ATHENS
weekly
TRIBUTE TO EDITH PIAF A major tribute to Edith Piaf on the fiftieth anniversary of her death by Jil Aigrot – “the voice” in the awardwinning film La Vie en rose. Aigrot brings her own unique interpretation to the everclassic songs of the French artist from March 28 to 30 at 8 pm at Megaron www.megaron.gr
Weekly supplement by Insider Publications • www.insider-publications.com • No 3 • Friday, March 28, 2014 HENRIK IBSEN’S COMPLETE WORKS
FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL
The 15th French Film Festival travels from Athens to Thessaloniki with the screening of 14 films such as Casse-tête Chinois, Fille du 14 juillet and Michael Kohlhaas. From March 27 to April 2 at Olympion, 10 Aristotelous Square, Tel. 2310.378637, www.filmfestival.gr, www.ifg.gr, www.festivalfilmfrancophone.gr
Gutenberg Publications present a new interpretation of Henrik Ibsen’s work, suitable for stage with full commentary on March 31 at 6:30 pm at The Archaeological Society of Athens, Panepistimiou 22, Tel. 210.362.6043, www.archetai.gr
A brave, new Iraq
Mention Iraq, and it’s very likely the word to follow it would be war. For a country that has known more conflict than any other in recent history, it is remarkable that it has, in the span of a decade, rebounded with extraordinary growth, boasts a fledgling but solid democracy and is rated as one of the most influential players in the global energy market. More than eight million Iraqis braved bombs and bullets to vote in Iraq’s first free elections in 2005 and while the path to democracy has been arduous, Iraqis have shown remarkable resilience to make the political process work – a beacon of hope for other aspiring democracies in the region. Ambassador Jaf hopes to highlight how far his much misunderstood country has come, through some unconventional diplomatic means: peace runs, cultural exchanges and business delegations. Excerpts from the interview. Ambassador, your posting here comes at a challenging time for Greece. I found myself in Greece in the midst of angry debates and daily demonstrations. I consider myself an eyewitness to the historic process of a people finding its voice. There were a lot of passionate discussions and a lot of self-analysis as to what had gone wrong – and there were times I regretted not understanding Greek.
Greece is the word Ambassador Jaf and his wife Anne at the Newroz celebrations on March 20
likely that the figure will be easily surpassed. Iraq hopes to increase its oil production to 3 million barrels a day and it is believed that by 2020, it will surpass other Middle East economies in terms of oil production, not to mention its untapped gas reservoirs. The Embassy is planning a few business delegations to Iraq during Greece’s EU presidency as well as organizing seminars on conducting business in Iraq. In that context we are particularly pleased to announce that Astra Airlines will introduce direct flights from Athens to Erbil starting April 17, and every Monday and Thursday thereafter. We believe that these direct flights will promote bilateral ties between Greece and Iraq. Is Iraq a beacon of hope for aspiring democracies? After 35 years of dictatorship, Iraqis have embraced a political process that has brought together different factions - Arabs, Kurds, Assyrians and Turcomans - in a system emphasizing compromise and coalition. While Iraqi democracy still faces many challenges, it has shown dedication to make the political process work. We welcome the changes in Libya, Tunisia and Egypt – and even in Syria, but we insist on a political solution not a military one. There is no easy, straightforward formula – only a prediction that the will of the people will eventually prevail in these aspiring democracies.
EVENTS THIS WEEK
Music
Experience Dialogue in the dark A guided tour of the city of Athens with a visually impaired guide introducing visitors to a world of perception through other senses. Tours available in English upon request. Until October 15 at Badminton Theatre. For info: 210.884.0600, www.badmintontheater.gr, www.abcd.gr
Food for thought
Delfini, a store that stocks the goodness of highquality organic and local products in Kammena Vourla, is the brain-child of Dimitris and Anastasia Kitsikopoulos who quit their jobs and stressful lifestyles and moved from Athens to this little town to set up their business. According to Ms.Kitsikopoulos, “Delfini is not just a grocery store with spices and soaps, it is a hub for social interaction with workshops, yoga classes, seminars and lectures.” The seminars range from bread-making to a guided tour of local vineyards and oil-presses. Respect for the environment lies at the core of the store’s philosophy that caters to
Greek fashion comes of age
On the eve of the 15th Athens Xclusive Designers Week, Tonia Fouseki, Chair of the Organising Committee exults on the burgeoning fashion scene in Greece and the recognition the event has received from international designers and foreign media. 1. Do you think that there has been an explosion of new talent in the Greek fashion industry? I am delighted that Greece is teeming with new talent not only in design but also in the creation of recognizable brands. It is true that several young Greek designers with great talent have emerged in recent years. We’re pleased to have assisted in the development of the Greek design scene by giving them a platform through our New De-
Miriam Simun The Art Professionals in Athens Residency present the work of American performer, Miriam Simun, whose artistic practice is grounded in the rituals of mourning, purification and food. Until May 3. For more info: www.artprofessionalsinathens.wordpress.com
Ready to live your myth? Or, rather, to wear it? These home-grown designs take classic Greek elements and put a modern, supremely stylish, and in some cases gently ironic, spin on them. Molon lave!
1) Topping our wish-list for spring/summer – indeed, fluttering above it – are the legendary ‘Ikaria’ flats handcrafted by Ancient Greek Sandals. With leather wings at their heels, they’re available in a range of hues: Jessica Alba’s a fan of classic black, but we’re enchanted by the ‘Pink metal’ version. Goddesses: book that pedicure, pick your pair, and take to your heels. Just don’t soar too close to the sun. €150 from Free Shop (Kolonaki, Psychico) or ancientgreeksandals.com 2) Trust the witty design duo at Greece Is For Lovers to take a taverna throwaway and turn it into a tongue-in-chic fashion statement. Their Atlantish scarf keeps the meandros edging of the traditional tablecloth, but replaces the map of regional hotspots with a digital print of lost Atlantis, rendered on silk twill (rather than oil-besplattered paper). €45 from GIFL showroom, Valtetsiou 5052, Exarcheia or greeceisforlovers.com
3) For simple summer style, few garments have more timeless appeal than the Grecian gown. From Fortuny to Kokosalaki, countless designer variations have been made on the Caryatid drape, but ‘polymorphic’ garment queen Ioanna Kourbela has excelled herself with her ethereal asymmetricalhemmed version in silkysoft (and eco-friendly) cupron fabric, belted with rope and available (for purists) in white, or in a soft grey that has an All Saints edge to it. €278 at Adrianou 109 & Hatzimichali 12, Plaka or ioannakourbela.com 4) Love those bobble-toed clogs the evzones clomp along in, but loath to rick an ankle on Athens’ pavements in such foolhardy footwear? Instead follow the ‘tsarouhi’ trend with a decorative silver pendant in the shape of the curled moccasins, designed by Liana Vourakis for Zeus & Dione. €50 from www.zeusndione.com 5) Shepherds used to carry their lunch in these woven wool shoulder bags, but now you’re more likely to find an iPad in there. After a brief moment in the 60s (remember “Stasou mygdala”?) the humble Tagari bag has made a comeback – but not as Voglis would know it. The trendy versions by NHMA Creations are handwoven in bright thread, embellished with bronze studs and trailing leather fringing. See the selection on their Facebook page.
FELINE FASHION
Ready for some bargain shopping? Come along Sunday March 30 to the Nine Lives Greece Spring Bazaar, where you’ll find an array of nearly-new fashion items and accessories, books, household ornaments, jewellery and more, as well as homemade cakes, cookies, pies and other tasty treats to enjoy while browsing. From 10am till 2pm at Diotima Hall, Arcadia Centre, Embedokleous 26, Pangrati. All proceeds go into veterinary care and feeding of street cats. www.ninelivesgreece.com
TV THIS WEEK MAN UP on FoxLife
©FOX INTERNATIONAL CHANNELS
Man Up gets under the skin of modern masculinity with presenter Olivia Lee plunging hopefuls out of comfort zones and immersing them into a highly charged testosteronedriven world. Premieres on Friday 28/3 @ 20.10
DA VINCI’S DEMONS 2 on FOX
©2014 TONTO FILMS AND TELEVISION LIMITED
Da Vinci’s Demons presents a fictional account of Leonardo’s life as he pushes the limits of his mind and body to defend Florence against the forces of Rome. Every Sunday @ 23.30
BURN NOTICE on FOX
©TCFTD
Burn Notice refers to the “burn notices” issued by US intelligence agencies to dismiss operatives and follows the adventures of an ex-spy who is trying to get to the bottom of his situation. Premieres on Tuesday 1/4 @ 19.00
Watch FOX on NOVA, OTE TV, HOL, CYTA Watch FOX Life on NOVA, OTE TV, CYTA Watch National Geographic Channel on NOVA, HOL, CYTA
CINEMA THIS WEEK THE LEGO MOVIE
An ordinary LEGO minifigure, mistakenly thought to be the extraordinary MasterBuilder, is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil LEGO tyrant from gluing the universe together.
NOAH
In a world wrecked by human sin, Noah is given the divine mission to build an arc in order to save creation before an apocalyptic flood destroys the world.
health-conscious foodies, but also stocks a range of products suitable for diabetics, raw food eaters and vegans. “The local community spontaneously embraced the effort of two young people to raise awareness about the importance of quality ingredients, but more encouragingly, Delfini has also had a resonance beyond Kammena Vourla,” says Ms.Kitsikopoulos. Visitors travelling from Athens and Thessaloniki treat the store as a pit-stop to stock up on local produce and seasonal goodies. The duo support Greek producers but also import hard-to-find biological products from abroad. In the near future, the number of workshops and seminars are slated to increase, featuring speakers from other cities. For details on workshops: Tel. 22350.22208, www.delfini2.gr. Delfini, G. Vassiliadi & D. Karaoli, Kammena Vourla.
ORGANIC LIVING
FASHION FORWARD
Performance
Girlllz United Festival The first Girlllz United Festival honours female musicians and features Greek and international artists such as Emika, Ikonika, B. Traits, Nalyssa Green and Berlin Brides. On March 29 at Votanikos Live Stage. www.votanikos.gr Baroque Concert A charity concert with the melodic sounds of double harp, baroque violin and baroque violoncello on March 29 at 7 pm at the Italian Institute of Culture, Patission 47. Tickets: 15 euros. For more info: 697.480.5501, www.italia.gr, www.iicatene.esteri.it
Golden Hall and the French-Greek Chamber of Commerce organize Vive La France, a celebration of all things French with exhibitions of French masters including Matisse and Rodin. Until April 2 at the Golden Hall, 37A Kifissias Ave., Tel. 210.680.3450, www.mygoldenhall.gr, www.ccifhel.org.gr
FAVE FIVE by Cordelia Madden-Kanellopoulou
INTERVIEW: AMBASSADOR BURHAN JAF What are the most pressing issues on your agenda as Iraq’s Ambassador to Greece? My focus is on improving trade and cultural ties. My other challenge is to put Iraq back on the agenda. Even though Iraq is a country that has just come out of a long period of wars, civil wars and the challenges of building a democracy, it is an attractive destination for businesses and tourists. Culturally, there are a lot of affinities between Greece and Iraq. Yes, we have a lot of Hellenic influences and share a common history. Most Greeks still nurture a romantic idea of Mesopotamia from 3000 years ago. There is a lot of interest from Greek museums and archaeology experts in displaying artifacts from Babylon. The Iraqi Embassy has also organized several cultural initiatives which demonstrate these cultural affinities, including a 5km Marathon called ‘Run for Peace From Acropolis to Babylon’ and supported the Greek production of an off-Broadway play, ‘9 Parts of Desire’ that followed the lives of nine Iraqi women during the decade between the first and second Gulf Wars. From a trade point of view, Greece is at the end of a recessionary period and Iraq is poised for growth. How do you hope to further trade ties and investments? A lot of Greek companies have billion dollar contracts in rebuilding Iraq: METKA is involved in power construction, TERNA is now constructing opera houses and hospitals and several middle-sized companies such as dairy company Kri Kri are present in Northern Iraq with production facilities. Our present volume of trade is estimated at around 2 billion euros. Even without calculating oil imports, it is very
CELEBRATION: VIVE LA FRANCE
signers Awards and providing an opportunity for many young artists to reclaim a place in the firmament of the design stage. I believe that the Greek public is more receptive to the creativity of young designers today. 2. Several Greek designers such as Mary Katrantzou and Angelos Bratis have made a name for themselves on international catwalks and in Hollywood. Do you see an encouraging new trend? Every Greek fashion designer who manages to spread his wings beyond the local market and gain recognition in the international arena needs to be emulated. There are many Greek designers who have established international brands and have a following in the international fashion scene and I am delighted that we have hosted several of them at AXDW: Angelos Frentzos, Romina Karamanea, Kostas Murkudis, Ioannis Guia, Erotokritos, Panos Emporio, Stephan Caras, are just some of those with whom we had the pleasure to work with. This year, Angelos Bratis who has been working in Milan for the past three years, will be with us! 3. Do you think that fashion bloggers who seem to mould fashion choices have spearheaded the trend towards supporting young Greek artists? Fashion bloggers are an important dynamic in the shaping of fashion trends, even here in Greece, where blogging blossomed much later. I think the general trend of the fashion industry works positively for Greek designers, as they have
an authenticity that transcends a typical highstreet commercial line. It is no coincidence that Greek references to the creations of Greek designers working abroad have been received very positively by the international press! 4. What new trends can one expect to see at AXDW? This is the 15th season for us and we have the pleasure to work with major Greek designers and strong fashion names such as the timeless Loukia, Makis Tselios, Kathy Heyndels, Panos Apergis, Nene Fashion and a dynamic new generation of designers such as Athena Korda, SOMF, Constantine Mitrovgenis. Equally important are the contributions from abroad: Cacharel presents its Autumn collection for the first time at AXDW, a real honour for AXDW and a demonstration of presence of the organization in the international fashion scene. We also have two international designers, Spanish Patricia Adam and Romanian Andreea Tincu who will be presenting their collections. International fashion brands such as Marks & Spencer and Toni & Guy give their own perspective on the latest fashion trends. Providing a much-needed impetus for fashion are the New Designers Awards in three categories with 12 new talents competing. As for new trends, I invite you to discover it at the AXDW catwalk! Athens Xcluisve Designers Week runs from March 29 to April 1 at the National Insurance Conference Centre, 103-105 Syngrou Ave. More details: www.axdw.gr
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