Hellenic Foundation for Culture Inaugural Washington, DC Event

Tribute to Nikos Kazantzakis at the Library of Congress

November 1, 2007

The Hellenic Foundation for Culture is pleased to announce the inauguration of its activities in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, November 1, 2007.

Under the auspices of the Library of Congress, European Division and the Embassy of Greece, the Foundation will present a tribute to the renowned Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis.

Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957), author of poems, novels, essays, plays, and travel books, was arguably the most important and certainly the most translated Greek writer and thinker of the twentieth century. His prolific and influential output represents a major contribution to world literature. The 1964 film “Zorba the Greek” by Michael Cacoyannis, based on Kazantzakis' novel solidified the Greek author’s international reputation.

Dr. Deanna Marcum, Associate Librarian of Congress for Library Services, Dr. Georgette Dorn, Acting Chief, European Division, H.E. Ambassador Alexandros P. Mallias and the President of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture Prof. George D. Babiniotis will open the event at the Library of Congress, to be followed by keynote speakers Prof. Darren J. N. Middleton, Texas Christian University, on “Reading Kazantzakis Today” and Dr. Patroclos Stavrou, Publisher, N.Kazantzakis Publications, Athens, Greece on “Kazantzakis and America.”  At the end of the event Mr. Harold M. Leich, Area Specialist, Library of Congress, will introduce the attendees to Kazantzakis’ first editions showcased outside of the Pickford Theater. 

The event, organized by Dr. Zoe Kosmidou, Cultural Counselor, Embassy of Greece, will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Pickford Theater, Library of Congress, James Madison Building, Room LM 336, 101 Independence Avenue, SE, Washington, D.C. 20540.

First editions of works by Kazantzakis will be showcased from November 26, 2007 through February 29, at an exhibition of the Library of Congress Collection at a different location: European Reading Room, Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building, Room LJ250, 10 First Street, SE, Washington, DC 20540. (Exhibition hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm on weekdays; closed on weekends and federal holidays.)

Founded in 1992 in Athens, the Hellenic Foundation for Culture is a nonprofit organization which promotes and disseminates Greek culture and language internationally. With several branches worldwide, the Foundation sponsors and supports a vast range of activities including exhibitions, concerts, lectures, film festivals, music, and dance festivals. The Foundation strives to bring to the United States unique programs of Greek arts, creativity, and spirit highlighting Greek civilization through the ages.

The event is free and open to the public with seating on a first-come basis. Street parking restrictions end at 6:30 pm. The nearest Metro station is Capitol South, on the Blue or Orange lines.

For further information:  Dr. Zoe Kosmidou, 202-939-1364,  info@greekculture.us

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