Mystery 299 2nd New Eleusis Symposion

The World Human Forum in collaboration with 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture presents Mystery 299 2nd New Eleusis Symposion at the former Iris paint factory in Elefsina from 25 to 27 September 2024. The 2nd New Eleusis Symposion themed “Mysteries of Flourishing: Ancient Roots – Modern Blossoms”, returns with groundbreaking discussions, experiential workshops, innovative artistic events and distinguished speakers from around the world.

Harnessing the power of Eleusis, the New Eleusis Symposia aim to contribute to the creation of a new narrative of unity and environmental transformation of human civilisation. Through a series of pioneering meetings and synergies, it aspires to spark personal and social change and make Eleusis a global point of reference for the cultivation of consciousness, thereby contributing to addressing contemporary challenges at a global level and encouraging the protection of life on our planet.

The central theme of this year’s symposion, “Mysteries of Flourishing,” is inspired by the Aristotelian concept of the term, “Eudaimonia”. Human flourishing necessitates the flourishing of nature and all forms of life, communities, and even democracy. Following this holistic approach, the symposion will feature distinguished voices from the realms of social, environmental, and economic sustainability, education, science, technology, and the arts. Either through their theoretical research or/and their practices, they will engage with the audience on a compelling journey of inner and social exploration around the concept of flourishing and the ways we can collectively achieve it.

Among the esteemed speakers are Anthony Bossis– clinical psychologist and professor of psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine, Chiara Baldini– researcher of the evolution of ecstatic practices in the West, from primitive culture to modern electronic music, Freddy Mutanguha– Director of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, John Havens– Executive Director of the IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems, Farooq Chaudhry -strategic and artistic advisor, co-founder of the Akram Khan dance company; Gary Bolles- author and expert on the future of work at Singularity University, Michael Marmarinos– director and biologist, artistic director of 2023 Eleusis , Laura Ulloa– political scientist, Phil Cousineau– author, filmmaker, and comparative mythology researcher and Alexandra Mitsotaki– president and co-founder of the World Human Forum.

One of the highlights of the Symposion will be the presentation of the project “Mystery 196 Ba Wang Bian – Ancestral Dialogues” which will be hosted at the Amphitheatre of the Old Oil Mill Factory in Elefsina on Wednesday, September 25 th at 21:00. The performance draws inspiration from the ancient Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone, weaving a tale that masterfully connects the traditions of Ancient Greece and China. Artistic treasures embedded in the traditional culture of the Yunnan region in China, such as the Ba Wang Bian dance, are at risk of extinction. Choreographer and performer Maya Jilan Dong has dedicated her work to bringing renewed attention to these fading stars. The production is curated by Farooq Chaudhry, who will also introduce the performance.

¨ The Symposion will culminate with the screening of the film of the iconic performance/concert “Mystery 14 Human Requiem in Eleusis” part of the 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, directed by German director Jochen Sandig and choreographed by Sasha Waltz, featuring the 65-member choir Rundfunkchor Berlin. The film adaptation of the production was edited by French director Stephan Talneau. Both directors will attend the screening that takes place at the Eleusis Cinema Club (Eleusis beach, Kanellopoulou & Nikolaidou) on September 27th at 20:30.