Weekly supplement by Insider Publications • insider-publications.com • facebook.com/insiderpublications • No 93 • Friday, January 22, 2016 EXHIBITON LORD BYRON & MESOLONGI
FAMILY AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
The British poet and celebrated Grecophile Lord Byron, who died in the Greek city of Mesolongi after assisting Greek revolutionaries in their battle of independence from Ottoman Rule, is showcased by contemporary artists from January 16-23 at the Zoumboulakis Galleries, 20 Kolonaki Square, zoumboulakis.gr
The Diplomacy of Distance As Australians in Athens prepare to celebrate Australia Day, Australia’s Ambassador to Greece, Mr John Griffin, speaks exclusively to Insider’s Amanda Dardanis.
UPCOMING EVENTS
obvious appreciation. (Later, he hands over a Tupperware container filled with more pies to take home.) There is no PR minder sitting in, as is often the case during diplomatic chats. His choice of tie is similarly informal, printed all over with little “tsarouchia”, the traditional clogs of the Evzones. Ambassador Griffin, whose last posting was Hungary, still has non-resident accreditation to Romania and Bulgaria. He arrived in Athens in July 2014, in the sunset days of the Samaras government. Despite the myriad challenges still faced by this country – Greece has clearly worked its way quickly into this amiable Australian diplomat’s affections. Ambassador, what are the most pressing issues on your agenda at the moment? I’ve just finished a round of consultations with Greek bankers to get a health check on the economy after our roller coaster ride last year and the recapitalization of the banks. The 2016 prognosis is optimistic but not bullish. The general feeling now is that with the serious political risk of last year hopefully resolved, there’s a degree of normality returning to the economy. Australia has significant partnerships with Europe, both economic and strategic, so we want the EU to regain its prosperity and confidence. Culturally, which affinities do you believe exist between Greece and Australia? We share a pioneering spirit and this concept of co-operating in adversity. Greeks are tough. Because they’ve had to be. They’re at their best when their backs are
When things were getting very difficult last year, there were many practical conversations about “what do we do” about all the Australians over here; the travelers and the pensioners. (We have about 100,000 Australians living in Greece and 14,000 pensioners whose money Queenslanders of the 3rd Australian General Hospital, Lemnos, Greece 1916 comes through the Greek banks, so it was a fraught lifesaver Simon Lewis who’s gone over to time.) But we don’t generally follow blow Lesvos this month to help rescue people get- by blow what’s happening in Greece in the ting into trouble trying to reach the island. same breathless detail as our European And there’s an Australian woman, Melinda friends. We do care about Greece. Its health McRostie, who basically runs a refugee as- affects the health of the European Union and sistance operation from her taverna in Moly- Europe is still our largest investment partner vos. Australia has doubled its annual quota and our second largest trading partner after for humanitarian cases. We now have an ex- China. And for all of its problems, the EU is tra 12,500 places for Syrians. still the most successful example in history Australia famously has one of the world’s of rules-based integration and co-operation. largest diaspora communities of Greeks – When you consider what came before in around 600,000 – in Melbourne. How does Europe, it’s definitely an achievement worth this influence the connection between our preserving. two countries? What lessons might Greek businesses Melbourne is the third largest Greek com- learn from the Australian approach? munity in the world. I’ve heard Greek politi- The Australian psyche suffered a big shock cians who come to Australia and are amazed when Britain joined the European common at the excited welcome they get from Greek market in 1973, and all of those commonAustralians! This creates a very strong foun- wealth preferential trade privileges suddation for a diplomatic relationship because denly disappeared. But we transitioned and the people know and like each other. transformed large areas of our economy. Ambassador, your posting here coincides Now we’ve got niche high-end products in with a historically challenging time for agri-food, tourism, elderly and health care, energy, logistics (because we’re such a big Greece. country, we have to be very good at moving things around quickly). Greece needs to do the same thing, I’d suggest. It’s something I’m trying to promote here. What is the best perk of being stationed in Greece? Getting to know the Greeks themselves. They really are wonderful people. Which place in Greece has inspired you most? I don’t usually have a strong historical imagination. When people say things like, “Can’t you hear the rustle of Louis XIV’s silk at Versailles?”, I would always think, “No. I can’t.”. But I found the ruins at Mycenae incredibly evocative and powerful. You really can imagine that the Gods themselves might have Greek Australians during a parade for Australia Day in Melbourne been just over the hills.
to the wall. Our shared war history has also forged strong bonds. The most emotional day for Australians is Anzac Day, commemorating the campaign and defeat at Gallipoli. Lemnos was actually the launch pad and hospital station for the attack and a lot of Australians are buried on the island. Greeks remember Australian support during the battle of Crete in the Second World War too, and still volunteer their memories. And Greece has been independent for roughly about the same time as European settlement began in Australia … I once asked a Greek parliamentarian why our two countries had evolved so differently, given that very fact. He said: “You’re probably lucky to have been so far away!” In your opinion, do Australians feel detached from the issues facing Greece and the EU – or part of a global community despite their distance? The Australian mentality used to be “we’re very very far away from everything”. Foreign things happen “over there”. The Bali bombings in 2002 and 2005 were the big wake up call for many Australians. And now things that happen in Paris, happen in Sydney too (the siege in Martin Place in December 2014). Australians now realise it’s a connected world. What kind of sentiments have been expressed to you by Australia about Greece’s refugee crisis? Australians are a generous people and when they see images like the drowned little boy on the beach in Turkey (Aylan Kurdi), they want to do something. There’s a Melbourne
CITYLIFE
EXHIBITION
A Couple of Good Sports
DIMOSTHENIS KOKKONIDIS A treasure trove of about 40 hidden-away works from one of Greece’s most prominent art figures is the subject of “Dimosthenis Kokkinidis: Unrecalled Rolled Canvases 1952-1974,” at the Benaki Museum’s Pireos Street annex, 138 Pireos & Andronikou, until January 31, benaki.gr.
EXHIBITION
THEATRE
ELLES Women step out from the shadows at Elles, a tribute to 67 female artists from 1950 onwards, with 400 works covering major historical events and sociopolitical revolutions shaping modern art history. See Elles at Frissiras Museum, 7 Monis Asteriou, Plaka, until June 30, 210.323.4678 or frissirasmuseum.com
MADAM BUTTERFLY Puccini’s popular “Madama Butterfly,” inspired by American writer John Luther Long’s novella about his sister’s recollections of life in Japan with her missionary husband, is revived at the Megaron Concert Hall, Vass. Sofias and Kokkali, megaron.gr, from January 17-27, directed by Nikos Petropoulos. Tickets range from €20-70.
BOOK NOOK
Natan, we are given an intimate account of David’s life from shepherd to soldier, composer to traitor, writer of Psalms and later Hero-King of Israel, as told by the people who loved and feared him most. In this way, his contradictions are wholly realised into his wish for immortality. Brooks latest offering, THE SECRET CHORD: A NOVEL is a richly absorbing tale for those who love travelling back to biblical times to meet an iconic, compelling character. Reviewed by Anna Roins
THE SECRET CHORD: Geraldine Brooks (Viking) ‘’Blazing” and ‘’masterly” is how the The New York Times describes this latest release by Pulitzer Prize-winning Australian novelist and journalist, Geraldine Brooks: a magnificent re-imagining of the life of David, King of Israel. David, mostly known as the man who slew the Philistine giant, Goliath in 1000 BC, experiences every conceivable human joy or sorrow, triumph or tragedy. He is at once splendid and appalling. As Brooks recently said, ‘’He makes great poetry; he massacres innocents.’’ While David has been celebrated everywhere in Western art, from Michelangelo’s
See Queen of Stand-up Katerina Vrana in her raunchy new show, “About Sex”, January 29, at 9.15pm at Theatre 104, Evmolpidon 41, Gazi. The routine, in English, concerns her fear that many of us are not “doing it” right. Examples include sexting, Tinder, food and gymnastics! Tickets €10, 210.345.5020.
Jules Verne’s thrilling adventure “Around the World in Eighty Days” returns to the Megaron in a musical-theatrical performance for children and adults-alike, featuring action, humour, live music and video, until January 30, Vas. Sofias & Kokkali, megaron.gr. Tickets €12.
DIPLOMACY
When capital controls arrived last summer, Australia’s Ambassador to Greece, Mr John Griffin, was one of those fortunate foreigners who still had unimpeded daily access to his funds. ‘I never tried it though,’ Ambassador Griffin confesses. ‘The idea of drawing out large sums of money while Greeks queued behind me for their sixty euros a day just didn’t sit right.’ It’s the famous Aussie “Fair Go” in play. A notion that would appear to frequently motivate this opera-loving, career public servant, who grew up in the dusty rural township of Mackay, in north Queensland. We are sitting in the light-flooded drawing room of the Ambassador’s modern residence in the leafy enclave of Paleo Psychiko. There’s a large swimming pool in the back. The public rooms downstairs are dotted with Australiana - Arnotts biscuit tins, an Australian flag ashtray, a copper Two-Up set. The walls sport wonderful local art: the iconic sweeping curve of Sydney Harbor in Wendy Merrington’s Lavender Bay diptych; an earthy Indigenous piece by Don Morton Tjapangardi. ‘Yes, it’s very pleasant, very liveable. But very quiet,’ says Ambassador Griffin. One suspects he might have preferred a slightly livelier locale. Kolonaki. Or Kerameikos perhaps. Even so, it all makes me, a fellow Antipodean, rather homesick. More so, when a platter of mini-meat pies materializes mid-interview. ‘We keep an Australian free-lance chef on contract,’ the Ambassador laughs at my
COMEDY KATERINA VRANA
statue to Coen’s ‘Alleluia,’ little is known about him other than what is referenced by the Bible. This is where Brooks’ research and imagination triumphs. She chronicles his life and times with reverence and drama. Quicker than you can say Batsheva, you go back 3000 years with the story that unfurls, dotted with transliterations from original Hebrew text from the Tanakh. You can practically smell the minty hyssop shrub at Shephelah as the pages turn. This aspect of Brooks’ writing takes the term genius to another level of interactive art. Narrated through the eyes of the prophet,
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When Australia Day rolls around every January 26, every self-respecting Aussie in town knows there’s only one party to go to. The Australia Day bash at the Athens Sports Bar, run by Australian brother duo, Daniel and Ed Fisher. The Fisher siblings, brothers also to Hollywood star Isla Fisher, have been in the business of selling fun in Athens since 2004. Their Australian-style backpacker and traveller’s village – comprised of the Sports Bar, Fish Café, and Athens Backpackers – has long been a hub for fun-loving expats across the capital. Dan Fisher talks hotel politics, Ghostbusters – and the saucy secrets of Studio 21! What is it about Athens that attracted you and what keeps you here? Athens always has been, and always will be, an exciting place to be. It’s the sense of freedom that people feel here. The sense that there aren’t too many rules and that you can free-wheel a bit. Our travellers always have the most random experiences! Can you give us an example? Absolutely. We had an Australian guest come through who was obsessed with Ghostbusters. He had the Ghostbusters hat, the jacket. He went out one night to Exharchia for a few beers and actually met up with Egon, the guy from Ghostbusters (played by Harold Ramis) and ended up drinking with him all night! That’s the magic of Athens. Australians running businesses in Athens. Is it a very big club? We do feel that we kind of blazed the way for Aussies running businesses here, especially in the bricks and mortar sector. Right from the beginning, we quickly became the default place to go for Aussie
Greeks and people with any Aussie connection in Greece. They would gravitate towards the Sports Bar because we show all the big games. Do Australians bring different business strengths to the table in Greece? I think there’s a transparency and an honesty to how Australians do business that’s different to how maybe things happen here on the ground. We have an implicit desire, being Aussies, to kind of do things properly. To pay our taxes; to make sure all our staff get paid correctly; and that all their entitlements are taken care of. We attract and retain good staff because of that. I think that’s a really Aussie mentality. Has the budget market proved more recession-proof? Greece is a fantastic product for the budget travel sector and for families. The families who were going to spend €180 on staying in the centre of Athens, find that they can get the same thing from us for only €80, so we’ve managed to attract the more prestige traveler who wants a good experience, but at a better price. Who parties harder? Australians or Greeks? I think that the Aussies probably have the edge there for consumption, but not for keeping their sh*t together. Greeks have better form over all four quarters. Be honest, do Australians make good hotel guests? Well, put it this way … if we do have a problem, it’s always Aussies. I could tell you some stories about Aussie guests that are
TV THIS WEEK
X-FILES
This 2016 pilot reintroduces “The X-Files” and reunites Agent Mulder with Dana Scully. Mulder proclaims new evidence that alien abductions have been faked. Premieres Monday January 25 at 6.15 and 21.15 on Fox.
MARVEL’S AGENT CARTER 2
The second season follows Marvel Comics character Peggy Carter as she moves to Los Angeles to deal with the threats of the new atomic age in the wake of World War II. Premieres Thursday January 28 at 21.50 on Fox. Watch FOX on OTE TV
CINEMA THIS WEEK
STEVE JOBS
Danny Boyle’s journey behind the scenes of the digital revolution, to paint a portrait of the man at its epicentre. Starring Michael Fassbender and Kate Winslet
THE REVENANT
A frontiersman on a fur trading expedition fights for survival after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team in this Oscar-contender with Leonardo di Caprio and Tom Hardy.
unbelievable. They are definitely the naughtiest guests! But also the most loveable. Speaking of love, is it true that Athens Backpackers has kick-started many big romances? A lot of people have met and fallen in love here. We get emails saying, “Thanks so much, I met my wife there”. We’ve had three engagements in room S21 alone. And two pregnancies! Your sister (the Hollywood actress Isla Fisher) is a much-loved ambassador for Australia. Does she stay at the Backpackers while in town? Or is she more of a Grande Bretagne kind of gal? My sister has stayed here many times with Sacha and the kids. This is her accommodation of choice! She stays in one of our twobedroom apartments because of the kids. (Isla is married to the British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen and the couple has three young children, Olive, Elula, and Moses). What does she think of Athens? She and Sacha love Athens and they also love going down the coast (the Athenian Riviera). They spend loads of time at the beaches there. The city can be a bit harder for young families. How is Athens city centre changing? I think it’s more real now. For awhile there, it was trying to be something it wasn’t. And it was overpriced. Athens has definitely become better value for money. There’s a sense of humility that’s come back to the city too. What do you miss most about Australia? I miss the sense of space and the sound of the ocean. Celebrate Australia Day at the Athens Sports Bar, Veikou 3, Acropolis, on January 26, from 7.30pm for “fish and chips, Aussie music and a bloody good time”. www. athenssportsbar.gr
Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher