Poetry is gaining renewed attention in Cyprus, thanks to events like the Poetry Slam competitions. Xenion High School recently hosted its own Poetry Slam, featuring 20 students from Xenion and Heritage School, along with six esteemed poets. The event included a workshop and a competition, providing students the opportunity to learn, explore, and showcase their poetic talents.
The day kicked off at 11 a.m. with a workshop led by poets Annetta Benzar, Maria Kouvarou, and Andros Zacharia. The poets explained the concept of poetry slams, describing them as the “most eloquent form of art.” Poetry slams, which began in the 1960s, are a street-style expression of poetry.
Following the workshop, students took part in activities designed to build confidence and push them outside their comfort zones. The poets shared advice on creating powerful performances. Benzar focused on the art of storytelling, Kouvarou stressed the importance of voice and breathing, and Zacharia encouraged students to embrace discomfort and insecurity. His analogy of poetry as fire, needing fuel, spark, flame, and oxygen, resonated with the students and inspired a new sense of self-belief.
During lunch, students from both schools connected quickly. Rather than rehearse in the amphitheater, they socialized, shared poetry tips, and explored the Xenion campus. This camaraderie set a positive and supportive tone for the competition. After the event, students continued to bond, evident in group photos and shared laughter.
The Poetry Slam competition took place at 2 p.m. in Xenion’s amphitheater, where a microphone was the only prop. Students from Xenion Junior School joined the audience, along with parents of the participants, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Event facilitator Despina Sidiropoulou introduced the judges: Benzar, Kouvarou, and Zacharia, as well as Alexandros Chronides, and Ideogramma organizers Lily Michaelides and Nora Hadjisotiriou.
Each student performed a three-minute poem on topics ranging from personal growth and the environment to war and melancholy. Their passionate performances captivated the audience and judges, making the voting process both difficult and engaging.
After careful consideration, Evita Troisi from Xenion won the upper school category with her poem on freedom and despair. Leith Ryan Meshal from Heritage claimed the lower school prize with his humorous poem about the internet. Troisi also won the popular vote. Runners-up included Mrinali Jha and Karin Fradi from Heritage, and Annabelle Greppo and Diana Melnyk from Xenion.
While the results were announced, all participants were celebrated for their creativity and bravery. They stepped into the world of poetry, where imagination and inclusivity thrive. The Youth Poetry Slam also served as a preview for the upcoming Poetry Slam Cyprus in March, hosted by Ideogramma.
