Artist in Residence: Dimitris Papaioannou

Artist in Residence: Dimitris Papaioannou

16-27 February 2026

We are thrilled to welcome Dimitris Papaioannou to LMU as Artist in Residence.

Born in Athens in 1964, Papaioannou first gained recognition as a painter and comics artist before turning to the performing arts as a director, choreographer, performer, and designer. A former student of Yannis Tsarouchis and the Athens School of Fine Arts, he founded Edafos Dance Theatre in 1986, creating influential hybrids of physical theatre, experimental dance, and performance art. MEDEA (1993) marked the company's transition to big theatres and is considered its iconic work. Internationally renowned, he was the creator of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and has since continued to develop large-scale, experimental theatrical works for major stages. Read full bio. 

The artist will participate in two class sessions of the LMU course "Representations of Greece, Ancient and Modern," which will include screening of selected films followed by discussion with host Prof. Katerina Zacharia, and open Q&A with students. The sessions are open to LMU students and faculty. 

Part I: Athens 2004 Olympics - Birthplace Ceremony

Tues. Feb. 17 | 3:40 - 6:50 PM
Ahmanson Auditorium, UH 1000

• Screening backstage videos with discussion focusing on breaking down the opening and
  closing ceremonies
• Other topics of discussion may include the representation of antiquities, the ancient body,
  and the selection of the specific moments of Greek history, mythology, art, literature,
  music to be showcased in the Athens 2004 Olympics

Part II: Aligning with Archetypes. The universe of Dimitris Papaioannou

Tues. Feb. 24 | 3:40 - 6:50 PM
Ahmanson Auditorium, UH 1000

• Screening Nowhere (2009, Director’s Cut 2021, 42 mins)
• Screening Primal Matter (2013, 17 mins)
• Discussion on the artist’s unique vision, philosophy, and creative process

Friday 2/20 @ SFTV Broccoli

• 3:00 pm: Bull’s Heart by Eva Stefani (2025, 78 mins). Private screening for LMU faculty and students. 
• 5:00 pm: Behind the Wall (2019, 68 mins) – co-hosted in collaboration with the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival. Open to the public. 
• 6:15 pm: Post-screening Q&A with the artist. 

Saturday 2/21 @ Mayer Theater, Noon to 6 pm

• Video Installation of Inside (2011), screening in the theater
• Backside (80 mins) screening at the lobby

“Being Moved” – Composition Workshops for dance students

The artist will offer physical workshops for dance students, followed by Q&A on his creative process.

• Thursday 2/19, 10:00-11:30 am, workshop for seniors - Senior Modern
• Monday 2/23, 1:45-3:15 pm, workshop for freshmen - Dance Composition I: The Creative Process
• Wednesday 2/25, 1:45-3:15 pm, workshop for sophomores/juniors - Dance Composition III: Transferring the Creative Voice