Making drama out of a holiday

Maria Mikedaki, a teacher at the summer camp, who's assistant professor at the University of the Peloponnese, says she was impressed by the Chinese students' level of knowledge about Greek mythology, English language and their ability to distinguish between tragedy, comedy and satyr (similar to burlesque) plays, three key genres of Greek drama.

Greek drama is universal, says Mikedaki. "It does not refer only to Greeks but to the concerns of everyone on Earth," she explains. "It applies to communal problems of today and deals with the big themes of love, pride, the abuse of power and the conflicts between man and god, children and parents, good and evil."

Miao says the program has received solid support from the local government and educational institutes. Athanassios Katsis, rector of the University of the Peloponnese, says this summer camp has successfully connected the Chinese students with the cultural heritage of Greece.

"The goal is to promote these endeavors and formulate an institutional pathway in order for these actions to take place on a regular basis," says Katsis, who hopes to see more educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Christos Michalakelis, president of Study in Greece, says the two countries, among the oldest civilizations on Earth, have a lot in common, and the program was well-designed to provide an experiential way of learning.

Euthymios Athanasiadis, press and communication counselor at the embassy of Greece in Beijing, says the event hints at the growth for educational tourism.

"Educational tourism, as a form of thematic tourism for young Chinese, has a great potential in Greece," he says, and hopes to see more Chinese children visiting the country to experience all its facets, such as art, math, science, dance and sports.

The organizers are planning a winter drama school for children by the end of this year. More activities, including Sino-Greek concerts, drama performances and related educational events are on the way.