On Monday, March 17, from 22:00 to 23:00, the program “Our Town” will present the theme “The Sea in the works of Odysseas Elytis through language as a vehicle.”
The discussion will explore concepts and words from the poet’s major works, tracing their roots from Homer’s era to Elytis’ poetic expression. Guest in the studio, author and researcher Maria Marangou, will discuss the symbolism of significant Greek philosophers who shaped the Greek language into a unique journey, establishing a solid foundation for language and thought worldwide.
The program will include an in-depth decoding of Elytis’ set-to-music poems, such as To Trelovaporo, O Kipos Ebene Sti Thalassa, Gia sou Kyrie Menexe, O Glaros, and Thalassino Trifylli. Maria Marangou will elaborate on the poet’s phrase, “Only my language remained alone on Homer’s shores,” explaining how Elytis’ entire body of work symbolizes nature’s imagery, profound messages about life’s experience, and a hymn to language—one that passes through Plato, Socrates, the ever-present concept of dialectics, and the way Greece’s great composers approached the musical setting of this exceptional poet.
Excerpts from Maria Marangou’s work “From Homer’s Odysseus to Odysseas Elytis” will also be featured.
A special broadcast on the values of the Greek language, its uninterrupted continuity, its influence on humanity, and its profound impact on the world.
As the poet himself said:
“Having loved and dwelled in the sea for centuries, I learned to read and write.”
Produced and presented by Themis Rodamitis
Broadcast: Monday, March 17, 2025, 22:00-23:00 (Athens time)
Repeat: Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 04:00-05:00 (Athens time)