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Dear Versopolis friends,Welcome to the September edition of the Versopolis Newsletter! As the summer fades into the horizon and the leaves begin to change, we're excited to bring you a fresh collection of literary highlights, poet profiles, and exciting updates from the world of European poetry. In this edition, we'll delve into the vibrant literary happenings across the continent, introduce you to some emerging poetic voices, and share insightful articles of established poets. Whether you're a dedicated poetry enthusiast or a casual reader, this and last month's Versopolis projects prove a rich tapestry of European verse.Wishing you a poetic month ahead,
Your Versopolis teamVERSOPOLIS PODCAST #7Reject modernity, embrace poetryPoetry as an act of writing demands a sensibility for contemplation that is often drowned out in our information overload culture. Billy Collins said that poets are people who get paid to look at clouds and watch chipmunks, because someone has to keep an eye on these things. Why is physical relationship with nature important for writing? Are we living in a cottage-core trend in which poets are leaving bohemian urban centres to connect with the local communities of their childhood? Why are teenagers on TikTok obsessed with Kafka? These questions are explored by poets Dr Paige Quiñones and Frank Keizer in conversation with Dr Mitja Drab.>> Listen here
Katja Gorečan and Veronika ŠosterVeronika Šoster writes on Slovenian poetic debuts in an article Spotlights, sparks, intensity and fear of missing out. Same week another slovenian poet Katja Gorečan shares her stance on contemporary Slovenian poetry in an article titled Dimensions of vulnerability.>> Read article no.1
>> Read article no.2 North Macedonia
Nikola Madžirov and Biljana StojanovskaThe poet will complete everything the city cannot is the lastest article on Versopolis platform written by Biljana Stojanovska. Her fellow North Macedonian author Nikola Madžirov published an article The war of silence – the poetry of scars.
>> Read article no.1
>> Read article no.2
Alexander Shakirov, a contemporary conceptual poet, who presented his work in the fifth event within the residence, shared his experience: "During the BAZHAN residency, I cut the lino poem for the upcoming conceptual collection of poems "Caste of Consciousness". For this collection, I not only cut each poem by myself, but I also made paper from the books of Russian-language poets - a kind of upcycling of colonialism. This largest work in the future collection I will notice a separate stamp Made during BAZHAN residency."
Roman Gardashuk, a literary scholar and translator and the sixth participant of BAZHAN Residency, also completed his residency in Kamianets-Podilsky. He worked on translating the poetry of Oscar Venceslav de Lyubich Milos and shared his reflections: "The residency in Kamianets-Podilskyi was a journey of return and healing, filled with moments of recognition and discovery. The city's memory and unity left a profound impression on me, as Baroque architecture seamlessly blended with modern structures, and defensive walls coexisted with manors and chambers. It's a city imbued with happiness, and within its unique cosmos, I found the focus to feel, inspire, and create."
In the next month two other poets, Max Lizhov, and Oleg Kotsarev, are to present their creativity and work at the BAHZAN Residency. The project is implemented by the GO TRANSLATORIUM and implemented with the support of Versopolis and funded by the Creative Europe program of the European Union. >> More information
From September 22nd to 24th the third edition of Poetik Bazar will unfold its magic. This event gathers 105 publishers from Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, France, and Switzerland. Visitors can meander through the aisles, immersing themselves in the world of French and Dutch poetry from across the globe. Beyond the bustling publisher's market, Poetik Bazar offers an enriching program replete with readings, workshops, discussions, and encounters, all designed to spotlight the vitality of the contemporary poetry scene—and it's all free of charge.Athens World Poetry Festival: A Week of Poetic Transformation
Running from September 24th to 27th, the Athens World Poetry Festival is orchestrated by the literary organization Poets Circle. For a full week, the city metamorphoses into a colossal poetic canvas, featuring the participation of both Greek and international wordsmiths. The 9th Athens World Poetry Festival, organized by the Poets' Circle, kicks off on Sunday, September 24th, with a special screening of the documentary film "Poetry Finds You."Druskininkai Poetic Fall: Nurturing Lithuania's Literary Landscape
Taking place from September 27th to October 1st, the Druskininkai Poetic Fall stands as one of Lithuania's premier literary events. This festival, primarily designed for poets, critics, literary scholars, and publishers, extends a warm invitation to the general public as well. Its central mission is to foster a vibrant community of poets, providing them with a platform to share their work, engage in reflective discourse, evaluate their creations, and discern shifts in contemporary literary trends.
In Budapest, the 27th of September marks the gathering of the Szépírók Társasága, the Society of Hungarian Authors, for a dynamic one-day event. This event promises a rich tapestry of readings, discussions, debates, captivating exhibitions, thought-provoking screenings, and live music, all converging on a single thematic focal point.Poetas festival: Poetry Takes Center Stage in Madrid
Fast forward two days to the 29th of September, and Madrid becomes the stage for the 17th installment of the Poetas festival. This immersive festival extends a warm invitation to experience the world of poetry through meetings, recitations, readings, dance, and pure poetic immersion. From late afternoon until the late hours, the Ateneo building in Madrid will be completely taken over by poets and their eager audience.TRANSLATORIUM: Exploring Language Beyond Words in Ukraine
Meanwhile, from September 29th to the 30th, the TRANSLATORIUM festival returns to Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine, for another engaging edition. TRANSLATORIUM stands as Ukraine's sole literary and translation festival, dedicated to the art of literary translation and commemorating International Translator's Day. This year's theme, "Through Silence to Conversation," embarks on an exploration of novel means of expression, examining how our shared verbal narratives can find expression in alternative mediums, such as the visual or choreographic forms.>> Find the upcoming festivals
Jovanovska made her way to Hausach, Germany, as an international guest at the LeseLenz festival. A week later, Tecedeiro was hosted by the French Voix Vives festival in the Mediterranean town of Sète. Both authors appreciated the warm hospitality they received and look back on their festival days with gratitude.
According to Tecedeiro, "The audience showed genuine interest and engagement, leading to meaningful connections. Witnessing poetry resonate with people is a privilege." Jovanovska reflected, "Returning home, I now recognize the significance of these festivals in supporting young authors in their careers. Presenting my work in Hausach was an opportunity I'm thankful for, allowing me to showcase my work in two languages."
>> Stroll down their memory lane
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