We are thrilled to be partnering with VerseFest to bring you an evening of acclaimed poetry and conversation hosted by Leslie Roach, whose collection Finish this Sentence is just out.

 

Angye Gaona is a well-known poet from Colombia. She is the author of several poetry books, including Nacimiento volátil [Volatile birth]. She was imprisoned in 2011 for her activism in defence of Colombian political prisoners. Her release came after poets, poetry festivals from all over the world and PEN International led an international campaign in her support. She has also won awards for sculpture and literary criticism and is a Member of Honor of the PEN Club of Québec.

 

The story of Layla and Majnun, made immortal by the Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi in the 12th century, has been retold thousands of times, in thousands of different ways, throughout literature. Against the backdrop of this story, to the sound-track of modern hip-hop, and amid the struggle of an immigrant family to instill an old faith under new conditions, Irfan Ali's Accretion is written in a contemporary lyricism that honours ancient poetic traditions.

 

rushes from the river disappointment is a collection that explores the confounding nature of intimate relationships. stephanie roberts' poetic expression is often irreverent, unapologetic, and infused with humour that can take surprisingly grave turns. rushes from the river disappointment traverses city, country, and fantasy using nature as artery through the emotional landscape.