Stephanie HouseProfessors Menas Kafatos, Ph.D., and Susan Yang, Ph.D., attended “Let’s DMZ,” a forum hosted near the North and South Korean Demilitarized Zone celebrating the first anniversary of the Pyongyang Joint Declaration between the two nations. Hosted by South Korea’s Gyeonggi Province, the event featured peace and human rights activists including Gloria Steinem, Phan Thi Kim Phúc (also known as the “napalm girl”) and Lee Jae-myung.
Beloved Greek composer and democracy activist Mikis Theodorakis was honored. Kafatos and Yang accepted the award on behalf of Theodorakis, who was unable to attend the event.
“All of us have been touched by Mikis…I knew of his music and songs ever since I was young, like so many Greeks,” said Kafatos in his acceptance speech. “It is remarkable his knowledge and love for the Korean people. The message of peace is what Mikis is sending us with his music. Because music succeeds perhaps more than other forms of communication. I would like to close with a personal recollection, something that Mikis Theodorakis said in our meeting: ‘It is time to give up divisions and recognize the unity.’ I believe that statement in itself is a message of peace.”
An orchestra of over 100 musicians performed Theodorakis’ 3rd Symphony, which is based on the works of Greek poet Dionysios Solomos. Legendary Greek singer and political and cultural activist Maria Farantouri accompanied, performing vocals.
Display Image at top/ Susan Yang, Ph.D., and Menas Kafatos, Ph.D., accept an award on behalf of Mikis Theodorakis.
