The rebirth of the Phoenix (TEDxAUTH pre-event)

“Phoenix: Rising from the ashes” was the theme of the TEDxAUTH 2021 Pre-event, which occurred virtually through a live stream on Saturday, April 10th for the lucky 100 participants that rushed to secure a “seat” through our form. However, due to the incredible response of our following, we decided to share our Pre-event with the broader audience on April 11, through the YouTube platform.

The theme of this virtual pre-event was none other than our well-known Phoenix. Phoenix, the legendary ancient bird that rises from its ashes, was the main event theme for TEDxAUTH 2020, appointed by last year’s team. This event was canceled somewhat cruelly due to the corona outbreak, therefore incinerating our Phoenix, awaiting the appropriate moment for its coveted rebirth.

This year, our team embodied this rebirth and resurgence, presenting talks and performances prompted by this mythical bird, igniting the flame inside of us, and, in the times we’re all experiencing, transporting us somewhere else and treating us with a little inspiration and light.

The first talk was given by Georgia Kaltsi, a fencing athlete, and a life coach instructor for the disabled, who spoke about her “rebirth” after the car crash that changed her life. She recounts the story of how she hit rock bottom, but also how her attempt at recurrence gave her everything she’s achieved today. Her talk is the flashpoint that provides us with some food for thought and re-evaluation of what’s “given” in this life.

Then, stand-up comedian Haralambos Darzanos took over, with the first performance of the event. Can you believe that working from home is related to Darzanos’ uncle, as your grandfather’s bedpan is to unicorns? Well, Haralambos was able to combine all the above in his delightful monologue.

The journey towards rebirth and redemption then proceeded through a second talk, none other than Stavros Kioutsioukis’ one. Stavros, a cartoonist of the light repertoire, walked us through his own path to light, while taking a brave decision, to abandon his steady job, in order to do what he always loved, create comic strips.

And somewhere within this Phoenix revival, it’s time to say farewell and officially declare the start of the TEDxAUTH 2021 main event proceedings. We couldn’t do that in any other way than announcing this year’s theme: “Eudaemonia, path to freedom.”

Lastly, the jubilant and thrilling atmosphere was sealed with music selections by producer and DJ Dimitris Kalogiannis, otherwise known as Dimkal. There couldn’t be a better finale to this Pre-event, since these house-jazz tunes unveiled vibes of freedom, relaxation, and carefree partying.

For the realization of this entire experience, we had the aid, of our guests of course, of last year’s TEDxAUTH organizers, of our sponsors, and this year’s organizing committee, as well as all of you that did us the honour of watching our attempt to gift you with an experience of rebirth and redefining our identity.

Phoenix is bygone, reminding us that rebirth is actually within us, ashes might be the lowest point, but also the reason to embark on a journey towards our own light and our own supreme destiny. What do you say? Should we start spreading our wings towards EUDAEMONIA?

Graphic design: Aggelos Eleftheras