In 2021, the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) will be presenting a multifaceted program of events to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the commencement of the Greek War of Independence and celebrate the Bicentenary of the Modern Greek State. It will be part of a rich program of events being planned around the world.

In the collaborative spirit of the bicentenary, the GCM is partnering with a number of key organisations to present its program, including the Victorian Government, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, the Greek Consul General to Victoria, the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, the Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria and the Greek National Day Organising Committee.

The multi-disciplined, year-long celebration is being spearheaded by a special committee bringing together a range of interests, skills and experience. Led by Assoc. Prof. Marinis Pirpiris and Michael Karamitos, the committee includes Dr Jim Bossinakis, Betty Dimitropoulos, Chrissa Kanatas, Dean Kotsianis, Nick Koukouvitakis, Victoria Kyriakopoulos, Dr Stephie Nikoloudis, Stella Patras, Denise Serdenes, Tass Sgardelis, Chris Sikavitsas, Leo Vlahakis and is supported by the Greek Centre team led by Director, Jorge Menidis.

Over the past four months the program has been developed and whilst details are still being finalised, the 2021 offering promises a range of special events and activities anchored by the GCM’s annual calendar of festivals and events and embellished with a unique, contemporary and cosmopolitan offering.

A snapshot of the work-in-progress program includes:

1821 - THE GRAPHIC SHORT STORY COLLECTION
An adaptation of stories from the 1821 Greek Revolution presented as a Graphic Short Story collection (aka comic book).

ANTIPODES 2021 | COMMEMORATING THE GREEK BICENTENARY
27+28 February | Lonsdale Street Greek Precinct Melbourne
The award-winning festival celebrates the Greek Bicentenary through themed performances, dance and musical productions.

THE INAUGURAL GRECIAN BALL
A commemorative Ball to be held as a feature event of the year-long celebrations.

THE GREEK LANGUAGE & CULTURE SEMINARS: GREEK BICENTENARY SERIES
Featuring leading academics and speakers.

THE ANNUNCIATION OF OUR LADY FEAST DAY
A celebration of the raising of the Revolutionary banner in 1821 at Agia Lavra by metropolitan Paleon Patron Germanos will be the highlight of the official re-opening of Victoria’s oldest Orthodox church on its feast day.

DEATH OF A ROMANTIC: LORD BYRON - THE INFLUENCE OF ROMANTICISM ON THE GREEK WAR OF INDEPENDENCE
An ensemble of actors and musicians will present a special evening that will include readings of Byron and his fellow European Romantics such as Keats, Shelley, Hugo, Dumas and Palamas.

R-EVOLUTION-200
A re-telling of the contemporary Greek State by local street (graffiti and stencil) artists.

MUSICAL ODYSSEY: 200 YEARS OF TRIUMPHANT GREEK MUSIC
A symphonic tribute to the grand Greek composers and musicians who influenced Greek music for 200 years.

(SUPER)HEROES OF 1821: THE HEROES OF THE REVOLUTION = THE GOOD, THE BAD + THE GORY
A multimedia event designed for children, telling the stories of the heroes of the revolution.

THE GREEK WRITERS FESTIVAL: MYTHOLOGISING CONTEXT + IDENTITY
A celebration of 200 years of Greek and Greek Australian Writers.

200 YEARS OF FLAVOUR. THE 2021 FLAVOURS OF GREECE
A celebration of Greek cuisine through food events.

YOUTH SUMMIT 21
Bringing together young Greek Australians to discuss matters that are pertinent to their understanding of place, identity and a sense of belonging.

THE 27TH GREEK FILM FESTIVAL
The annual celebration of Greek film will commemorate the Greek bicentenary.

ANTIPODES: THE CONCERT : A CELEBRATION OF GREEK MUSIC, DANCE + LIFE
Featuring leading Greek performers, a live music concert celebration of Greek culture and life.

The official program will be announced over the coming months.