Would you go to war for a song? Eleni Elefterias’ Whose is this Song asks the question at
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
One hundred and twenty people attended a celebration of local writers and academics for an event hosted by AHEPA NSW at Marrickville’s new theatre/arts space at The Living Room Theatre.
MC’d by Nia Lorraine-Nia Gitsas, AHEPA’s Vice President, the event heard from a range of academics and writers who contributed to Eleni Elefterias’s book about a song which is claimed by many peoples across the Balkans. So passionate, that many have been willing to fight for the bragging rights of the song.
Dr Alfred Vincent, Dr Michael Karadjis, historian Costa Vertsayias, humanitarian George Michelakakis, and writer Billy Cotsis all spoke about their contribution to Eleni’s new masterpiece. Dr Vincent was instrumental with the editing and advice for Eleni over a two year period, along with Professor Vrasidas Karalis.
Eleni joked that she needed the large cast of contributors otherwise no one would have attended or read the book! In reality, it is one of the best sellers at the Kogarah based Bilingual Bookshop and was well received at a Melbourne launch earlier in the year.
In keeping with the theme of the book, a number of special songs were performed for the audience via the talents of Felicia Harris, Yannis Bardas, Marina Thiveos and Eleni herself. They performed the Greek version of the song from Adela Peeva’s documentary film followed by another two other shared tunes including Missirlou and the Bosnian song Rosna Livada.
The event also heard from Aunty Liz, representing Uncle John Dickson who was unwell, we wish Uncle a speedy recovery. Aunty presented Eleni and Billy with specially made boomerangs by Uncle to mark the occasion including a boomerang incorporating Pontus’ both Eleni and Aunty Liz have heritage from the region.
Eleni told Neos Kosmos, today was “very successful thanks to the wonderful speakers, all writers in the book and with diverse perceptions on the political and social fabric of the Balkan region. It was also supported by people from different Associations and factions which is surprising for a Greek event these days.”
“Just like the song which is shared by many cultures so too was this event, one that united people. This book is special for many reasons, the calibre and expertise of the writers, their topics that can often be divisive, and their knowledge of the subject. It is the first time such a diverse group of individuals, intellectuals, historians, academics have come together to contribute to a book on such a topic that can be very volatile for many from the area.”
Interestingly very few hands went up when Eleni asked who identifies as Balkan. As we know Greece is geographically, at least in the north, in the Balkans but few think of themselves as being part of the Balkan Peninsula.
Eleni also paid tribute to AHEPA. “I am indebted to Mr Harry Fandakis of AHEPA, who with his modern vision for the future of the organisation…. has always supported me and other creatives in our community. Lastly, a special thanks to Mrs Maria Cotsis for all the beautiful sweets and Greek pies she brought along for the audience to enjoy after the performance.”
Whose is this Song is out now.
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
