CYPRECO of America, Inc., presented recently a new successful production dedicated to the folklore of Cyprus at the Stathakion Cultural Center in New York. Under the title, “Weaving Ladies of Cyprus”, the program featured the screening of a documentary named after the event and an exhibition of traditional embroideries and handicrafts. The audience was comprised by Greek and Greek-Cypriot Americans and Americans of all ages who were truly fascinated with the program which was part of CYPRECO’s folk arts series, “Cyprus Its History and Culture Through The Ages”.
The 50-minute original documentary by Greek-Cypriot filmmaker Paschalis Papapetrou which highlighted and revived the most important aspects of the art of weaving in Cyprus was the result of seven years of recording on the Mediterranean island. Starting from the processing of raw materials and continuing with the actual weaving, the documentary provided an in-depth understanding how the traditional hand-woven products of Cyprus evolved. The film also refers to the customs and traditions relating to weaving in Cyprus, while it showcases and introduces some of the most significant and last weaving ladies of Cyprus.
The audience was truly moved as they watched the last remaining weaving ladies of Cyprus talking about their craft which will be lost after they are gone. It was even more compelling to watch the hard work that is required before weaving actually starts on the loom and how much sincere love and dedication goes into the preparation of the threats and thereafter to the actual weaving. This art which is threatened by extinction has survived over the centuries from mother to daughter or from grandmother to granddaughter. However, due to modernization over the years, the traditional everyday life, chores and priorities of Cypriot women have also changed. The new generations are no longer interested in the art which requires true dedication and hard work and thus the art will be lost with the last weaving ladies of the island when they are gone.
Guests were welcomed by the President of CYPRECO and Executive Producer of the program, Ms. Elena Maroulleti, who after the screening of the documentary unveiled an exhibit of traditional hand-woven handicrafts from various areas of the island. What was exceptional about the exhibition was the fact that it featured embroideries, handicrafts and other hand-woven materials which were shown in the film such as the renowned embroideries of “Phyti”, of the Karpass peninsula and materials such as the “alatzia” which were used to make the traditional dresses for women and vests for men in rural Cyprus. The exhibition is part of CYPRECO’s private collection acquired over the years from traditional weavers on the island of Cyprus, while Ms. Maroulleti also included some exhibits which are family heirlooms. Very moved, she explained that, after the July 20, 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, her late mother, Lucy Maroulleti, in risk of her life, returned to Famagusta few days after the city was taken over by Turkish troops with a sole mission of saving these and other precious family heirlooms.
Continuing its cultural mission, CYPRECO of America, Inc., has lined up a new series of cultural and folk arts programs for Cyprus and Greece. On July 20, 2011 at 7pm at the Stathakion Cultural Center, 22-51 29th Street in Astoria, NY, on the occasion of the 37th tragic anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the organization will be presenting a special cultural program on Cyprus, entitled “July 20, 1974-We Never Forget”. The event will feature a screening of the original mini-documentary, “Pellapais” by Elena Maroulleti, a concert with songs that lament the Turkish invasion and continued occupation of Cyprus and poetry recital by Polys Kyriacou, poet/lyricist featuring his poems on Cyprus. To RSVP for the above programs, please call 718-545-1151 or email to cypreco@earthlink.net, and for more information please visit, www.cyprecoofamerica.com.
