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Invite to a children's event

Join us for a book reading of Melpomene and Andonis in Maroubra on Saturday June 9

Come along and bring your children to hear a reading by author Phillippa Adgemis of the children’s book Melpomene and Andonis at the Lionel Bowen Library at 10:30 on Saturday June 9.

Phillippa will read from the first book in the inspirational series Stories of Megisti Kastellorizo, which is based on Greek mythology and includes local Kastellorizian landmarks and personalities. Phillippa will share her love for the far away magical island of Megisti Kastellorizo with stories of its colourful history.

The reading is best suited to 3 to 6 year olds and is free, however bookings are essential; the address of the Lionel Bowen Library is 669-673 Anzac Parade, Maroubra. Bookings may be made online directly with the library here.

Phillippa is looking forward to seeing you for what should be a fun reading and workshop. See you there!

Melpomene and Andonis may be bought from our shop here.

Sketch of muse Erato

Erato and Irini in the pipeline

After the success of Melpomene and Andonis, the second book in the series, Erato and Irini is on the drawing board. The team is working furiously to have it ready as soon as possible to satisfy public demand.

James Blake, the artist, has created a translucent and ethereal Muse of Love, Erato, and juxtaposes her with a feisty Irini who stands her ground in her own cantankerous way. After their initial conflict, beautiful things start to happen.

Erato and Irini focuses on respect and kindness and sees the troubled Irini inspired by Erato to be happy within herself and kind to others.

 

 

Houses of Kastellorizo

Book launch on Kastellorizo

Following the success of the Melbourne launch, a retinue of pilgrims will gather on the island of their heritage to celebrate the return of Melpomene and Andonis to their traditional home on Megisti Kastellorizo.  This will be the chance that guests will have to compare the illustrations to the original landmarks such as the 404 steps, or the Adgemis home.

On Monday 10th July well wishers from around the globe will gather when the book Melpomene and Andonis is launched by Prof Byron Kakulas from Perth.

Where: Platia Drasi Office
When: 7:30pm Monday 10 July 2017

Come share the folklore and meet Melpomene and Andonis with his pod of dolphin friends
Muses Cocktails and Meze
All Welcome

The book is an authentic souvenir that tourists can purchase to celebrate their visit to the home of Melpomene and Andonis, Megisti, Kastellorizo and 20% of proceeds from book sales will go towards supporting the work of Drasi.

Book cover of Melpomene and Andonis

Fantastic launch in Melbourne

Over 200 people were crammed into the launch of the first book in the Muses series, Melpomene and Andonis at Kazzie House in South Melbourne.  The room was lit with the eerie lighting of the grotto and ancient lyre music could be heard in the atmospheric setting.

The beautiful Muse of Tragedy and Song, clad in an emerald gown and shod in leather buskins with wreath in hair and lyre in hand, welcomed guests into the grotto where they partook of such evocative refreshments at the Andonis Mocktail, Muses Spritely Nectar and the Melpomene Cocktail.

Hosted by the Vice President, Michael Zervos, the book was launched by eminent Greek figure George Papadopoulos.  Author Michele Kiosoglous spoke of her inspiration and her deep love and respect of the island of their heritage, Kastellorizo ancient name Megisti).  To her, these stories are a gift to the island and a tribute to the people who contributed to its history.

Co-author Phillippa Adgemis followed this with a reading from the book that included a haunting excerpt of the song written especially for the launch.

The beautiful images of illustrator James Blake lined the walls and came to life in the forms of Andonis (Ross) clutching his dolphin and Melpomene (Tina)  who mingled with guests offering photo opportunities and handmade biscuits in the shape of a boukla or a dolphin.

What a wonderful evening it was! Visit our gallery to see more images