Writer Sofka Zinovieff explores Athens in a quest to understand this complex, seductive city. She visits unusual places and meets Athenians, native and adopted: from singers, poets and graffiti writers to architects, journalists and chefs. This podcast is co-funded by Greece and the European Union.
Athens Unpacked
Claim This Podcastby This is Athens
5.0(25 reviews)
9 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
Writer Sofka Zinovieff explores Athens in a quest to understand this complex, seductive city. She visits unusual places and meets Athenians, native and adopted: from singers, poets and graffiti writers to architects, journalists and chefs. This podcast is co-funded by Greece and the European Union.
Language
🇬🇷
Publishing Since
5/12/2021
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Recent Episodes
August 10, 2021
Eighth episode: From benefactors to buskers
How high & low cultures co-exist. The financial crisis hit Athens hard, but the arts flourished - against the odds. Germany’s massive Documenta14 arts festival transferred to Athens, ambitious cultural foundations mushroomed and street arts blossomed. Sofka visits the new Niarchos cultural centre and talks with magazine publisher Sudha Nair Iliades about big benefactors. Shipping magnates Onassis and Niarchos were rivals in love; their foundations now compete over their cultural legacies. We go to the lively neighbourhood of Psirri and seek out street art with George Papamattheakis. British cellist Chris Humphrys joined the ‘Camerata’ or Armonia Atenea orchestra when it was founded 30 years ago. He discusses classical music and plays us Bach in a park. Finally, we dance our way out with Balkan brass band Agia Fanfara and street music.
July 27, 2021
Seventh episode: Birth and death the Athenian way
Greek Orthodoxy and its customs. Athenians remain attached to the traditions of the Orthodox Church. Prize-winning poet American poet A.E. Stallings walks us around the First Cemetery – a beautiful sculpture park that reveals the Athenian way of death. And we visit Papios, a shop selling kollyva or food for mourning the dead. Sofka calls up her koumbara (Georgina Solo, the mother of her goddaughter) to discuss why what anthropologists call ‘spiritual kinship’ is so important. Greek baptisms often involve a level of drama and UK cellist Chris Humphrys revisits the church where he experienced full immersion as an adult. Why are name days more significant than birthdays and what part do priests play in removing the evil eye?
July 13, 2021
Sixth episode: Songs and poems
From popular songs to great poets. Sofka meets Lysandros Falireas, founder of the fusion band Imam Baildi. They unpack how the Asia Minor refugees of 1922 established rembetika (or ‘Greek blues’) in Athens. The celebrated singer Elly Paspala discusses her collaboration with two of the greatest Greek composers: Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Xatzidakis and how they used poetry from Nobel-prize-winning Greek poets. Former UK Ambassador, John Kittmer, reveals his deep love for the poet Yiannis Ritsos who collaborated with Theodorakis when both were imprisoned by the Junta. Finally, translator and bicycle tour guide Joshua Barley dives into why dimotika traditional village ‘folk’ songs are so popular in Athens.
9 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Athens Unpacked?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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