A cultural event entitled “Greece is the Word” took place at the Purcell Room Southbank Centre in London. The event was designed to highlight contemporary Greece through poetry, literature, theater, music and other forms of artistic activities.
The aim also was to consider briefly, the origins, the impact and future of the crisis which is affecting Greek contemporary reality.
The event was an initiative taken by British journalist Rosie Goldsmith. At the same time, Greek artists who are living in London and British philhellenes contributed to this organization, supported by the Southbank Centre, the Arts Council England and the European Commission Representation in the UK.
The event was opened by the historian Bethany Hughes who has captivated the British through her books with stories from Ancient Greece as well as with documentaries in BBC, the History Channel and Channel 4. She talked about Helen of Troy and the affinity of ancient Greeks to the present.
The well-known author Victoria Hislop presented three Greek poets, Katerina Iliopoulou, Dionysis Kapsalis, Vassilis Amanatides, who recited their works in Greek and English.
During the following discussion between artists, it was noted that Greek artists have been trained not to expect any financial support from the State. Nonetheless, they still have intense mental and cultural activity.
Meanwhile, it was highlighted that Greek authors are confronting more difficulties in comparison with British. That happens due to abolishment of Greek National Book Centre and lack of impresarios to promote them, as well as the need for more modern translations of Greek authors into English.
The event ended with Greek music and dance that drew Paul Mason, Victoria Hislop, Maria Margaroni, Katerina Vrana, Nikos Poursanidis and other artists.
The award-winning translator of Greek books in English, when taking the floor, reminded everyone that Greece has enlightened humanity twice. The first time was in antiquity, and the second one in Renaissance.
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