Nijinsky

Description:

Giorgos Seferis’s short story Nijinsky appears in his collection Ποιήματα (Poems), published by Icarus in Athens in 1979. The story presents a surreal encounter with the legendary dancer Vaslav Nijinsky, who materialises in the author’s study and performs a series of otherworldly movements. Seferis uses vivid imagery and symbolic elements to explore themes of artistic expression and the complex interplay between reality and imagination. This work reflects Seferis’s mastery of blending narrative and poetic elements to convey deep emotional and psychological experiences.

About the poet:

Giorgos Seferis (1900-1971) was a prominent Greek poet and diplomat, widely regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th-century Greek literature. He was born as Georgios Seferiades in Vourla near Smyrna (now Urla near İzmir, Turkey) and later moved to Athens due to the Greco-Turkish War. Seferis studied law in Paris and embarked on a diplomatic career, which saw him serve in various countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and the UK.

Seferis’s poetry is noted for its exploration of themes such as Hellenism, exile, and the complexities of the human condition. His works often reflect the turbulence of the 20th century, including the impact of war and displacement. His notable collections include “Strophe” (1931), “Mythistorema” (1935), and “Gymnopaedia” (1936). In 1963, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, the first Greek to receive this honour, recognising his profound impact on modern poetry.

Seferis’s influence extends beyond his poetry to his essays and translations, through which he helped to introduce modernist ideas to Greek literature. He passed away in Athens in 1971, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire and resonate in contemporary Greek culture.