Poetry without borders
On Sunday, the "Poetry Without Borders" festival that has been attracting visitors since 1996 with readings from poetry, discussions, exhibitions and even dance and musical performances, came to a close in the north Moravian town of Olomouc. Among this year's international guests was Pulitzer Prize winner Galway Kinnell. Dita Asiedu reports:
One very special performance came from the innovative US poet Georgia Scott, known for her original and witty presentation of poetry. In Olomouc, she asked to read her work in an erotic night club in order to support her work with a sensual atmosphere:
"You know, the littlest things can matter to the police. When a colleague goes to lunch or takes a break, the littlest things. What was that you were drinking Bob? Was it Becherovka or beer? Champagne. Champagne, I'll remember that."
Another highlight of the festival was the very interesting and unusual reading from US poet and writer Jerome Rothenberg, who decided to begin with a Native American song in both Senuca and English, which is usually sung at sacred ceremonies of a group called the Society of Mystic Animals.
"A little boy lost. They took me from the white sun and they left me in the black sun. They left me to sleep among long rows of overcoats. I was a city boy lost in my country..."
For the first five years, the Poetry Without Borders festival was held in the historic castle of Bitov in south Moravia. Thanks to its gaining popularity, a new and more spacious venue had to be found. Since last year, the town of Olomouc has been attracting poets from all around the globe. This time, outstanding, innovative and entertaining performances came from Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, and the United States.
