{"id":4338,"date":"2024-01-31T15:34:57","date_gmt":"2024-01-31T15:34:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zongolopoulos.gr\/?p=4338"},"modified":"2024-12-13T15:39:26","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T15:39:26","slug":"%cf%83%cf%85%ce%bd%ce%b5%ce%bd%cf%84%ce%b5%cf%85%ce%be%ce%b7-%cf%84%ce%bf%cf%85-%cf%80%cf%81%ce%bf%ce%b5%ce%b4%cf%81%ce%bf%cf%85-%ce%bd%ce%b9%ce%ba%ce%bf%cf%85-%ce%b8%ce%b5%ce%bf%ce%b4%cf%89%cf%81","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zongolopoulos.gr\/en\/alles-drastiriotites\/%cf%83%cf%85%ce%bd%ce%b5%ce%bd%cf%84%ce%b5%cf%85%ce%be%ce%b7-%cf%84%ce%bf%cf%85-%cf%80%cf%81%ce%bf%ce%b5%ce%b4%cf%81%ce%bf%cf%85-%ce%bd%ce%b9%ce%ba%ce%bf%cf%85-%ce%b8%ce%b5%ce%bf%ce%b4%cf%89%cf%81\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview with the President, Nikos Theodoridis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Written by
\nEleni Karasavvidou<\/strong><\/p>\n

A remarkable initiative that truly deserves support from the Greek state \u2014 instead of being met with obstacles stemming from ignorance, fear, or ideological bias, as is unfortunately often the case \u2014 and also from the Women\u2019s and Culture Departments of all political parties, is being carried out by the inspiring president of the\u00a0Zongolopoulos Foundation\u00a0<\/strong>Mr.\u00a0Nikos Theodoridis<\/strong><\/p>\n

For the past two years, he has been trying to transform the\u00a0\"The Dance of Zalongo\"<\/strong>\u00a0a monument of monumental scale into a national and global symbol for\u00a0the elimination of violence against women<\/strong>He encounters obstacles, mainly from politicians who believe that gender issues must be subordinated to national ones \u2014 as if they cannot coexist 'at the crossroads of history.' Yet history itself has other facets that deserve to be highlighted, as it reminds us that in\u00a0December 18th, 1803<\/strong>\u00a0Sixty-three Souliot women, after a brief yet conscious deliberation, responded to the dilemma of life\u2014with rape and captivity\u2014or death, and chose the ultimate option: collective suicide off the cliff of Zalongo.<\/div>\n

It is considered the first recorded act of self-determination and collective female decision against male violence, as noted by the Foundation\u2014an act that may have been challenged precisely for this reason by parts of historiography (with the \u2018dance\u2019 being questioned more than the actual event). And yet, this act has been tragically echoed in times of conflict, such as more recently in Kobani, since wars continue to make women prime victims\u2014not only of death as a shared human fate but also of the violence they are likely to endure if they survive. Nevertheless, great artists in Europe and Greece have created works inspired by and honoring the actions of these women.<\/p>\n

On November 25th, the Foundation, in collaboration with the Municipality of Preveza, illuminated the Monument in orange despite the surrounding silence about the event, participating in UNESCO\u2019s global campaign \u2018Orange the World\u2019 for the elimination of violence against women.<\/p>\n

We met with Mr. Theodoridis, who spoke to us about this highly commendable effort and his hopes for it to become not only a National but also a Global Symbol against gender-based violence\u2014an achievement that would be unique, as there is no other monument of this size in public spaces worldwide dedicated to the heroism of women.<\/p>\n

Dear Mr. Theodoridis, could you please tell us a few words about the history of the Zongolopoulos Foundation?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Georgios Zongolopoulos Foundation was established by the artist himself in February 2004, just a few months before his passing, following the encouragement and efforts of the Secretary General of the Foundation, Yvonna Theodoridi.
\nThe Foundation\u2019s purpose is to preserve and promote the artist\u2019s work, as well as to award and support emerging visual artists in gaining recognition. The Georgios Zongolopoulos Foundation is governed by a six-member Board of Directors, composed of capable individuals who are familiar with and passionate about the field and who appreciate the artist\u2019s legacy. It is managed on a voluntary basis by me, the nephew of G.Z., along with my wife, Yvonna Theodoridi, the Foundation\u2019s Secretary General, with the assistance of a paid scientific collaborator, Elpiniki Delaporta.<\/p>\n

What was the cause (if there is one) or at least the occasion for the conception of this important idea?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The monument is striking both as a work of art and as a construction, as well as in its size, and it has always inspired admiration and awe\u2014especially during its restoration, when my wife and I climbed the 15-meter-high scaffolding at the edge of the cliff.
\nJust imagine, 15 meters in height is equivalent to a five-story apartment building.<\/p>\n

Tons of materials were carried up by animals and by hand\u2014iron, gravel, cement, timber, and water for the framework of the work, as well as 4,300 white stone blocks, each weighing 40\u201350 kilos, which were carved on-site. The support from the local community was widespread, especially from the women. The construction lasted six years, from 1954 to 1961. After an application and lengthy procedures with the Ministry of Culture and Sports, we managed\u2014with the approval of Minister Mrs. Mendoni\u2014to have the monument officially designated as a monument of modern cultural heritage. It is the only monument of modern and abstract style in a public space with such a designation.<\/p>\n

That was the first step towards the recognition of the monument. Afterwards, we learned about the UNESCO campaign, Orange the World, and realized that this particular monument perfectly aligns with the campaign\u2019s goals. Thus, we began our efforts to publicize our idea, to gain \u201callies\u201d among organizations and ministries, and to find sponsors to organize events that would support this purpose.<\/p>\n

The response was disappointing, except for that of the President of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Ms. Gerekou, who introduced us to her esteemed collaborator, the composer Giorgos Voukanos.<\/p>\n

Our collaboration with the composer was excellent. He composed a wonderful symphonic work inspired by the monument, with a libretto by the writer Efi Panagopoulou. With the free participation of the ERT Contemporary Music Orchestra, we presented it at the Athens College Theater on the occasion of an exhibition of sculptures and paintings by Giorgos Zongolopoulos in the theater\u2019s foyer. Unfortunately, the College did not embrace our idea, so we had to pay a high rental fee to use the theater. Now, the monument and the symphonic work can \"travel\" together.<\/p>\n

At this point, without wanting to get involved in disputes with historians, I would like to emphasize that the event took place in 1803, when the Greek revolution was not even in its infancy\u2014except for the general awakening of the Balkan peoples inspired by Rigas\u2019 charter. The Souliot women, hardworking and everyday women, were abandoned by the rest of their clan and faced danger not only from Ali Pasha\u2019s gendarmerie but also from the marauders who followed Ali\u2019s army, risking rape and enslavement for themselves and their children. This had nothing to do with the Greek revolution or the national liberation struggle.<\/p>\n

They were clearly confronted with state and male violence and calmly and peacefully, after consultation, chose the ultimate solution. Ignorance, fear, and indifference are therefore what cause the avoidance of involvement and support, and the creation of obstacles to the idea by political figures and organizations\u2014rather than a war against it.<\/p>\n

What actions have you taken so far to promote it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We contacted the office of the President of the Republic, which advised us to organize an event. Subsequently, we approached various organizations (which I won\u2019t name here) to fund and collaborate on the event, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to activate Greek organizations worldwide, unfortunately without success. We also reached out to the Greek branch of UNESCO, where Ms. Tzitzikosta welcomed us warmly, but sadly with no concrete results, and the Ministry of Tourism under the previous administration, which did not respond.<\/p>\n

Was this the kind of response you expected?<\/strong><\/p>\n

No! We organized the concert at the Athens College on our own with the collaboration of ERT, and we invited all the relevant ministries and others. The only ministry that sent a representative was the Ministry of Culture and Sports, represented by Mr. Mitsis.
\nIn general, the response from the political world to our call was disappointing, except for Mrs. Gerekou, who sent us a recorded greeting to be shown at the event. To be honest, I understand that changing people\u2019s minds \u2014 including those in authority \u2014 so they can distinguish this issue from the purely national liberation struggle and recognize it as gender-based violence is difficult.<\/p>\n

They insist that the monument was built solely to honor the Souliot women, and indeed, that is true and no one denies it. However, the Souliot women remain women who faced the threat of male violence and made the choice they did. The monument was indeed created for them, and that does not change. What can change, however, is the modern interpretation of the monument in relation to gender-based violence. The Parthenon was built as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, but today it is known as a symbol of democracy. Similarly, the monument \u201cThe Dance of Zalongo\u201d was constructed to honor the Souliot women, but it can become a symbol and an international landmark against violence toward women.<\/p>\n

The media coverage was adequate, but what else could be done?<\/strong><\/p>\n

No, it is not adequate, and certainly both the monument and the concert could have been featured more prominently in relevant programs.<\/p>\n

Given that there is a Women\u2019s Monastery at the foot of the magnificent monument, and from my own limited experience the nuns are hospitable and caring, do you think the Church as an institution might object or rather support an issue that generally doesn\u2019t receive the attention it deserves, namely femicides?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know enough to answer that for you, and indeed, this is something our foundation should have already done. It was, after all, in our plans to approach the Archbishop, and we definitely need to do so.<\/p>\n

Good luck! You are now making a call\/opening to all people who understand the moral, symbolic, and socio-political value of your proposal\u2014beyond political parties\u2014and you are also inviting Women\u2019s Organizations in Greece and abroad to help. In what ways could they do so?<\/strong><\/p>\n

To embrace this idea, to feel the monument as their symbol, to organize conferences against gender-based violence locally, to hold annual events at the monument\u2019s site, to make the monument and its history known internationally, to turn the monument into a pilgrimage site for women and an international landmark for the elimination of violence against women, and to exercise their influence on Greek political authorities to make the monument accessible to all, perhaps with a cable car or elevator.
\nTo have it translated into other languages and to perform the symphonic work abroad as well.
\nTo turn the photo, drawing, or sketch of the monument into a logo for women\u2019s organizations.
\nCan you imagine!!! We have in Greece a unique monument in the world dedicated to women, for which an entire symphonic work with libretto and songs about the violence women have suffered throughout time has been composed. These two must travel together across the world. There is no other such combination of artworks anywhere else. I believe women\u2019s organizations should adopt both as their \u201cflag\u201d and promote them worldwide.
\nUltimately, the monument \u201cThe Dance of Zalongo\u201d should become a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage monument.<\/p>\n

The Zongolopoulos Foundation is taking an important initiative for something that will give due honor to the women who usually remain in the \"footnotes of history\"\u2014something that Zongolopoulos himself tried to achieve with his exceptionally inspired and monumental sculpture. This initiative will also elevate the region and has the potential to highlight our country\u2019s history internationally, if it is promoted systematically, in the right places and in the right way.<\/p>\n

And it has already accomplished much. May this interview, published on a reputable and dynamic site, lay a supportive cornerstone in this direction.<\/p>\n

The interview is at:
\nhttps:\/\/tvxs.gr\/life-plus\/zaloggo-ena-mnimeio-kata-tis-emfylis-vias-kai-mia-mnimeiodis-prospatheia-poy-agnoeitai\/<\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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