The New York Life Insurance Center for the Study of Hellenism in Pontus and Asia Minor at Hellenic College, under the direction of Dr. Nicholas Ganson, who is currently serving as the Dean of Hellenic College, organized an event at the Maliotis Cultural Center on Wednesday, October 16th, dedicated to the Hellenism of Asia Minor.
The internationally awarded author and storyteller Anna Konomos-Wedlock presented her work “The Promise.” Through a combination of theatrical performance, narrative storytelling, songs, and music, the production transported the audience to Asia Minor, depicting the life of two girls who experienced their friendship during challenging times, endured the pain of uprooting from their ancestral homes and the devastation, as well as their adaptation to a new life in Greece. Their “promise” to reunite was fulfilled by their granddaughters, honoring their Asia Minor heritage.
Anna Konomos-Wedlock’s outstanding performance, which captivated the audience, was complemented by Stefanos Karavas’s artistic interpretation, the Byzantine choir “St. Romanos the Melodist” of the Theological School under the direction of Professor Fr. Romanos Karanos, Emmanuel Wedlock’s explanatory narration, and violinist Matthew Carroll’s musical accompaniment.
Dr. Nick Ganson mentioned the following: « Anna Conomos-Wedlock’s masterful and deeply moving performance managed to honor the tragedy and suffering of the Great Catastrophe while also conveying to the audience a life-giving spirit of love and hope. She brought Greek Asia Minor and its culture to life in a captivating and interactive way. We caught a glimpse into the enchantment and wonder that students must be experiencing in Teaching through Sacred Story, a course Professor Conomos-Wedlock is currently teaching at Hellenic College.”
The event’s success was evident from the packed theater, despite being held in the middle of the week, the presence of many children who enjoyed the dramatic narratives and their artistic presentation, and the tears of emotion in the eyes of many spectators. During the reception hosted by the Maliotis Cultural Center for the attendees, discussions and complimentary remarks about the performance followed. Some audience members, originating from Asia Minor and Pontus, mentioned that the presentation’s theme brought back memories of similar stories concerning their families and the 1922 uprooting.
Photos: Maliotis Cultural Center.