and redefines the story. The series includes lectures, film screenings, and performances that explore the enduring significance of the myth -- a celebration of the power and immeasurable value of art itself.
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts-Bruno Walter Auditorium
Programs run October 2004-April 2005
Dance performance-Greek-American Folklore Society
Saturday, October 16, 2004
An evening with composer Nikos Astrinidis.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Also on the program, the music of Manolis Kalomoiris and Marios Varvoglis, performed by Helen Fousteris (soprano) and Yannis Xylas (piano)
Styliani Tartsinis (saxophone) and Yannis Xylas (piano).
Saturday, October 30, 2004
Guest artists Kathy Yiannoudes (soprano), Alexandra Skendrou (soprano), Constantinos Yiannoudes (baritone), performing works by Nikos Astrinidis, Warren Benson, Brian Elias, Manolis Kalomoiris, Yiorgos Kazasoglou, Dimitris Michailidis, and Ralph Vaughan Williams
Dimitri Kavrakos (bass), Teresa Moore (soprano).
Saturday, November 6, 2004
Tania Papayiannopoulou and Yannis Xylas (piano), performing works by Nikos Astrinidis, Manolis Kalomoiris, Yiannis Konstantinidis, Charles Spinks, and Richard Strauss
The Folk Music of Greece-a lecture/performance by Demetri Tashie
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Dance performance-Anahid Sofian and Dancers
Saturday, December 4, 2004
All programs start at 3pm, with the exception of the performance on October 28, which begins at 6pm. A complete listing of Orpheus programs will be available in late autumn.
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Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street
The Humanities and Social Sciences Library will present Faith and Legacy: The Hellenic World from the Collections of The New York Public Library at the Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III Gallery. The exhibition will include a highly selective collection of approximately 25 important manuscripts and printed books in Greek and in other languages as enduring reflections of contributions from Greece to the world in religion, literature, philosophy, history, science, and art. Drawn from the Special Collections of the Humanities and Social Sciences Library, several of the manuscripts and books will be on view for the first time at the Library. Included in the exhibit will be a group of late Byzantine-style illuminated manuscripts - a Greek Orthodox Lectionary of the Gospels , ca. 1250; an early 14th-century Psalter with Canticles and Prayers , attributed by scholars to scribes and artisans working in Constantinople; two 15th -century manuscripts in Greek of Aesop's Fables; and a Latin translation of Ptolemy's Geographia , ca. 1460. The legacy of Greek literature, history, and art, as well as modern-era Greece itself, has continued to inspire creativity, the diversity of which is merely suggested by the items displayed, including the autograph manuscript of Oscar Wilde's sonnet Impression du Voyage (ca. 1880); French painter Georges Braque's exquisite artist's book Théogonie (Paris, 1955); and Neil Curry's The Bending of the Bow: A Version of the Closing Books of Homer's Odyssey (London, 1993), with photogravures after drawings of Greek sculptures and an etched portrait of Homer by Jim Dine.
Support for the Humanities and Social Sciences Library's Exhibitions Program has been provided by Pinewood Foundation and by Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III.
Humanities and Social Sciences Library-Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III Gallery
December 3, 2004-April 2, 2005
Faith and Legacy: The Hellenic World from the Collections of The New York Public Library
Gallery Hours: Tues, Wed: 11am-7:30pm; Thurs-Sat: 10am-6pm
Closed Sun, Mon and public holidays
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NYPL Neighborhood Branches
The New York Public Library's Neighborhood Branches will present an impressive range of events designed to engage children and teens, as well as adults at more than a dozen neighborhood branches throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Programs for Children include a variety of events that focus on the vibrant and imaginative contributions of Hellenic culture. Among the many programs are music performances; storytelling events, including Hellenic folktales; and several craft-making workshops including bead-making and papier-mâché, to name a few. Young Adults will also experience Hellenic culture first-hand through a series of poetry-writing workshops, dance and music performances, and art history presentations. Among the many highlights are the God and Goddesses: Poetry Writing Workshop , the Community Word Project -- a writing and mural workshop that focuses on the Hellenic idea of logos, and a Hellenic Culture Fest for teens presented by the Greek-American Folklore Society. Adults Programs include a variety of dance, theater and music performances, readings, and workshops.
Neighborhood Branches
Programs run October 2004-April 2005
Gods and Goddesses: Poetry Writing Workshop for Teens
Wednesdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27, 2004 at 4:30pm
Hamilton Grange Branch Library
Greek Theater Mask-Making for Kids
Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at 4pm
Tottenville Branch Library
Myths, Monsters and Mayhem/Stories from Greek mythology
Friday, October 15, 2004 at 4pm
96th Street Branch Library
Myths, Monsters and Mayhem/Stories from Greek mythology
Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 4pm
Seward Park Branch Library
Greek Theater Mask-Making for Kids
Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 4pm
Tottenville Branch Library
Ship-Making Workshop for Kids
Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 4pm
96th Street Branch Library
Ship-Making Workshop for Kids
Friday, October 22, 2004 at 3:30pm
Kips Bay Branch Library
Community Word Project/Poetry Writing Workshop for Teens
Thursdays, November 4, 11, 18, 2004 at 4pm
Belmont Branch Library
Hellenic Culture Fest for Teens
Saturday, November 6, 2004 at 2pm
New Dorp Branch Library
Community Word Project/Mural Workshop for Teens
Thursdays, December 2, 9, 16, 2004 at 4pm
Belmont Branch Library
The Jewish Women of Greek Rebetika
Saturday, January 29, 2005 at 2:30pm
Richmondtown Branch Library
Smyrnekia and Rebetika: The Blues of Greece
Saturday, February 5, 2005 at 2:30pm
Port Richmond Branch Library
Smyrnekia and Rebetika: The Blues of Greece
Saturday, March 19, 2004 at 2:30pm
Port Richmond Branch Library
For a complete list of Branch programs visit www.nypl.org. For more information about the Branch Libraries please call: 212-340-0849.
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Mid-Manhattan Library
455 Fifth Avenue at 40th Street
The Mid-Manhattan Library has scheduled several thought-provoking, educational, art-related presentations. Among the many activities will be art lectures by Nancy L. Thompson on Greek art and architecture; Jamey Hecht on Sophocles as educator, Guy Rogers on Alexander the Great, Lois E. Wilcken on sirens and mermaids, Rev. John Spilio on the art of traditional icons, multimedia artist Kyriakos Katzourakis on his films and paintings, and a slide-lecture by Nicholas Sperakis on his woodcuts and paintings. The celebration continues with poetry readings by Dean Kostos , George Economou , Constantine Contogenis, and Penelope Karageorge; and reading and book discussions with George Sarrinikolaou and Barry Strauss .
Mid-Manhattan Library
Programs run October 2004-April 2005
Art Lecture-Rev. John Spilo
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Author Lecture-George Sarrinikolaou
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Art Lecture-Nicholas Sperakis
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Lecture-presentation-Jamey Hecht, Ph.D
Monday, November 1, 2004
Getchie Argetsinger and Tom Knutson-performance
Wednesday, November 3, 2004
Author Lecture-Guy Rogers, Ph.D.
Thursday, November 4, 2004
Poetry readings-Dean Kostos/George Economou/Emily Fragos
Monday, November 8, 2004
Author Lecture-Barry Strauss
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Poetry readings-Penelope Karageorge/Constantine Contogenis
Monday, November 15, 2004
Art Lecture-Nancy L. Thompson, Ph.D
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Art Lecture-Katerina Spilio
Wednesday, December 1, 2004
Art Lecture-Nancy L. Thompson, Ph.D.
Thursday, December 2, 2004
Art Lecture-Lydia Venieri
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Art Lecture-Nancy L. Thompson, Ph.D.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Performance-Getchie Argetsinger
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Lecture-presentation-Lois E. Wilcken
Monday, January 31, 2005
Art Lecture-Michael Volonakis
Wednesday, February 9, 2005
Art Lecture-Nancy L. Thompson, Ph.D.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Art Lecture-Kyriakos Katzourakis
Wednesday, March 2, 2005
Art Lecture-Kyriakos Katzourakis
Thursday, March 3, 2005
Film Antigone
Monday, March 7, 2005
Art Lecture-Nancy L. Thompson, Ph.D.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Film- Electra
Monday March 14, 2005
Film- Three Trojan Women
Monday, March 21, 2005
Art Lecture-Nancy L. Thompson, Ph.D.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
All presentations begin at 6:30pm, with the exception of the presentation on December 14, which starts at 6pm.
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Donnell Library Center
20 West 53rd Street
The Donnell Library Center will host two film series, a photography exhibit, as well as a one-night-only performance of Plato's The Apology of Socrates presented by Theatron Inc. Included in the events is Refractions of Nikos Kazantzakis: The Collision of His Words with the Screen , a film series that illustrates the impact that this eminent 20 th -century writer, poet, and philosopher has had on a range of film artists. A lecture by Dr. Peter Bien, an authority on the life and work of Nikos Kazantzakis will provide a context for the screenings. The Donnell Library will also present a daylong celebration and roundtable discussion with filmmaker Robert Beavers on the long-awaited screening of the first cycle of avant-garde Greek-American filmmaker Gregory Markopoulos 's Eniaios . The spring film series is devoted to the enduring legacy of Melina Mercouri , the late actress, activist, and politician whose commitment to Greece culminated in her role as Greece's Minister of Culture. Films that will be screened include Stella (1956), directed by Michael Cacoyannis, and four films directed by Jules Dassin: Never on Sunday (1960), Phaedra (1962), Topkapi (1964) and A Dream of Passion (1978). I Was Born Greek is an exhibition of compelling images of Ms. Mercouri by photographer and sculptor Bill Yoscary . Yoscary's work documents Ms. Mercouri from her 1967 Broadway appearance in Ilya Darling through her political campaign and many years as an activist. As a part of the Hellenic celebration, Theatron will present The Apology of Socrates , a one-man tour-de-force that uncovers the man behind the myth.
The Donnell Library Center's presentation with Robert Beavers is supported, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts, a public agency.
The Donnell Library Center
Photo Exhibit: I Was Born Greek
November 1, 2004-May 30, 2005
Gallery hours: Mon, Wed, Fri: 10am-6pm; Tues, Thur: 10am-8pm; Sat: 10am-5pm; Sun: 1-5pm
Refractions of Nikos Kazantzakis: The Collision of His Words with the Screen -film series
Wednesdays, November 10, 17, 24, 2004 at 2:30pm
Robert Beavers on Gregory Markopoulos's work
Saturday, November 13, 2004 (time tba)
The Apology of Socrates presented by Theatron
Tuesday, November 16 at 6pm
A Tribute to Melina Mercouri -film series
Wednesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2005 at 2:30pm
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Queens Borough Public Library
A not-to-be-missed celebration of Greek culture and arts at the Queens Library Broadway Branch in October sets the festive tone for the Hellenic Festival in Queens. Opening-day activities will include a puppet-making workshop for kids with master puppeteer Aris Diakovasilis , a native of the island of Nisyros in the Aegean Sea. A life-long devotion to shadow puppetry eventually led Mr. Diakovasilis to New York, where he now directs the shadow theater program of the Greek Cultural Center. The puppeteer's favorite puppet protagonist, the wily but charming Karaghiozis, is the namesake for the Greek Shadow Theater Karaghiozis , and will "star" in the opening-day performance (in Greek and English). Traditional Greek folk dances with live music will complete the afternoon's entertainment. Winter and spring will bring more performances by the Greek Shadow Puppet Theater Karaghiozis to the Astoria and Steinway Branches as well as an evening of Greek dances at the East Flushing Branch.
Queens Library
Queens Library - Broadway Branch
Saturday, October 30, 2004, 11am-4:30pm
A day-long festival for the entire family
Queens Library - East Flushing Branch
Thursday, January 20, 2005 at 6:30pm
An Evening of Greek Dances
Queens Library - Astoria Branch
Monday, March 14, 2005 at 6:30pm
Greek Shadow Theater presents Karaghiozis
Queens Library - Steinway Branch
Thursday, April 14, 2005 at 6:30pm
Greek Shadow Theater presents Karaghiozis
The Hellenic Festival includes a range of events presented by other organizations whose programming in theater, dance, music, and visual art brings the celebration of Greek culture to multiple venues around the city. Festival partners include: Dance Theater Workshop , Freshly Squeezed Creative Juices Theatre Company , Friendly Fire Theater , the Greek Cultural Center, Here Arts Center, Isadora Duncan Dance Foundation, The Joyce Theater, Kouros Gallery, La MaMa, Theatron, Inc., and World Music Institute.
For more information about The Hellenic Festival please visit: www.nypl.org/hellenic.
For press information and reservations, please contact:
Janet Stapleton at 212-633-0016, and/or
Herb Scher at The New York Public Library's Press Office at 212-704-8600.
Press kits and images are available upon request.
September 17, 2004