ROM turns spotlight on Greece

 

York was there when Greece was in the spotlight at the Royal Ontario Museum, when it featured “Greek World” as one of its free “ROM Friday Nights” on Nov.15.

According to Thomas Gallant (pictured, left), Hellenic Heritage Chair of Hellenic Studies, Department of History, over 5,000 people attended the gala event, including a number of business people from the Greek community, and many visited the York University booth set up for the occasion.

They enjoyed an evening of traditional Greek music, dance and costume, with performances by a Greek choir and a dance group. There was also a lecture by Jennifer Niels from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, who spoke about “The Parthenon and its Frieze”. And it was an evening of storytelling. Greek myths came alive when told by Ontario storyteller Harriet Xanthakos.

The numerous displays and events throughout the evening included:

* York University Greek History/Hellenic Studies information booth

 * Greek Trade Commission display & olive oil/olive/cheese tasting – a feast for the palate and the eye

* Thracian and Macedonian textile display: Unique specimens from a private collection

* Greece Re-Discovered book sales and signing: Award-winning photographer Michael Nikas signed copies of his book on Greek culture, Greece Re-Discovered