The PTC is publishing Catastrophe by Somali poet Xasan Daahir Ismaaciil ‘Weedhsame’ as an illustrated poem-poster, including a brand-new translation by BBC Radio 4 poet-in-residence Daljit Nagra and SOAS scholar Dr Martin Orwin. Catastrophe is a howl of anguish about the migration of the Somali people. It offers a provocation to western Europe and a message of hope to all who have fled their homes to seek a better life across the sea. It is also an electrifying piece of writing by a rising star in Somali literature. We are very excited to bring Weedhsame to UK audiences, whose work will offer poetic insight into the Somali culture and language.
The publication of Catastrophe was made possible thanks to the people who supported our crowdfunding campaign. Thank you to everyone who helped!
You can order a copy of the Catastrophe poem poster, illustrated by artist Bryan Talbot, here.
We are very pleased to announce an array of readings and workshops with Weedhsame alongside his translators Daljit Nagra and Martin Orwin. The PTC has a long-established relationship with the Somali community and we are glad to be working with Kayd Somali Arts and Culture again this year for Somali Week London, an annual celebration of Somali culture which is going from strength to strength.
