Contemporary Greek culture pays a visit to Milan

Wide-ranging festival starts this Monday

By Katerina Voussoura - Kathimerini English Edition

Greek theater, music and dance are about to make their presence felt in Milan, as the second “Milano Incontra la Grecia” (Milan Meets Greece) festival (www.milanoincontralagrecia.com) starts Monday.

A performance of Sophocles’ tragedy “Ajax” by Theodoros Terzopoulos’s Attis Theater, a joint concert by Italians Sentieri Selvaggi and Greeks dissonArt with works especially commissioned for the festival, a solo by choreographer Zoi Dimitriou and an ethnic music show by Savina Yannatou will alternate at the Piccolo Teatro Studio until January 15.

The “Periplous” photography exhibition, in which Magnum photographers depict today’s Greece, as well as a lecture by historian Marianna Koromila are part of the parallel events.

The three young festival organizers – Alexandra Papadopoulos, Myrto Rogan and Mariella Kessissoglou – hope to establish an annual institution that will promote Greek artists in Milan. “We want to give the most well-rounded image possible of what is created in Greece today,” said Rogan. “We insist on consistency,” added Papadopoulos. “Such efforts must not take place just once or twice. Art can only be promoted through persistence and consistency.”

With its distinctive international character and cultural background, Milan seems ideal for such a venture. “The city has a great theater and music tradition, hence an educated audience with high standards that seeks something new and different,” said Rogan.

The festival enjoys the support of the Greek Consulate in Milan.