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Thanasis Triaridis’s poem “The Terrible Ages” was set to music by Christos Diamantis in spring 2020. It is the first in a (joke for now) eponymous cycle of ten songs by Christos Diamantis based on poems by Thanasis Triaridis.
In its current first release in June 2024, the song was orchestrated by Vassilis Falaras and Vassilis Kolovos and performed by Veronika Davaki, with whom we had the pleasure of speaking.
How did you get the song “Awesome Centuries”?
“The Terrible Centuries” came to me through the mouth of its creator Thanasis Triaridis. We didn’t know each other personally, but I’m a fan of his and as soon as I received the email I called him immediately.”
How did you decide to interpret it?
“Why I appreciate Thanasis Triaridis and his work. Because the topic of gender violence concerns me deeply. Because I’m also looking for a way for art to confront this huge issue. Because loss scares me and moves me the metaphysical way in which the creator continues to exist even after his physical death.
Christos Diamantis who wrote the song, a close friend of Thanasis, lost his life in the pandemic at a young age. So it’s a very personal matter.”
The song is dedicated to Eleni Topaloudi. Six years after her murder, femicides are increasing. Do you think music and art in general can raise public awareness?
“I can’t believe how many women right now, as I answer this question, are experiencing violence or even threats related to their gender.
Through a poetic isotope of the reality that art constructs, the viewer becomes familiar with what it proposes and in fact almost experientially. They may not live, but they certainly identify with one of the story’s heroes.
So it affects them directly. Art can help society mature and evolve. Or not. This is why artists have a serious share of responsibility in the development of societies.”
In a verse of the song we read: “They were not afraid: they knew they would be called ‘men’”. Do you think that even today certain aspects of patriarchy that affect our everyday lives, from work relationships to the Greek language and the family, are transmitted in the “fine print”?
“It is too early to say that we have been liberated, either individually or as a society. We have made progress compared to the past, but we still have a way to go.
Patriarchy and the predetermined “role” of each gender are deeply rooted in our individual and collective unconscious. And the role of women in modern trap music is proof that nothing is taken for granted.”
You are the mother of a boy, what supplies do you want to give him?
“I want to believe that this generation will have the necessary maturity to be a little closer to freedom.
Feeling free to recognize and express your desires, but also safe in relation to the desires of others. Solidarity and inclusion, that’s what I’m trying for him too. And beyond that, know how to be happy.”
A few months ago you were awarded by the Union of Greek Critics for your performance in the play “Marika Ninou”. What does this award mean to you?
“Working in theater and music involves great effort, great anxiety, insecurity on a practical level but also on a moral level. So an award is like a mother’s affection, I feel a little stronger and a little more confident.”
Are there future business plans?
“Released by “Hellenic Design” and “Panic”. my album ”Laiki Apogeumatini” with Vangelis Korakakis. Serbian, zeibeki, a folk waltz, nine songs with lyrics and music by Vangelis orchestrated by Dimitris Papadimitriou in a completely unexpected way! “
(From TT’s book “For the massacred unknown”, Gutenberg 2022.)
Thanasis Triaridis
THE TERRIBLE AGES
Once a girl was thrown over the rocks
after having tortured him with terrible hatred.
They were not afraid: they knew they would be called “men”
and that’s how guys will stand out from the crowd.
And then a lot of people talked about that girl
and they said to the two slayers of the beast mercifully:
monsters born in a world of monsters,
a sick perversion seething with revulsion.
But they said it was also the poor woman’s fault.
that you were careless in the frost:
“It is customary for men to beat women,
or rush them – this has been happening for a long time.”
And then they all went back to their sad business,
in gymnasiums, stadiums, in military camps
Over time, they forgot the girl’s tears,
the rushing body, the terror of drowning.
And mothers dress their unfortunate children
Rambo and Cowboys every Halloween.
And parents send their children to brothels
buy masculinity by paying money.
And every night we throw a woman on the rocks
and then we stood sullenly in the frost,
for this is what the terrible ages have taught us,
make a killer in a man’s heart.
~
FACTORS:
Music: Christos Diamantis
Lyrics: Thanasis Triaridis
Interpretation: Veronika Davaki
Orchestration: Christos Diamantis, Vassilis Falaras, Vassilis Kolovos
Double bass: Lampros Papanikolaou, Michalis Zachartzis
Cello: Harris Safari
Santouri: Eleni Hartalami
Piano: Vasilis Kolovos
Guitars: Sotiris Letsios, Panagiotis Diamantis, Kostis Kostakis
Percussion: Christos Diamantis, Vassilis Falaras
Recording – Mixing: Vassilis Falaras
Video clip: Irida Katsoula
Contact person: Giota Dimitriadis