A poetry workshop, reading and responding to the poem Catastrophe by Somali writer Xasan Daahir Ismaaciil ‘Weedhsame’. This event is an opportunity to be exposed to the work of refugee writers and subsequently share your responses during an exhibition at the New Cross House a few days week on Friday the 14th of February.
Weedhsame is widely regarded as one of the most promising young Somali poets of his generation. Thanks to his close relationship with leading poet Maxamed Xaashi Dhamac ‘Gaarriye’, Weedhsame is steeped in the long and complex history of Somali poetry and, as a notably gifted practitioner, is committed to continuing its traditions.
Catastrophe is a howl of anguish about the displacement of the Somali people, it offers a provocation to western Europe, unable to hold focus on the devastating refugee crisis playing out on our shores, and a message of hope to all who have had to flee their homes to seek sanctuary across the sea.
In 2017 the PTC published Weedhsame’s this poem as a dual-language poem-poster, including a dazzling English translation by British poet Daljit Nagra and scholar Martin Orwin. The poster will also feature a specially commissioned illustration by the artist Bryan Talbot.
At this workshop, you will be able to engage with this poem, reflect on the different perspective it offers on the Refugee Crisis and find your own creative response.
Also, there will be pizza.
