Constantine Cavafy by Yiannis Kephallenos
The 150th anniversary of the birth of Greek poet Constantine Cavafy
(1863-1933) will be commemorated Saturday at the first Greek literature
and book festival to be held in his honor in Washington.
Cavafy, considered "one of the finest modern Greek
poets" (Wikipedia), and his achievements will be recognized by Greek
authors and poets who will present their own writings. Greek publishers will
participate, and some of Cavafy's original books from the collection at the
Library of Congress will be on display.
The keynote speaker will be Vassilis Lambropoulos who
teaches classical studies and comparative literature at the University of
Michigan.
The event will include short films about Cavafy and readings of his poems with
audience participation.
Sponsors are the Embassy of Greece, Georgetown's
Modern Greek Language Program, the Athenians' Society of New York, and the
Library of Congress.
From Wikipedia:
Cavafy was instrumental in the revival and recognition of Greek poetry both at home and abroad. His poems are, typically,
concise but intimate evocations of real or literary figures and milieux
that have played roles in Greek culture. Uncertainty about the future, sensual
pleasures, the moral character and psychology of individuals, homosexuality, and a fatalistic existential nostalgia are some of the defining themes.
What: The celebration of the 150th anniversary of
Constantine Cavafy's birth
When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., March 16, 2013
Where: Bunn Intercultural Center Auditorium,
Georgetown University, 37th and O Streets, NW, Washington, D.C. 20057
Cost: No charge
Metro station: Are you kidding? This is Georgetown.
Take a taxi or get off the Metro at Foggy Bottom and take the bus at the top of
the escalators to Georgetown or walk from Foggy Bottom (about 30 minutes). Use
Metro's Trip Planner for more exact routing.
For more information: 202-687-0100 (Georgetown) or 202-939-1300
(the Embassy of Greece)