PRIMAL MATTER / Athens 2013 performances with Dimitris Papaioannou + Michael Theophanous / Trailer Compilation from Dimitris Papaioannou on Vimeo.

Dimitris Papaioannou’s ground-breaking creative direction of the ATHENS 2004 OPENING CEREMONY – hailed a “triumph” by Time magazine and The Times of London – is widely considered a high-water mark of large scale spectacle.

Born in Athens, Greece in 1964, Dimitris Papaioannou first attracted attention at the age of 19 as a painter, comics artist and illustrator. While still a student at the School of Fine Arts he took the Greek performing arts scene by surprise, exploring the boundaries between theatre, dance and the visual arts, working not only as choreographer and performer, but also in the areas of costume, lighting, make-up and set design.

Co-founder of EDAFOS DANCE THEATRE in 1986, he conceived, directed and choreographed all of the company’s productions. EDAFOS reshaped the Greek performing arts landscape over its 16 years and 17 works. L’Unità described the company as “a revelation.” “Greece Rediscovered” headlined Le Figaro’s review of MEDEA, while the New York Times praised the piece for its “striking intensity” and “extraordinary passion.”

MEDEA (1993) won “Best Choreography” at the Greek National Awards for Dance, while HUMAN THIRST (1999) and FOR EVER (2001) both garnered “Production of the Year” awards.

Beyond his work with the EDAFOS DANCE THEATRE company, Papaioannou has directed operas and large-scale music shows. He has collaborated as a choreographer with Michael Cacoyannis and Lefteris Vogiatzis (in 6 productions).

In 2005, Dimitris Papaioannou was awarded the Golden Cross of the Order of Honour by the President of the Hellenic Republic for outstanding artistic achievement.

His first post-Olympic work, 2 (2006), enjoyed an unprecedented run in the Greek capital, with over 100,000 tickets sold, and was released on DVD the following year. In 2008, a revival of MEDEA, commissioned by the Greek Ministry of Culture, opened the Athens Festival, travelled to Beijing, and returned to Athens to complete another sell-out run, with over 100,000 tickets sold once more.

In 2009, Papaioannou co-curated HEAVEN LIVE, a segment of the Second Athens Biennial (with the visual artist Zafos Xagoraris). He also presented his work NOWHERE, commissioned by the Greek National Theatre to inaugurate its renovated Main Stage. The show ran for 79 sell-out performances.

He spent Spring 2010 in New York on an Fulbright Artist’s Scholarship. Upon his return, he staged K.K., a concert with video projections for 13 poems by Constantine Cavafy set to music by Lena Platonos. In 2011, he created the six-hour theatrical installation INSIDE. Τhe summer of 2012 he has presented his recent work PRIMAL MATTER in the Athens Festival, participating as a performer after 10 years.

Get to know more about Dimitris Papaioannou at his website: http://www.dimitrispapaioannou.com/

According to the AP the original anti-discrimination bill would have also banned discrimination in commercial transactions, property rentals, public transportation and other circumstances but those clauses were removed due to opposition by religious groups.

Still, the two pieces of legislation are a huge step forward for the commonwealth, which earlier this year upheld its ban on gay adoption, to Ricky Martin’s chagrin.

©Full story here: http://www.queerty.com/

“I believe I’m at an age when I can help new values… and to have the courage to accept myself publicly, as Ricky Martin did,” Ligarde told Mexico’s TVyNovelas magazine. ”He has been an inspiration for me when it comes to talking about this subject.”

Full story here: http://www.queerty.com/ricky-martin-inspired-mexican-soap-star-sebastian-ligarde-to-come-out-as-gay-20130604/#ixzz2VIZh7Fdx

©Source: www.queerty.com

In unrelated news, Putin has announced he will sign a bill banning same-sex couples from adopting children in Russia while claiming “there is no discrimination” in Russia.

How many Russians does it take to put two puzzle pieces together?

“If such a law is passed by the Parliament of the country, I will sign it,” Putin said. “I think our legislation is very liberal in this way, and there is no discrimination, none at all.”

Putin also went on to explain that “people of any preferences” are recognized at a state level. “I consider there are no problems here.” Perhaps he didn’t hear about the group of Russian activists arrested for peaceful assembly last week?
Full story here: http://www.queerty.com/vladimir-putin-will-approve-russias-gay-adoption-ban-says-its-not-discrimination-20130604/#ixzz2VIjTlJhJ

“The Greet”:  Dogs are the acclaimed experts of this practice.  They know how to greet their people coming home.  With their entire bodies they demonstrate they are grateful that you are a part of their lives.  It’s a key reason we become so attached to them.  You don’t necessarily have to wag your tail when your partner comes home, but initiating some kind of friendly greeting can be an important ingredient in supporting your relationship.

Sex Matters:  Couples that convince themselves that sex is no longer important after years of togetherness sometimes get into trouble.  Sex can grow and develop just like other parts of your life together.  To add spice to a sex life that has become routine, you’ll need creativity.  This can mean ramping up your curiosity about role-play, exploring breathing practices like tantra, or sharing your fantasies. Fantasy makes what is familiar new and exciting again.  This is one aspect of relationship development that requires a spirit of fun; sexual negativity and complaining kills sex drive.

Developing You:  Many couples fall into the trap of expecting their partner to fill the hole in their lives.  Coupledom does not provide an escape from self-development.  The truth is … read more at http://10thousandcouples.com/

 
©Source: http://10thousandcouples.com/
 
 

With almost the same layout as Facebook, Feizan.com even has the same colour as Facebook’s signature blue. Curious to see how it works, I signed up an account and started a little treasure hunting.

Apart from the regular information regarding sex, education, profession and star signs, Feizan also requires users to reveal their sexual orientations (gay, straight, bi, or not sure, just in case you really aren’t sure), outing status, role in relationships (striker or goalkeeper), hairiness and whether you are circumcised (what if you are a girl?). On top of all that, more specific questions are asked: Are you looking for “friends”, “lovers”, “roommates” or “wank buddes”? Will you get married (will get married, will not get married, will have a fake marriage, or not sure yet)? And who do you live with (alone, with parents, or with a partner)?

©Read more at:http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/

Peers vote 390-148 to save Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill

Peers voted overwhelmingly today (4 June) in favour of equal marriage, following a controversial attempt by Lord Dear to have the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill thrown out. Lord Dear’s ‘fatal motion’ was rejected by a majority of 242 peers. The Bill now proceeds to Committee Stage in the House of Lords.

Stonewall Chief Executive Ben Summerskill said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted. We always expected a tough challenge in the House of Lords, and Lord Dear’s “fatal motion” – very rarely used – demonstrates the lengths to which a minority of peers are, sadly, still prepared to go to deny full equality to lesbian, gay and bisexual people.’

‘In the last 24 hours alone, opponents of equality in the House of Lords have compared loving, committed relationships to incest and polygamy. Britain’s 3.7 million gay people don’t deserve to be second class citizens in their own country. A tough fight lies ahead and we’ll continue to work tirelessly every single day to get equal marriage through the Lords. At Stonewall, we fight to win.’

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill passed its Third Reading in the House of Commons with a majority of 205 on 21 May. MPs had earlier rejected a wrecking amendment – by 375 votes to 70 – during the Bill’s Report Stage on 20 May. The Bill’s Second Reading on 5 February passed by 400 to 175 votes, a majority of 225.

For more information about Stonewall’s campaign for equal marriage visit www.stonewall.org.uk/marriage

Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo is a Poet and Recording Artist, a 2010 TED Global Fellow, the 2nd place 2009 Individual World Poetry Slam Champion, and a spokesperson for the Amenawon Foundation. Daughter of Nigerian-born parents who both hold Doctorate degrees from Boston University, Iyeoka was a practicing pharmacist before launching her career as a poet, singer, activist and educator. In her native Esan language, Iyeoka means “I want to be respected.” By channeling her culture and ancestral influences, she delivers an authentic and inspiring message of healing through accessing the power of the moment.

Iyeoka began her musical career by founding the group The Rock by Funk Tribe, a collective of musicians that enabled her to interweave her poetry with jazz, blues, funk, and gospel. She released her first solo full length album of poem-songs called “Black and Blues” in 2004 through Phanai Records and then began to tour and make numerous appearances on other artist’s albums, including The Press Project’s “Get Right” album and “Memoirs of the Tempo” by Tempo Valley.

In 2007, Iyeoka released her second album of poetry and music fusion “Hum The Bass Line” again on Phanai Records. In 2008, she recorded a live album in Hawaii called Live @ KTUH – Honolulu.That same year, Iyeoka lent her vocal talent to a cover of U2′s hit song “Desire” for a compilation of U2 covers called “In The Name Of Love: Africa Celebrates U2.” The album featured Grammy Award-winning/nominated African artists including Angelique Kidjo, Les Nubians, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, Vieux Farka Toure, Vusi Mahlasela and the Soweto Gospel Choir with proceeds benefiting the Global Fund.

In 2009, Iyeoka decided to transform her sound and songwriting approach and began working with producer David Franz (in collaboration with her original producer, Francis Phan) to create more traditional song forms. Iyeoka released two EPs that year called “This Time Around” and “Run Into the Rain.” The new music infused more pop, R&B, dance, and hip hop into the mix, creating an “electronic soul” sound.

In November of 2010, Iyeoka released her new album, SAY YES, containing nine songs and two poems, through the Underground Sun artist development company. It is the first “Evolving Album(tm)” where purchasers will receive added content for free as the album evolves. Even before the album’s release, the first song “The Yellow Brick Road Song” was featured in an episode of the new hit HBO series “How To Make It In America” and is now the official theme song of the USA Network’s show“Fairly Legal.”

Iyeoka is currently touring in support of the new album and her poetry. In the past, Iyeoka has toured in support of artists such as Femi Kuti, Zap Mama and Soulive, as well as played musical festivals like Bonnaroo. The buzz surrounding her poetry has also garnered her national attention through performances at the TBS Trumpet Awards, the Sullivan Honors Awards at the Kennedy Center andRussell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam on HBO.

Iyeoka is a powerful songstress whose lyrical prowess and vocal talents invoke the spirit of soul-shakers Nina Simone, Sade, Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse. A story teller to the core, Iyeoka’s hope-filled words pour out from within and build momentum based on truth. As the words transform into songs, they reemerge as unique, emotionally complex gifts to her audience, touching on a wide range of issues–love, women, culture, struggle, and relationships, among many others.

Her EUROPEAN TOUR – Confirmed dates

29th of July – Germany, Friedrichshafen
2nd of August – Germany, Worpswede
4th of august – Germany, Karlsruhe – tba
7th of August – Germany, Jena
8th of August – Germany, Kassel
9th of August – Germany, Detmold
August 10,11,12- The Way Out West festival, Gothenburg ,
2 club dates and TV appearance in Stockholm.
August 13-17th- National Poetry Slam, Boston
August 16-21st- Ted Fellows retreat, Vancouver,BC

Read more on her website at: http://www.iyeoka.com