Panathenaea

Convention
Name:	Panathenaea Convention / The Hercules and Xena Panathenaea
Dates:	September 1–3, 2000
Frequency:	Once(?)
Location:	London, UK
Type:
Focus:	Xena: Warrior Princess, Hercules
Organization:
Founder:
Founding Date:
URL:
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The Hercules and Xena Panathenaea was one of the early European Xena: Warrior Princess conventions, running September 1–3 in London, UK in 2000.

Guests

• Kevin Smith, who played Ares
• Willa O'Neill, who played Lila, Gabrielle's sister
• Dean O'Gorman, who played multiple characters in Hercules and Xena, including a young Iolaus and Homer

Events

• Cocktail Party
• Meet and Greet for fans and guests
• Guest Talks/Panels
• Q and A Sessions
• Auction
• Fancy Dress Contest
• Cabaret and Dancing

Fan Commentary

The Hercules and Xena Panathenaea was held in London on September 1st - 3rd 2000. Things got started on Friday 1st, with the cocktail party for the guests and a select hundred or so convention goers. (No cocktails though.) Unfortunately, Karl Urban was not present. Apparently, he is filming in New Zealand on Lord of the Rings. This was the second UK convention where guests have withdrawn late in the day. One of the problems when you are working with actors I suppose, but a little aggravating.I was lucky enough to get hold of a ticket to the party and gathered with friends chatting about what to expect. The first guests to arrive were Willa O`Neill and a shy looking Dean O`Gorman. Willa has shocking pink streaks in her hair at the moment, and seems to like bright clothing. They were both looking a little apprehensive, but were soon being greeted by us fans. We had a chat to Willa about her London experience (she`s an email addict), and her family in Scotland. Just about all New Zealanders seem to have friends or family somewhere in the UK. It seems to be party etiquette not to start quizzing the guests, so I saved my questions about the show til the Q&A sessions later in the weekend.

Xenaville 

The differences between European fandom and American fandom become obvious at the conventions, especially in the way the actors are treated. In the US, the actors are placed on a pedestal, with fans almost religiously following them and gushing over them. In Europe, the fans tend to be much more down to earth, treating the actors as human beings and chatting with them, without crying or freezing up. The guests also mingle with the fans, something that does not generally happen at the official cons in the US. Of course, there are always exceptions.

Petra de Jong 

Con Review and Write-ups

• Panathenea UK Con, September 1-3, 2000, at Xenaville