DIALOGUES

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation’s DIALOGUES series, carrying on the festive atmosphere of Christmas, welcomes the New Year with an event dedicated to the Chinese New Year.

On the second day after the new moon, following the winter solstice, red dominates, and the year of the Dog is succeeded by the year of the Pig. On January 30th, 2019, DIALOGUES meet China at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC). Exorcising bad luck, away from evil spirits, we get to know Chinese culture, its symbolism and traditions.

The first event of the DIALOGUES series for 2019 will host an open discussion with the public, and with representatives of Chinese culture in Greece, on the elements that bridge China and Greece, at the level of history, mentality and traditions, despite the seemingly large distance between the two countries.

Speakers to the event include:

- Zhang Qiyue, Her Excellency the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Greece
- Ζu Lijun, Director of Business Confucius Institute at Athens University of Economics and Business 
- Angelos Chaniotis, Professor of Ancient History and Classics at the Institute for Advanced Study

In addition there will be live connections with the Embassy of Greece in China with His Excellency Ambassador Leonidas Rokanas as well as with Simon Fraser University in Canada with Professor Dimitri Krallis, Acting Director of the SNF Centre for Hellenic Studies

The discussion between the speakers and the public will be coordinated by journalist Anna-Kynthia Bousdoukou.

Attendees will have the chance to enjoy a traditional program of festivities, including live music, martial arts, dancing with the dragon—China’s most iconic mythical animal—and many other surprises.

Specifically the Beijing Academy of Dance will present a traditional dance performance and the China National Traditional Orchestra will present a show of traditional music, including a Κunqu opera performance. In addition the Long Yun Kung Fu group will present a showcase of Tai-Ji. Of course a celebration of the Chinese New Year would not be complete without the Dance of the Dragon which will be presented at 17:00 at the Agora by the Chinese Union in Greece and the Hellenic Wushu Federation.

Due to the popularity of the event and the participation expected, we would like to inform guests that seating inside the Alternative Stage will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Additional seating will be available in the lobby of the GNO where the event will be screened live in an area especially set up for the event.

 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Alternative Stage, Greek National Opera

Event Begins: 17:30 
Free Entrance 
Registration is required 

Through the monthly series of live events, entitled DIALOGUES, the SNF presents, among others, individuals who inspire through their work and actions and hopes to catalyze conversations around critical issues, around the world.

To get a taste of previous events, see here.

The event will be livestreamed through the SNF’s website at www.SNF.org/live and will also be available on demand in both video and podcast format on the SNF’s website.

For more information visit

www.SNF.org