"Hope is a practice" - Sage Stephanou and Cypriots for Palestine, S4E1

TW: this episode discusses topics that some listeners may find distressing. We are back for season 4! For this very specical first episode, I am joined by Sage Stephanou from Cypriots for Palestine. We discuss Cyprus' role in Palestinian solidarity, the importance of engaging with both islands' shared resilence, and the love that comes from the land. You'll also hear powerful Palestinian poetry readings from our community. A conversation about history, resistance and the power of collective action. Follow us on Instagram and the app formerly known as Twitter @roottovinepod.

We are back!!! Season 4 is here and I am so excited to share more incredible and inspiring Cypriot stories!  TW: this episode discusses sexual assualt which some listeners may find difficult. For the first episode of season 4, I welcome back Dean Atta to discuss his new memoir, Person Unlimited. Both candid and courageous, Person Unlimited explores Dean’s life across the many roles he’s played: from choirboy to drag act, grandson to mentor, poet to lover. It looks at what he has carried in his body – wins and losses, shame and pride, pain and joy – and investigates how radical self-acceptance and a willingness to abide with discomfort open up the possibility of a life lived beyond definition: a person unlimited. Person Unlimited is out July 4th.  Dean Atta - deanatta.com / @deanatta Person Unlimited - https://linktr.ee/personunlimited Get involved in the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod.  

For the last episode of the season, plase enjoy a live recording from the Proud Voices panel discussion at the Cyprus High Commission in London to celebrate Pride month.  On the panel: Andreas Pavlou - co-founder of the LGBTQ+ UK Cypriot Diaspora Network Ali Orhan - public health executive specialising in cancer prevention, HIV and sexual health Bahriye Kemal - senior lecturer in Contemporary and Postcolonial Literature at Kent University Sophia Vi - actor, dancer, model, writer and Director of Koupepia Films Ltd. Thank you to the Cyprus High Commission for having us! Get involved in the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod!

TW: this episode contains language around sexual assault that some listeners may find triggering. Listener discretion is advised.   In this episode, I am joined by Tugba Mimi. One year ago, Tugba was a victim of r*pe in Cyprus. She is now using her platform to raise awareness about violence against women on the island. Tugba tells me why what she experienced is a Cypriot issue, how the partition of Cyprus is preventing people from getting the justice they deserve, and how she is now using her voice to help others and reclaim her own power. Get involved in the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod!

In this episode, I am joined by freelance artist and tourist guide Serap Kanay. Serap's work focusses on archival storytelling, encompassing gender, oral history, Afro-Cyprot heritage and trauma. Serap has been avidly researching Afro Cypriot heritage since the 1990’s and her work has been included in several theses. Serap tells me about the origins of Afro-Cypriots on the island, how her work is raising awareness about Afro-Cypriot heirtage, and how rising black consciousness and diversity is making Cypriots confront racism, prejudice and colourism. Get involved in the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! 

In this episode, I am joined by Andrew Avraam (@andrewavraam_photography). Andrew is an avid photographer whose work explores the abandoned places of Cyprus. On his adventures, Andrew has captured moments in time from abandoned mansions, military bases, Varosha and the UN Buffer Zone. His phorography allows for a window into the past to reveal Cyprus' history and heritage through places long forgotten. Get involved in the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, I am joined by drag performer Tahini Molasses (@tahini.molasses). Tahini burst on to the London drag scene just a couple of years ago and is already making waves with their drag, inspired by Cypriot femme expression. We discuss the beauty of exploring Cypriot culture through a queer and drag lens and what it can teach us about our identity, the importance of queer Cypriot representation and learning to embrace our full selves. Tahini also tells me about their experiences moving to the UK and what being part of the diaspora here in the UK has taught them about their Cypriot identity. Get involved in the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!  

In this episode, I am joined by archaeologist Anastasia Christophilopilou, curator of Cyprus, Greece and Rome at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. She is currently leading the 4-year research project ‘Being an Islander’: Art and Identity of the large Mediterranean Islands, aiming to critically re-examine the concept of island life through material culture. Anastasia tells me all about the project’s current exhibition on display at the Fitzwilliam Museum, displaying archaeological finds and artworks from the islands of Cyprus, Sardinia and Crete. We also discuss the importance of island life in shaping Cypriot identity, and what ancient study and archaeology can tell us about present day Cyprus. Get involved in the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

TW: This episode discusses topics around conflict, violence and abuse which some listeners may find difficult. In this episode, I am joined by award-winning playwright, theatre-maker, journalist, author, and writing coach Lorna V. Lorna is currently developing her solo theatre practice as part of a PhD investigating migrant heritage and displacement in solo performance. As part of this, Lorna is exploring attitudes to mental health and wellbeing in the diasporic Cypriot and Greek communities. We discuss the importance of embracing community to boost wellbeing, healing trauma through the arts, and embracing identity on your own terms. Get involved in the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!  

In this episode, I am joined by Cey Sesiguzel. Cey is a British-born Cypriot Co-Founder and Creative Director at Two Fresh, one of London's leading video production companies. Cey’s mission is to leave a legacy of powerful films that create a positive impact on society. One way he is doing this is with The Divided Island, a feature-length documentary that explores the Cyprus Problem like never before. Cey tells me how his fascination with his Cypriot heritage led him to making The Divided Island documentary, the importance of telling the story of the Cyprus Problem inin a balanced way, and what he has learnt from exploring Cyprus’ tumultuous past and present from those who have lived through it.  Get involved in the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!