A journey that became a shared experience
Usually, we write about what’s happening here on our island, but this time we’re sharing something a little different. It’s a story about how Leros travels. How the people, culture, and creativity of our community sometimes reach far beyond the Aegean. This article is about the Leros Theatre Group and their recent journey to Aschheim, our twin city in Germany, where they brought a piece of the island to a place that welcomed them like family.
Building bridges through hospitality and culture
Twenty members of the group made the trip and were met at Munich Airport by volunteers who immediately set a warm tone. A cosy welcome dinner that first evening made everyone feel at home, and over the next days the connection between Leros and Aschheim only grew stronger.
The group explored the town, visited the Town Hall, and met Mayor Florian Meier, to whom President Lefteris Diamantaras offered a handmade gift from Leros. At the local outdoor market they discovered a stand dedicated entirely to our island, a thoughtful gesture that touched everyone.
A day trip to Nuremberg followed, guided by their dear friend Petra Weiss, who shared the history and character of her city with the enthusiasm of someone who knows and loves Leros herself. Another day was spent discovering Munich, including a visit to the Opera House, before rehearsals began at the Aschheim Theatre.
A night on stage and a celebration of friendship
All of this built up to the highlight of the journey, the presentation of excerpts from Aeschylus’ Agamemnon. Directed and adapted by Lefteris Diamantaras, the performance filled the fully packed theatre with the spirit of ancient Greek drama. The audience included the Mayor, the local Metropolitan Bishop, and many new friends who had been following the group’s activities during their stay.
The cast (Apostolis Apostolopoulos, Eirini Dimantopoulou, Lefteris Diamantaras, Eirini Dinaki, Odysseas Kourevelis, Nikos Fokas, Giorgos Drakos, Chrysoula Sifouniou, Argyro Giannakou) delivered a strong and heartfelt performance, supported by the work of a dedicated backstage team. Costumes and makeup were crafted by Milka Stojanovits, sound and lighting were handled by Katerina Diamantara and Birgit Wilder, prompting by Ria Giannarou, and the poster was designed by Sofia-Anna Evangelou. Seeing the tradition of Greek tragedy take life so far from home was a proud moment not only for the group but for everyone connected to Leros.
After the performance, the local theatre group Aschheimer Bauern Theater hosted an evening of friendship and celebration. A documentary about their own forty year history was screened, followed by dinner, Bavarian dancing, and plenty of shared stories. An invitation was extended for them to visit Leros, and the night ended beautifully with Argyro Giannakou singing the traditional Lerian song “To Aroma“.
Memories that stay
The following day brought a more reflective moment with a visit to the Dachau concentration camp, a powerful reminder of history that touched everyone deeply. The group later visited the Christmas market in Erding, where Lefteris joined the TV channel ERT3 live to talk about the experience, before gathering again in the evening for a warm farewell dinner hosted by the municipality’s volunteers. Small gifts from Leros were offered as a gesture of gratitude for the exceptional hospitality.
When it was time to return home, the group left with full hearts, new friendships, and the sense that this visit had strengthened the cultural bond between the two communities in a very real way.
The Leros Theatre Group expressed sincere thanks to the volunteers of the Aschheim Twinning Committee and to municipal staff members Margit Felgner and Eleni Dimopoulou, whose dedication made the journey and performance both smooth and meaningful.
At The Leros Way, we see this story as a reminder that culture is one of the most beautiful ways an island can travel. Sometimes it brings people to us. Sometimes it carries Leros out into the world. And every time, it brings people closer together.
