Interview with Nestoras Poulakos, President and CEO of Vakxikon.gr Media Group, about the publication of poetry in Greece, for “Litrix.de – German Literature online“, published by the Goethe-Institut.
Mr Poulakos, what role does poetry play in Greek literature?
Poetry has been an essential element of Greek literature since its inception. More precisely: Greek poetry has deep roots in tradition and is considered one of the most important and oldest in the world. The Greek language does not necessarily „help” poets gain international renown. Apart from the Nobel Prize winners Seferis and Elytis, almost nobody outside of Greece knows any Greek poets – even though this is of course unwarranted; but the creation of poetry continues to be prolific and diverse. In my opinion the role of poetry in Greece has not changed over time. It is, and remains, a symbol and expression of quality, even if only for a minority. Nonetheless, the public at large is familiar with it as a concept; even if it is naturally more appreciated by the educated classes.
How would you compare Greek poetry to poetry from other cultures?
As a matter of principle, I am not interested in comparing literatures – and most certainly not poetry. I don’t think that’s the point of it. Nor do I believe in the concept of a ‘national poetry’, even if it is termed as such. Poetry is written in an international „language“ and is understood by all people independent of nations and continents. In this sense, this is how we understand the motto of our project „Anthologies of Young Poets“: Poetry unites countries, nations, languages, people!
The whole interview here.