A Special Program Dedicated to the City of Famagusta Cyprus

On Friday, February 19, 2010 at 8pm at the Stathakion Cultural Center, 22-51 29th Street, Astoria, NY 11105, CYPRECO of America, Inc., kicks off its 2010 cultural activities with a very unique program dedicated to the coastal City of Famagusta, Cyprus.

The event which is offered for free as a public service and which has been promoted on AKTINA FM and AKTINA TV since last November 2009, has already received an overwhelming response from the public and the venue is already full.  In order to accommodate others who wish to attend, organizers have now created a waiting list on first come first serve basis in case there are cancellations.  To be included on the waiting list please call 718-545-1151 or send an email to cypreco@earthlink.net

This event is part of CYPRECO’s ongoing mission of introducing and promoting young Greek Cypriot and Greek American professionals who are involved in the arts and culture and more specifically those young individuals who try to promote Cyprus and Greece through their art.  One such artist is Vasia Markides whose documentary “Hidden In The Sand” is being featuring during this event.  The documentary chronicles the story of Famagusta in northern Cyprus and under Turkish occupation since 1974.  During the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, all Famagusta Greek Cypriot residents fled their city fearing for their lives.  Since then, the occupation forces have sealed off the city and keep it under strict military surveillance so that no one can return home.  The film tackles the ugly effects of nationalism, militarism and propaganda in both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.  The event will also feature a message and remarks on video by Alexis Galanos, Mayor of Famagusta, a poetry recital by Greek Cypriot poet/lyricist Polys Kyriacou enhanced with video of the occupied city, courtesy AKTINA TV, discussion with the filmmaker, while the Guest Speaker will be the distinguished Professor Theoharis David, FAIA on the topic “Famagusta: A Remembrance and Thoughts About The Future.

“We are very thrilled of the overwhelming response of the public for this very important event and as a result the venue is completely full three weeks in advance.   This verifies once again the special bond we have with our audience all these years, as well as the trust they show in us, that we will produce for them yet another unique program of great cultural value and importance”, said Elena Maroulleti, President of CYPRECO and Executive Program Producer.  Ms. Maroulleti also expressed her sincere thanks and appreciation to all participating artists noting, “Vasia Markides is young and upcoming artist/filmmaker and we are sure that those in attendance will be very impressed with her work.  Polys Kyriacou is a very well known poet/lyricist with many contributions to our community through his art but also through his volunteer work in promoting Cyprus and certainly we are very excited that he is participating again in one of our programs.  Our guest speaker, Prof. Theoharis David,  is a multi awarded architect and an authority when it comes to Cyprus and its architecture, while he is credited for building important structures in Famagusta and it goes without saying that we are extremely honored to have him with us”.

Mr. David is a Professor of Architecture at Pratt Institute teaching graduate and undergraduate design and is a former Chair of Graduate Architecture and Faculty President of the School of Architecture.  He is also visiting Professor at the University of Cyprus. He has been active in design awards programs including the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, The Cyprus State Architecture Awards, and the Society of American Registered Architects Awards. His architecture has received awards in the United States at city, state and nationals levels.  He received the Cyprus State Award for Architecture for the New G.S.P. Stadium in 2001 and has been nominated for the European Union Mies van der Rohe Award.  As design principal of Theo. David Architects TDA/KAL, he has been responsible for the design of sports stadiums, educational and medical facilities, religious structures, extensive residential complexes and private residence, along with the creation of comprehensive master plans for major leisure and mixed use development.  Theo. David has lectured widely in cities such Athens, Nicosia, London, Barcelona, Paris, Shanghai, Los Angeles, Savannah, Charleston and New York.  His work as architect and educator has been published and exhibited internationally.

This program is made possible in part by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Marathon Bank of New York, Astoria Federal Savings Bank, RCN Telecom Services, Inc., PSEKA and private individuals.  Media sponsors, AKTINA FM and AKTINA TV.  For more information and details please visit www.aktina.org

(Photo Credit: www.letsunitefamagusta.net)