Modern Greek Women Poets
A Response to Patriarchy
Many students of today's universities have studied the poetics of classical Greek women poets such as Sappho and Kassia. However, Greek women are surprisingly absent from the international poetry scene. This website is small in size, but seeks to expose the American university student to the poetry of Modern Greek Women Poets.
Lili Bita: Lili Bita is a feminist actress, poet, and performance artist. Her work has been translated extensively and she has published ten volumes of poetry. Anais Nin stated that "Lili Bita transcends the individual woman. Her experiences, love or hatred, ecstasy or despair, become universal...human life and myth are lived simultaneously." On her website, you may contact her, purchase books, and locate the dates of her next performance. http://www.lilibita.com
Katerina Rooke-Anghelaki: Rooke-Anghelaki is not only a widely published poet, but is also considered a superb critic of poetry. Her essay, "Notes on Modern Greek Poetry," may be located at http://genesis.ee.auth.gr/dimakis/Gramma/8/11-abstracts.htm
Jenny Mastoraki: Mastoraki has been a highly respected poet for many years. Her poetry often uses mythological themes and motifs. Often satirical, her poetry is a vehicle for political and social commentary. Check out some of her work at Jenny Mastoraki
For this website, I have selected just a few women poets. For a more extensive list of female poets, along with links, visit the University of Pennsylvania's website: A Celebration of Women Writers: GREECE
Yet another site that details the Modern Greek literary movement is http://book.culture.gr/ithaca/10/15-25.pdf. This site highlights several women poets and discusses, in detail, difficulties and triumphs concerning these women.
Photographs by Julie Friedeberger, UK http://www.sfakia-crete.com/sfakia-crete/slideshow3.html
*Note: Due to copyright issues, the works and photographs of the poets are not reproduced on this page. However, if you'll follow the links above there are plenty of poems and photographs offered.