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Tag: performances

  • Cypriot artists — Cypriot Artists Showcase Talent at EU Council Presidency Opening

    Cypriot artists — Cypriot Artists Showcase Talent at EU Council Presidency Opening

    cypriot artists — Cypriot artists took centre stage during the opening ceremony of the EU Council presidency in Nicosia, captivating an international audience that included prominent leaders such as EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    Cypriot artists: Celebrated Performances Highlight Cyprus’ Cultural Richness

    On Wednesday, the event featured over 100 local artists and cultural professionals who showcased their talents across a variety of artistic disciplines. The ceremony commenced with opening speeches from President Nikos Christodoulides, President of the EU Council Antonio Costa, and von der Leyen, who addressed the significance of Cyprus’ role in the European Union.

    A Journey Through History and Culture

    One of the highlights of the evening was the performance titled “MEMORY-PRESENT-META,” an artistic triptych directed by Kostas Silvestros. This multi-faceted work consisted of three acts that intertwined sound, movement, words, images, and digital elements. It served as a reflection on how the island’s rich history has shaped its identity over centuries, reinforcing Cyprus’ culture as a vibrant part of European civilisation.

    Diverse Performances Captivate the Audience

    The programme featured a range of artistic expressions, including choirs, actors, dancers, musicians, and visual artists. Among the standout performances was a local women’s choir, which delivered a powerful rendition that resonated with the audience. In a touching moment, a young girl performed solo, bringing an emotional depth to the ceremony.

    Additionally, a visual sequence highlighted nine foreign nationals against a grey backdrop, each articulating the word “present.” This poignant transition led into a live orchestral performance, further enhancing the evening’s thematic exploration of presence and identity.

    Historical Reflections on Cyprus

    As part of the artistic narrative, archival footage of the Republic’s first President, Archbishop Makarios, proclaiming the Republic was projected on screen. This historical moment connected the past with the present, reminding attendees of the journey Cyprus has undertaken as a nation.

    Tight Security Surrounds the Event

    The official ceremony was held amidst tight security measures, with snipers positioned on surrounding buildings to ensure the safety of the dignitaries and attendees. This level of security underscored the significance of the event and the importance of the EU presidency for Cyprus.

    A Night of Diplomacy and Culture

    Following the ceremony, President Christodoulides hosted an official dinner for the heads of the delegations at the Leventis Art Gallery in downtown Nicosia. This gathering provided an opportunity for further discussions on European cooperation and the pivotal role Cyprus will play during its presidency.

    Looking Ahead to Cyprus’ Presidency

    As Cyprus embarks on its term as the EU Council presidency, the opening ceremony served as a showcase not only of its artistic talent but also of its commitment to contributing to the European agenda. The blend of culture and diplomacy highlighted the potential for collaboration and understanding among member states.

    As the presidency unfolds, the spotlight will remain on Cyprus, with expectations for meaningful initiatives that address both local and European challenges. The performances at the ceremony exemplified the spirit of unity and creativity that Cyprus aims to foster throughout its presidency.

  • Larnaca Biennale to Unveil Artistic Lines and Traces Across the City

    Larnaca Biennale to Unveil Artistic Lines and Traces Across the City

    larnaca biennale — Larnaca Biennale will showcase a wealth of artistic lines and traces as it prepares for its fourth edition, set to commence in less than a week. Running from October 15 to November 28, the event promises a vibrant cultural programme spanning six-and-a-half weeks, featuring exhibitions, installations, performances, and workshops that will transform the city into a cultural hub.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    Larnaca biennale: Curator’s Vision Comes to Life

    With final preparations underway, curator Sana López Abellán expressed excitement about the unfolding of the Biennale, stating, “I am excited to witness how the Biennale unfolds across its venues, weaving together a collective story that belongs to both the artists and the community.” The anticipation is palpable as artists from around the globe arrive to install their works, creating an environment where lines and traces become tangible.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    Exhibition Venues Spread Across Larnaca

    The entire Larnaca district will feature selected artworks displayed across 13 indoor and outdoor locations, including notable sites such as the Larnaca Municipal Art Gallery, Pierides Museum, and Larnaca Medieval Castle. The opening ceremony will take place on Wednesday, marking the beginning of an engaging cultural experience. Additional exhibitions will be hosted at the Kallinikeio Municipal Museum in Athienou and the Costas Argyrou Museum in Mazotos.

    Key Installations and Performances

    Among the highlights of the main exhibition are three installation-performances and participatory events. Togetherness – Resonances of Expression and 22 Stops are set to take place on Thursday, while Unspoken Messages will invite public participation at Zouhouri Square, encouraging attendees to engage with the artwork actively.

    Workshops Encouraging Community Engagement

    The Biennale also features an array of workshops aimed at fostering creativity and community connections. The first workshop, The.Curious.Curly’s Cyanotype Tales, will occur on October 17 and November 1, guiding participants through journaling exercises and cyanotype-making. Participants are encouraged to bring a personal photograph from their youth, sharing stories while creating their original cyanotype print.

    Exploring Identity Through Art

    On October 18, the Canada-based duo Anana Rydvald and Zach Fraser will present The Lines and Traces of Identity, a theatrical workshop that utilises emotive masked play to explore personal and collective identity. This workshop exemplifies the Biennale’s focus on integrating artistic practice with meaningful dialogues.

    Bicommunal Art Project Fostering Unity

    The Weaving Unity project on October 25 aims to bring together Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots through a symbolic weaving workshop, culminating in an open artistic celebration on October 26, curated by interdisciplinary designer Konstantinos Charilaou.

    Engaging Performance Art Offerings

    Performance art will also play a significant role in the Biennale, starting with the contemporary dance performance The Thread by the Aphelion Dance Company on October 18. This piece reinterprets the myth of Ariadne and the Minotaur, exploring themes of identity and transformation through movement and narrative.

    Interactive Experiences for Audiences

    The Ichnilat(r)is performance, scheduled for October 19, 25, and November 1, 2, 8, and 9, invites audiences to participate in a unique experience that allows them to choose their role—whether to act or observe—creating a dynamic interaction with the performance.

    Celebrating Love and Heartache

    Anana Rydvald and Zach Fraser will also present their non-verbal mime performance, The Sighlence of Sky, on October 23 and 24. This tender performance offers an ode to love and heartache, navigating themes of disability and neurodivergence through familial relationships.

    Festivals, Films, and Educational Programmes

    The Biennale will also feature the Artist Quarter Piale Pasha Festival, offering guided tours of the artists’ quarter alongside performances and street food from October 18-19. Moreover, the Larnaka Cinema Society will present a selection of films across three evenings on November 10, 17, and 24.

    Creative Workshops for Young Artists

    In the educational programme The Art of Together, actress and theatre facilitator Theodora Andreou will run six creative workshops for children, culminating in a collective art installation at the Municipal Market of Larnaca on October 18, 25, and November 1, 8, 15.

    Open Art Schools Event

    The Open Art Schools event on November 2 will showcase the creative works of students from six art schools across Larnaca, providing families with the opportunity to explore the art world through the eyes of children.

    Experiential Events Highlighting Local Culture

    Curator Abellán will lead a guided Curator’s Walk on October 17, inviting participants to experience Larnaca’s streets and shoreline anew, while Zeno Philosophical Swim on October 22 and 26 connects philosophy with water and everyday activities through a swimming symposium and film screening.

    Tribute to Cypriot Artist Stass Paraskos

    A performance walk, Tracing Stass, will honour the iconic Cypriot artist and educator on October 25 and November 1. Artists Emilios Koutsoftides and Simon Pruciak will guide participants through Stass’ childhood surroundings, reflecting on the landscapes that inspired his work.

    Closing Celebrations and Community Involvement

    The Biennale will conclude with a live music performance on November 21, featuring the three-piece band consisting of Nikos Bardis, Antonis Nomikos, and Giorgos Laggouretos. They will present a unique project inspired by beloved Greek songs, creating an improvisational soundscape that embodies the spirit of the Biennale.

    Finally, the Traces of Our Heritage exhibition and award ceremony on November 27 will showcase work from students and community members, celebrating local culture, history, and traditions through designed products.