PerPoSF #1

METHEXIS AND CREATIVITY!

The University of Western Macedonia and EPOPSIS AMKE Culture are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the First International Performance Poetry Biennial Symposium-Festival (PerPoSF),  held under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Thessaloniki. This three-day event took place from December 6 to 8, 2024, at Warehouse D in the port area of Thessaloniki and marked a significant milestone in the celebration of performance poetry.

The opening ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, including Mr. Konstantinos Gkioulekas, Minister of Macedonia-Thrace, who delivered a keynote address. Also speaking Among the speakers were Triantafyllos H. Kotopoulos, Director of the University of Western Macedonia’s Postgraduate Program in Creative Writing and President of PerPoSF; Konstantinos Athiridis President of EPOPSIS AMKE; Georgia Velivasaki, Artistic Director of PerPoSF; Professor Gina Kalogirou from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; and Dimitra Mitta, President of the Thessaloniki Writers’ Association.

Over 100 poets, academics, and artists from France, Spain, Denmark, America, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, England, Hong Kong, and Greece – shared their expertise through live performances, lectures, workshops, poetry labs, masterclasses, and special events. Renowned poet-performers Julien Blaine, Philip Meersman, Claus Ankersen, Dimosthenis Agrafiotis, Makis Moulos, Marios Chatziprokopiou, Maro Galani, Georgia Velivasaki, Ioanna Lioutsia, and Ioanna Skantzelou took the stage, alongside the innovative Greek team from the global “Slam Poetry For Peace” movement, consisting of Amelia, Manolis Nanouris, Yzaura, Michele Howers, and Dimitris Stamiris. Through their dynamic presentations, they inspired audiences with live lessons in performance poetry and poetry that transcends the page, fostering unique moments of creative expression, methexis, and artistic growth.

Also participated with video & film poetry, live performances και speeches: Sofia Mimilidou, Alexandra Chalki, Eva Arabatzi, Konstantinos Stavrou, Evi Mermigka, Despina Monoyiou, Georgia Konstantelou, Sotiris Nousias, Dimitra Papadimitriou, Vily Varsou, Christina Demertsidou, Maria Konstanti, Nana Papadaki & George Zorbas, Galini Iliaskou, Olga Stergiopoulou, Eleni Benekou & Margarita Papamichou, Zacharias Katsakos, Aggeliki Chatzi & Vasia Paspali, Dimitris P. Naskos, Effie P. Caruso, Antonis Skiathas, Panos Boras, Anastasia Gkitsi, Katerina Anastasiou, Sofia Michelinaki, Nikias Fontaras, Cilia Katrali, Maria-Elisavet Kotini & Dimitris Fessas & Atlantida Koutsovangeli-Maliokopi & Caput Mortem, Aliki Beredima, Pamella Petali, Vicky Gkekina & Konstantinos Kampantais, Dionysis Maroulis & Aggeliki Dalaggeli & Iasonas Damorakis & Phoebus Sofikitis, Ioanna Loupasaki, Christos Koukis & Kleoniki Drougka & Panagiotis Karageorgakis, Manolis Vrachnakis & Kelly Dilvoy & Marinos Papadantonakis, Peny Delta & Triantafyllos Kotopoulos & Lefteris Achmetis, Evi Karkiti & Tzina Archonta, Alexandra Mitsiali, Isidora Malama, Kostas Magginas, Christos Alaveras.

The Symposium-Festival sparked rich dialogue on the fusion of poetry and performance, ultimately giving rise to a multi-dimensional, immersive, and sensory experience. The event also explored the potential of performance poetry as a powerful teaching tool in education. Throughout the festival, the audience was treated to a diverse range of poetic voices and styles, with experts in the field, such as Yiannis Mitrou, Panos Sdoukos, and Nikolaos Graikos, sharing their insights on the latest trends, fusions, and concerns in Performance Poetry. Participants also had the opportunity to engage in hands-on Performance & Spoken Word poetry workshops and witness awe-inspiring, improvisational performances that redefined the boundaries of performance poetry as a transformative, ritualistic and ceremonial experience

The first-ever International Performance Poetry Biennial Symposium-Festival in Greece has come to a close, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable moments and inspiring encounters. We’re thrilled to announce that the PerPoSF#2 is slated for 2026 – mark your calendars!

From captivating performances to insightful discussions, we are posting a wealth of photos, videos and texts that will give you a front-row seat to the creative energy that electrified the festival.