Be Inspired.
Over five days in the quiet and rustic village of Monolithos, Greek-Australian poet Luka Lesson will employ 15 years of education and writing experience to facilitate a series of workshops that will uncover the oral traditions and history of the place his ancestors called home. This retreat is designed to inspire and amplify the voices of the new and experienced writers, in a naturally beautiful location, soaked in history.
Aimed at all skill levels, the sessions will include visits to Ancient sites, a look into Homer's Odyssey and the historical context of spoken word poetry, one-on-one guidance, group writing sessions and performance workshops. The retreat will then culminate in a private showing of the participants' work in an Ancient space and supportive environment.
This program is designed to allow for each participant to be inspired by the incredible surroundings, to be fully supported in expressing themselves, and to be celebrated as their individual skills and stories are revealed.
The Rhodes Poetry Retreat package includes over 10 workshops with one of Australia's most experienced performance poets and facilitators, in one of the most beautiful and historically powerful places on earth: the Greek Islands.
People love the Rhodes Poetry Retreat.
The Rhodes Poetry Retreat comes highly recommended from 100% of our previous participants.
"I loved the authentic experience the retreat offered. It was wonderful to be away from urban life and tourist traps. The week was a blissful mixture of both rigorous writing and relaxation. I enjoyed being disciplined every day and writing at every turn and vista we were offered. This in turn gave me the intimacy I needed with Rhodes and my company of poets. It really felt like a 'retreat' and I hope it remains so."
- Adelaide Friday, Byron Bay
"I like the easy going atmosphere the retreat offered. There were ample time to observe, create and soak in. The retreat was meditative and highly peaceful experience for me. Also our mentor Luka was very humble and approachable. The retreat gave a homely vibe and the food was extremely delicious and stay was comfortable."
- Subi Taba, India
"Luka's easygoing personality combined with his poetic expertise made the workshops really enjoyable and creative. I have never written poetry outdoors in special places before, and discovered I loved getting away from my computer and going 'old school' with pen and paper. I felt really relaxed, recovered from the rigours of my Turkey trip, and wrote some great poetry. I made new friends too."
- Lou Steer, Sydney.
"It was a privilege to break bread, do life and WRITE POETRY in Monolithos. That was the highlight the village, the immersion in place-based writing/learning and of course Luka is the man!"
- Zechariah Soakai, New Zealand
"I have attended many poetry retreats in Greece. Luka's poetry retreat is, by far, the best. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Luka is an inspiring poet and teacher."
- Lisa Jeffery, USA.
"I never really considered myself a poet, having not written poetry since I was a child. Having shared a week with Luka and the crew, I have vowed to put my pen to page everyday because of how generative and wonderful this practice has been. I am brimming with inspiration, having been immersed in such an inclusive, gracious and awe-striking environment. If you're even tossing up whether to come along, prioritise this experience! It is impossible to quantify how much it has
meant to me."
- Babette Moules, Melbourne.
Rhodes Poetry Retreat Program
Arrival
Fly into Rhodes Airport and the local team will provide transfers to your accomodation in Monolithos village, Rhodes Island.
Transfers will be from Rhodes Ferry at 2pm
and Rhodes Airport at 3pm.
Poets wanting to be picked up from Rhodes Town
should make their way to the Rhodes Tourist
Ferry Terminal at 2pm.
Dinner to be served at 8pm in Monolithos
Travel Information
Rhodes Airport receives direct flights from most European capitals including London, Berlin and Rome. A direct flight from Athens International airport is inexpensive and only lasts 45 minutes.
We prefer to fly Aegean airlines.
Day 1
Breakfast at Thomas Hotel
Workshop 1
Introduction: The Role of the Poet & Why Are We Here?
Workshop 2
The Art of the 'Stream of Consciousness'
Lunch
Siesta or Swim
Visit: Kimisala Necropolis
Workshop 3
Digging for Lyrical Fossils I
Visit: Monolithos Castle
Workshop 4
Digging for Lyrical Fossils II
Dinner
Travel Information
All meals and transfers provided
Day 2
Breakfast at Thomas Hotel
Workshop 5
Modern Greek Poetry Traditions
Workshop 6
Homer and The Odyssey: Mythology or Metaphor?
Lunch
Siesta or Swim
Visit & Solo Writing Time:
Monolithos Mountain Walk
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast at Thomas Hotel
Workshop 7
Structure vs Freedom
Workshop 8
"One-on-One Advice and Assistance"
Lunch
Siesta or Swim
Visit & Solo Writing Time:
Athenian Acropolis of Lindos
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast at Thomas Hotel
Workshop 9
"Critique Lovingly, Edit Ruthlessly"
Workshop 10
Memorisation Techniques
Lunch
Siesta or Swim
Visit & Solo Writing Time:
Local Monastery
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast at Thomas Hotel
Visit & Solo Writing Time:
Ancient Kimisala Palace
Local Chapel & Square
Workshop 11
Performance Techniques
Workshop 12
One-on-one Assistance II
Lunch
Workshop 13
Final Performance Rehearsals
Final Group Performance in Monolithos Village
Dinner
Departure
Final Transfers
Breakfast at Thomas Hotel
After breakfast the local team will provide transfers to Paradisi Airport or Rhodes Town centre, leaving at 12pm.
There will be no other transfers available.
Distance from Monolithos to Airport is 60 minutes,
and to Rhodes town centre: 90 minutes
