Unfortunately, Weedhsame is not able to attend this event. His poetry will be read in Somali by his friend and translator Martin Orwin.
Daljit Nagra and Weedhsame will meet for the first time at Ilkley Literature Festival, as part of Weedhsame’s UK tour. They will be reading the poem ‘Galiilyo’ (‘Catastrophe’) in both Somali and English. This will be followed by a Q&A with Daljit, Weedhsame and bridge translator Dr Martin Orwin.
Daljit Nagra had been working with Somali scholar Martin Orwin to make this dazzling new English translation of the poem. This event marks the publication of a new poem-poster by the Poetry Translation Centre, featuring the poem in Somali and English alongside specially commissioned artwork by the acclaimed artist Bryan Talbot – which will be available to buy.
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.
You can order a copy of the Catastrophe poem poster, illustrated by artist Bryan Talbot, here.
