Athens – A new literary series is bridging the cultural gap between Australia and Greece, bringing a diverse range of Australian literature to Greek readers. “Etudes Australes,” a project spearheaded by Greek-Australian director Yannis Dramitinos and published by Thessaloniki-based Petites-Maisons, aims to showcase the Australian experience through meticulously selected translations.
The series launched with two compelling works. The first, “Monster & Colossus,” features correspondence between renowned Greek writer Costas Taktsis and Australian artist Carl Plate. The book includes an introduction by prominent Greek-Australian academic and author, Professor Vrasidas Karalis, a leading figure in Modern Greek studies in Australia.
Following closely behind was Professor Karalis’s own work, “The Glebe Point Road Blues,” released this January. The publication of these two initial offerings highlights the series’ commitment to showcasing the interconnectedness of the Australian and Greek experiences.
Dramitinos and Professor Karalis recently traveled to Greece for the series launch and met with Australian Ambassador to Greece, Arthur Spyrou Duncan. The Ambassador expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting the Embassy’s excitement for the series’ vision and the diverse range of translations in the pipeline. He further noted the growing appreciation for Australian literature among Greek readers, mirroring the established love for Greek literature in Australia.
“Etudes Australes” promises a rich pipeline of future translations, spanning various genres, from historical essays to graphic novels, offering Greek audiences a panoramic view of Australian storytelling and culture. The series represents a significant step in fostering literary and cultural exchange between the two nations.