It was a whirlwind introduction to Levadia and some of its citizens. A generous welcome awaited us led by the mayor showing us the tradition of Xenia – Greek hospitality at its finest! The week was spent meeting people, all of whom have had an impact on, or been impacted by the landscape, culture, history and traditions of Levadia and the Erkyna River in particular.
The river flows from high in the mountains, fed by multiple springs as it reaches the town. It then passes through old mills, man-made falls, locks, and under bridges until it relaxes into its natural pathway at the other side of town, gently flowing through an unfinished and unnamed public park. This unnamed park, sitting beside a giant unfinished government building and shows a town at a standstill. But the river is in constant flow, always squeezing through the barriers put in place by industrious humans over the centuries. Erkyna was there before the people of Levadia. It inspired myths and legends. How can we bring this powerful history back to life? How do we infuse the citizens of Levadia, through contemporary art, with the energy and power of the beautiful yet unstoppable Erkyna?
– Mary Conroy (Ireland)