AUTUMN PRºGRAMMe

SEPT — DEC 2015

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THE CREATIVE UNCONSCIOUS: PSYCHOANALYTIC POETRY POP-UP

Sunday 20 September The Sutton Gallery 11.30 - 18.00 Full day ticket (includes lunch and snacks): £25/£20 Interview only ticket: £5/£4 Reading only ticket: £5/£4

in partnership with the Sutton Gallery and the Poetry Society

‘He wasn’t clever at all: he merely told / the unhappy Present to recite the Past / like a poetry lesson’ (‘In Memory of Sigmund Freud’, W.H. Auden). Psychoanalysis and poetry have long been mutually fascinated. In this day-long event, poet and psychoanalyst Nuar Alsadir is interviewed by psychoanalyst Ken Robinson and reads her delicate, mysterious poems, while there is an opportunity to take part in a workshop led by the SPL’s J.L. Williams on writing from the unconscious.

11.30 - 12.30 Ken Robinson interviews Nuar Alsadir about poetry and the unconscious

13.00 - 14.00 Lunch

14.00 - 16.00 Poetry workshop

16.00 - 17.00 Tea/snacks

17.00 - 18.00 Reading by Nuar Alsadir

CAESURA

Thursday 24 September Saltire Society 18.30 £5/£4

Celebrated as ‘one of the most vital avant garde readings in Great Britain’, CAESURA is the live home for sound poetry, found poetry, performance art and innovation. Poetry will never be the same again! Performers include: Michael Farrell, Jane Goldman, Gavin Selerie, Frances Presley and Iain Morrison.

Edwin Morgan’s words, written for the opening of the Scottish Parliament, our neighbours, ring true for this Autumn Programme, in which we’re delighted to welcome you back to our new and improved Scottish Poetry Library. ‘Opening the Doors’ is the theme: we’re excited about showing off the extensive building renovations which will enable us to meet the challenges of the 21st century and to continue delivering a multitude of services long into the future. This season, too, we’re so lucky to have a host of poets sharing their work over the coming months, not only from around Scotland but also visiting from around the world. So it’s a warm welcome to everyone. We would love to see you at our events – do come

in to have a look round any time... the doors are open!

- Jennifer Williams - Programme Manager, SPL

OPEn ThE DOORS!LIGHT OF THE DAY, SHINE IN

LIGHT OF THE MIND ShINE OUTWE HAVE A BUILDING WHICH IS MORE THAN A BUILDING

- Edwin Morgan -

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FROM RENAISSANCE TO REFERENDUM: THE SCOTTISH RENAISSANCE AND THE ORIGINS

OF SCOTTISH NATIONALISM

Thursday 1 October Saltire Society 18.30 Free

in partnership with the British Academy and the University of Edinburgh

From Renaissance to Referendum tells the story of modern Scottish poetry. Over six events in 2015 and 2016, academics and poets trace the changes in Scottish culture since the end of WWII through its poetry. We begin with Margery Palmer McCulloch (University of Glasgow) and Alex Thomson (University of Edinburgh) considering Hugh MacDiarmid as the controversial key figure in a movement that sought to reinvigorate Scottish nationalism by embracing modernism.

THE PERFECT HOUR

Tuesday 13 October SPL 18.00 Free

in partnership with the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, University of Edinburgh

We are celebrating the publication of The Perfect Hour, selected poems by Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen (one of the best-known and most loved of modern Portuguese poets), translated from the Portuguese by Colin Rorrison with Margaret Jull Costa (Cold Hub Press, 2015). Having studied Spanish and Portuguese at the University of Edinburgh, Colin Rorrison was on his first visit to Latin America in 2012 when he died suddenly, aged 28, leaving a sheaf of translations. The event will include a short reading and conversation with the renowned translator Margaret Jull Costa, who worked with him on these poems.

MY LIFE IN POETRY WITH CHRISTINE DE LUCA

Wednesday 14 October National Library of Scotland 14.00 £3/£2

in partnership with the National Library of Scotland

A year ago Edinburgh’s Makar Christine De Luca provided a note of calm amidst the passions of the Independence Referendum debate with her conciliatory poem ‘The Morning After’. For My Life in Poetry, De Luca tells the story of her life through poems precious to her, in conversation with Scottish Poetry Library Director Robyn Marsack.

LES MURRAY

Thursday 15 October CCA, Glasgow 19.00 £5

in partnership with St Mungo’s Mirrorball

One of the leading Australian poets of his generation, Les Murray reads from his new collection Waiting for the Past (Carcanet). Winner of numerous literary awards, including the T.S. Eliot Prize (1996), he was awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry in 1999 on the recommendation of Ted Hughes. His career spans over forty years and he has published nearly 30 volumes of poetry as well as two verse novels and collections of his prose writings.

Free for St Mungo’s Mirrorball Members.

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FROM RENAISSANCE TO REFERENDUM: THE LANGUAGES OF SCOTTISH POETRY

Thursday 22 October SPL 18.30 Free

in partnership with the British Academy and the University of Edinburgh

Down the ages Gaelic poets have often acted as spokespeople for their community, particularly during times of hardship and struggle. Emma Dymock (University of Edinburgh) considers how Sorley MacLean reinvented the role of ‘poet of conscience’ in the 1930s and 1940s. Greg Thomas (University of Edinburgh) discusses Ian Hamilton Finlay’s 1970s-80s poetry, focusing on his new and challenging interest in the artistic and intellectual tenets of authoritarian political regimes during those decades.

RITA DOVE: HOW DOES A SHADOW SHINE? POETRY, MUSIC & THE UNDERSIDE OF HISTORY

Friday 23 October University of Edinburgh 18.30 Free

in partnership with the University of Edinburgh and the Poetry Society, in association with Birmingham Literature Festival and Writing West Midlands

Rita Dove was the first African American US Poet Laureate, and the youngest, serving from 1993-95. She received the 2011 National Medal of Arts from President Obama and the 1996 National Humanities Medal from President Clinton, making her the only poet to have received both presidential medals. Coinciding with Black History Month, her lecture will explore how poetry can pull lives from the shadows and takes as its starting point what might have remained a footnote in musical history – the fact that Beethoven’s Kreutzer Sonata was originally titled ‘Sonata Mulattica’, and composed in honour of a now-forgotten musical wunderkind, a ‘mulatto’ virtuoso violinist called George Bridgetower.

This event is at the University of Edinburgh, 50 George Square, Screening Room G.04.

SECOND WIND

Thursday 15 October Saltire Society 18.30 Free

part of the Luminate Festival and the Baring Foundation’s ‘Late Style’ series of artists’ commissions, organised in partnership with the Saltire Society

Second Wind, a Saltire Society pamphlet commissioned by the Scottish Poetry Library, brings together three award-winning poets; Douglas Dunn, Vicki Feaver and Diana Hendry. With humour, melancholy and wisdom, they tackle what a person loses as he or she ages – and what they gain. Join the three poets for a reading and discussion of their latest work.

This event is free but booking is essential.

TRANSATLANTIC POETRY WITH DAVID WHEATLEY AND STEPHEN BURT

Saturday 17 October Online 20.00 Free

You don’t have to leave your sofa to enjoy poetry from around the world. All you need is a laptop, tablet or phone and internet connection to tune into live readings that bring together poets based in Britain and America. This October’s pairing teams Aberdeen-based poet and critic David Wheatley with Harvard professor and poet Stephen Burt. For the live video on 17 October, please visit: www.transatlanticpoetry.com.

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SECOND WIND IN ABERDEEN

Monday 26 October Aberdeen Maritime Museum 18.00 Free

part of the Luminate Festival and the Baring Foundation’s ‘Late Style’ series of artists’ commissions, organised in partnership with the Saltire Society

Another chance to hear our three award-winning poets – Douglas Dunn, Vicki Feaver and Diana Hendry, in a more northern setting. Join the three poets for readings from their new Saltire Society pamphlet and discussion of their latest work.

This event is free but booking is essential.

MICHAEL KRÜGER

Tuesday 27 October Goethe-Institut 18.30 Free

part of the Luminate Festival, presented in association with the Goethe-Institut Glasgow

The poet Stanley Moss said of Michael Krüger, ‘He gives us a world exploding with memories, a flood, an Ark’. The award-winning German poet visits Scotland to read from his latest translated collections, and talk about his life as a poet and publisher.

This event is at the Goethe-Institut, 3 Park Circus, Glasgow.

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AND YET THERE

WAS ALWAYS MoRE OF ThE SAME,ALL THAT HAPPINESS,

THE AIMLESSD BEiNg ThErE.

- Rita Dove -

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TRANSLATION WORKSHOP: RUSSIA

Thursday 29 October SPL - The Space 18.00 - 20.00 £5/£4

Poet and translator Rose France will provide poems in Russian with literal translations. We will make our own English translations from these ‘bridge’ versions, with Rose’s help, sharing the results and discussing the process. You will gain insights into Russian language and poetry, as well as the exciting and challenging world of poetry translation. You do not need to speak/read Russian or to have translated previously to attend this event, although those with experience in these areas are welcome.

FROM RENAISSANCE TO REFERENDUM: CONTEMPORARY SCOTTISH POETRY AND ECOLOGY

Thursday 12 November SPL 18.30 Free

in partnership with the British Academy and the University of Edinburgh

Man’s relationship with the natural world has been a constant preoccupation of Scottish poetry. In our third From Renaissance to Referendum event, we take a close look at Scottish nature writing over the past century, from Nan Shepherd to Kathleen Jamie, in the company of David Farrier (University of Edinburgh) and Samantha Walton (Bath Spa University).

G.S. FRASER: SHOESTRING PRESS LAUNCH

Thursday 19 November SPL 18.30 Free

'This is the shape of a land that outlasts a strategy / And is not taken with rhetoric or arms.’ So wrote the poet and critic, G.S. Fraser (1915-1980), of Aberdeen, the city where he spent part of his childhood. Poems by Fraser, who studied at the University of St Andrews and became, briefly, a journalist in Glasgow, are to be found in most major anthologies of 20th century poetry, and especially in anthologies of the Second World War. In post-war years Fraser became one of the most prominent critics of his day. To mark the centenary of his birth Shoestring Press is publishing a selection of Fraser’s poems.

CINNAMON POETS LAUNCH

Saturday 28 November SPL 13.30 Free

Cinnamon Press recently celebrated ten years as an independent publisher. What better way to mark their next decade than the launch of five new titles? Join us as we welcome to the library A.C. Clarke, Mavis Gulliver, Jane McKie, David Mark Williams and Robin Lindsay Wilson.

POETRYFILM AND ROXANA VILK

Thursday 3 December SPL 18.30 £5/£4

Enjoy a curated selection of short film artworks, chosen for their alignment with poetic structures and experiences, and with the visual, verbal and aural languages of poetry in various forms introduced by Zata Banks, Director of PoetryFilm, plus a new short film by Roxana Vilk. Award-winning British-Iranian filmmaker Vilk has over the past few years made films about poets from both Britain and the Middle East, not least her acclaimed Poets of Protest series made for Al-Jazeera in 2012. PoetryFilm is the influential research art project founded by Zata Banks in 2002, to explore and exhibit experimental text / image / sound material.

THE SHOCK OF VICTORY

Alec Finlay, In the Shadow of the Hand, Mairéad McClean, Antonis Pittas and Oraib Toukan

Saturday 19 September - Sunday 1 November CCA, Glasgow Free Tuesday - Saturday: 11.00 - 18.00 // Sunday: 12.00 - 18.00

Preview: Friday 18 September 19.00

The Shock of Victory is a programme of ‘artistic approaches, techniques, provocations and motivations in a post-referendum reality departing from Scotland, but certainly not confined to it.’ It includes Alec Finlay’s a better tale to tell, a found poem composed entirely from public responses to the Smith Commission, allowing multiple voices to engage in a complex discourse. The poem, exhibited at the CCA and also available in print and as an e-book, is co-published by the CCA, the National Library of Scotland, the Saltire Society and the Scottish Poetry Library.

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EVENTS IN THE SPACEThe Space is our new room in the Library where anything can

happen. All events other than Collective Hush are ticketed.

NOTHING BUT THE POEM

11.00 - 12.30; 14.00 - 15.30 (repeat session) SPL £5/£4

10 October Rita Dove

7 November Second Wind: poems by Douglas Dunn, Vicki Feaver, Diana Hendry

5 December Marina Tsvetaeva

Two Nothing But the Poem poetry reading sessions on each Saturday with poet Kate Hendry. We will read and talk about a selection of poems by the poet(s). Please note: the poets being discussed will be there in print only!

NOTHING BUT THE POEM: STANISŁAW BARAŃCZAK

Saturday 31 October SPL 14.00 Free

In this special Nothing But the Poem in partnership with the Polish Book Club, Robyn Marsack will host a discussion of some poems by Stanisław Barańczak. The discussion will be in English, with Polish and English texts available.

SPL POETRY WORKSHOP

Tuesdays 20/10, 24/11 SPL 18.00 - 20.00 £5/£4

J.L. Williams, poet (and SPL Programme Manager), facilitates this poetry writing workshop in which we will write, read and discuss poems. Please bring paper and a pen or pencil, or laptop/tablet of choice.

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EXHIBITION

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LOOKINg BACK,THE GLISTENING LEAF IS

STILL

MOVING.

- Les Murray -

EVENTS IN THE SPACEPOETRY FOR PEANUTS

4 November, 2 December SPL 10.30 - 11.30 £2 Per Family

Pop in for this family poetry hour, once a month on Wednesdays. These sessions are for wee ones and their grown-ups. We’ll supply the poetry books, tea and coffee. Share some poems with your children and meet other parents/carers who like poetry or want to give it a try.

Perfect for ages 5 and under.

COLLECTIVE HUSH

Fridays beginning 6 November 12.00 - 14.00 Free, donations welcome

Keep meaning to put some time aside for reading and writing poetry each week? Bring your lunch if you like and join us for this silent, drop-in group reading/writing/making time every Friday in The Space. Sharing this silence, everyone can work together to achieve their artistic and poetic goals.

POETRY SHOP

17.30 - 19.00 SPL £3/£2

Tuesday 3 November Publishing in Magazines

Tuesday 1 December Poetry Criticism

We’re opening up Poetry Shop: a series of regular events in which we’ll discuss topics that matter to poets such as where to send your work, how to put a manuscript together, how to read, write and publish poetry criticism and much more. Each session will focus on a particular topic, and the aim is for knowledge-sharing and community-building between the poets who attend.

- Christine De Luca -

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LEARNING

We offer Poetry CPD for teachers and workshops for pupils tailored specifically to suit requirements. Contact our Learning Manager, Georgi Gill, for more information and to book: georgi.gill@spl.org.uk.

For teachers: www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/learn/teachers Education Blog: makingmakars.wordpress.com

EDUCATION

ACCESS

The Scottish Poetry Library has a ground-floor entrance and a lift that provides access to all three floors of the building. There is one adapted toilet on the basement floor.

Companion ServiceArtlink offers a companion service for people who have difficulty visiting libraries and attending events on their own. For more information please phone 0131 229 3555, type talk 18001 0131 229 3555 or go to artlinkedinburgh.co.uk.

If you need a companion to help you attend any SPL workshops or events, please let us know when booking. Your companion’s ticket will be free.

At the LibraryHearing loop: If you require our portable loop, please let the person at reception know.

Wheelchair Space: We can reserve space for you and nearby seats for your guests if required.

Guide and hearing dogs are welcome.

A year Is come rICht ROOnd.

I dA sImmIR dIM, sungAets,

we MARk dA RIm o dA BROCh

– tIme CIRCles: walk dA mAIRCHes

o A twalmONt gIen.

If you would like to use any of these services, contact the SPL reception on 0131 557 2876, reception@spl.org.uk or in person. Please then make yourself known to Reception on arrival.

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SUPPORT US

Help us to continue our work by becoming a Friend of the Scottish Poetry Library from £20 per year and you will receive the following membership benefits:

• Poetry Reader magazine subscription • Discounts on SPL events • 10% discount in the SPL shop • Free postal borrowing throughout the UK • Voting rights at our AGM

Visit our website for more information and to join online or telephone 0131 557 2876 to request a membership form by post.

Many of our events will include a donation bar, where you can get a drink in exchange for a suggested donation. Donations to the SPL are always welcome, especially at our free events.

SEPTEMBER

Sun 20 The Creative Unconscious The Sutton Gallery

Thu 24 CAESURA Saltire Society

OCTOBER

Thu 1 Scottish Renaissance and Scottish Nationalism Saltire Society

Sat 10 NBTP: Rita Dove SPL

Tue 13 The Perfect Hour book launch SPL

Wed 14 My Life in Poetry with Christine De Luca National Library of Scotland

Thu 15 Second Wind pamphlet launch Saltire Society

Thu 15 Les Murray CCA, Glasgow

Sat 17 Transatlantic Poetry Online

Tue 20 SPL Poetry Workshop SPL

Thu 22 The Languages Of Scottish Poetry SPL

Fri 23 Rita Dove University of Edinburgh

Mon 26 Second Wind in Aberdeen Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Tue 27 Michael Krüger Goethe-Institut Glasgow

Thu 29 Translation Workshop: Russia SPL

Sat 31 NBTP: Stanisław Barańczak SPL

NOVEMBER

Tue 3 Poetry Shop: publishing in magazines SPL

Wed 4 Poetry for Peanuts SPL

Sat 7 NBTP: Second Wind SPL

Thu 12 Contemporary Scottish Poetry and Ecology SPL

Thu 19 G.S. Fraser: Shoestring Press launch SPL

Tue 24 SPL Poetry Workshop SPL

Sat 28 Cinnamon Poets launch SPL

DECEMBER

Tue 1 Poetry Shop: criticism SPL

Wed 2 Poetry for Peanuts SPL

Thu 3 PoetryFilm and Roxana Vilk SPL

Sat 5 NBTP: Marina Tsvetaeva SPL

…and Collective Hush from 6 November on Fridays throughout the season.

FURTHER DETAILS, TICKETS & THANKS

Please go to scottishpoetrylibrary.eventbrite.co.uk for event booking.Friends of the SPL receive the concession rate for events and workshops.

For more details on events, directions to the Library and information about Library services, podcasts and poetry, please see scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk or call us on 0131 557 2876.

For updates on events inside and outside of the SPL, as well as links to our latest podcasts and blogs, subscribe to the SPL’s fortnightly e-newsletter by emailing colin.waters@spl.org.uk.

Thank you to our Patrons – The Binks Trust, Edwin Morgan Trust, Dr David Summers Charitable Trust, Professor Alexander McCall Smith, Nora Senior and Ian Wall – and Friends, partners and sponsors for their generous support.

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Scottish Poetry Library, 5 Crichton’s Close, Canongate Edinburgh, EH8 8DT.

This programme is printed in Scotland. Please pass on or recycle when finished. The SPL is a certified Green Arts Venue.

reception@spl.org.uk0131 557 2876 www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk

@ByLeavesWeLivefacebook.com/scottishpoetrylibrary

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