Xenion High School hosted a successful Poetry Slam event, marking a resurgence of poetry’s popularity in Cyprus. The event, attended by 20 students from Xenion and Heritage School, featured workshops, performances, and a competition, offering students a platform to showcase their poetic talents.
The day kicked off with a workshop at 11 a.m., led by poets Annetta Benzar, Maria Kouvarou, and Andros Zacharia. They introduced the students to poetry slams, describing them as a powerful and expressive art form. Originating in the 1960s, Poetry Slams have evolved into a street-style way to present poetry. The poets guided students through exercises to boost their confidence and performance skills. Benzar focused on storytelling, Kouvarou taught about voice control and breathing, while Zacharia encouraged overcoming discomfort, comparing poetry to fire needing fuel, spark, flame, and oxygen to thrive.
During lunch, students from both schools enjoyed socializing and sharing poetry tips instead of rehearsing, setting a friendly and supportive tone for the competition that followed.
The Poetry Slam began at 2 p.m. in Xenion’s amphitheater, where students from Xenion Junior School and parents created an encouraging atmosphere for the participants. Event facilitator Despina Sidiropoulou introduced the judges: Benzar, Kouvarou, Zacharia, Alexandros Chronides, and Ideogramma’s Lily Michaelides and Nora Hadjisotiriou.
Each student performed a three-minute poem on topics ranging from personal growth and environmental issues to war and sadness. The heartfelt performances captivated the audience and judges, making the voting process a lively and engaging experience.
After careful deliberation, Evita Troisi from Xenion won the upper school category for her poem about freedom and despair, while Leith Ryan Meshal from Heritage School won the lower school prize with his humorous poem about the internet. Troisi also won the popular vote. Runners-up included Mrinali Jha and Karin Fradi from Heritage, and Annabelle Greppo and Diana Melnyk from Xenion.
Despite the competition, all participants were celebrated for their creativity and bravery, stepping into the world of poetry, where imagination and inclusivity take center stage. The Youth Poetry Slam served as a warm-up for the upcoming Poetry Slam Cyprus event in March, hosted by Ideogramma.
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