The 8th International Student Literature Conference, titled “Giannis Ritsos: The Poet of Romiosini” organized by the Zografeion Lyceum of Constantinople and E. Mandoulides Schools of Thessaloniki, under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, was held with great success from April 17 to April 21 at the Zografeion Lyceum, following a 5-year disruption due to COVID.
Approximately 250 students and educators from 18 schools (both public and private) in Greece, Constantinople, Nicosia, Imbros, and Johannesburg gathered alongside 50 scholars, writers, actors, and journalists, to “engage in dialogue” with the poet of Romiosini.
The life and work of Giannis Ritsos were explored through the students’ original ideas and activities, expert presentations by scholars, and engaging discussions. The conference addressed a variety of themes:
- Giannis Ritsos as My Controversial Partner
- Myths and History in the Poetry of Giannis Ritsos
- The Erotic
- The Poetics of Exile in the Work of Giannis Ritsos
- The Poet of Romiosini
- How Experience is Transformed into Art that Transcends the Self
In addition to these discussions, the event featured concerts, theatrical performances, photography exhibitions, discussions, and tours of the Bosporus, the Sea of Marmara, Prinkipo, and Halki. Some notable examples include:
- “Tribute to Giannis Ritsos” – Concert by George Dalaras at Grand Pera, 20/04
- Featuring performances by Violeta Ikari, Aspasia Stratigou
- “The Moonlight Sonata” – Theatrical Reading with Reni Pitaki at Zografeion, 17/04
- The Lady in Black: Reni Pitaki
- On – stage Musician: Fotis Siotas
- Direction: Theodoris Gonis
- Assistant Director: Katerina Simeonidou
