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From The Magpie

Here is the full Mixed Media feature from the highlights in the October 2024 Festival newsletter, The Magpie. 

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    Des poèmes comme exercices de joie, de compassion et d’empathie

    Une lecture et une conversation entre les poètes Louise Dupré et Evelyne Gagnon, qui nous invitent à considérer les poèmes comme des « exercices de joie, de compassion et d’empathie ». Louise Dupré a publié une trentaine de titres qui lui ont valu de nombreux prix et distinctions, dont deux fois le Prix de poésie du Gouverneur général du Canada (2011 et 2017). Elle collabore régulièrement avec des artistes d’autres disciplines. Ses livres ont été traduits dans plusieurs langues et son recueil de poésie Plus haut que les flammes a fait l’objet d’un long métrage réalisé par Monique LeBlanc et produit par l’Office National du Film du Canada. 

    Professeure au Département d’études littéraires de l’Université du Québec à Montréal de 1988 à 2008, elle consacre maintenant son temps à l’écriture. Elle est membre de l’Académie des lettres du Québec, de la Société royale du Canada et du Parlement des écrivaines francophones. En 2014, elle a reçu l’Ordre du Canada « pour son apport à la littérature québécoise en tant que poète, romancière, dramaturge, essayiste et professeure ».

    Poète et essayiste, Evelyne Gagnon est professeure de littérature à l’Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. Spécialiste de la poésie, elle s’intéresse aussi aux formes de la mélancolie contemporaine et, notamment, à ses liens avec l’éco-anxiété et avec l’écoféminisme. Chercheuse affiliée au CLC, elle a fondé, en 2014, le Concours de poésie du Centre de littératures au Canada, ouvert chaque année depuis aux étudiants universitaires albertains. Ayant publié des études sur la poésie dans plusieurs ouvrages scientifiques au Canada, aux États-Unis et en France, Evelyne Gagnon a également reçu, en 2001, le Prix de poésie Clément-Marchand. Son recueil de poèmes, Incidents (et autres rumeurs du siècle), est paru aux Éditions du Noroît, à Montréal, en 2022.

    U of A student wins first place in CLC’s 2024 poetry contest

    Justine Schultz has won first place in the Centre for Literatures in Canada‘s (CLC) 2024 poetry contest for her poem Attic. For Justine, a U of A honors classics student, this is her publishing debut. The contest is open to students attending Athabasca University, MacEwan University, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), the U of A, and participating French-language high schools. More in the U of A’s student newspaper The Gateway.

    A war journalist finds solace in poetry. ‘Journalism is of the moment. But poetry lasts forever’

    Lindsey Hilsum, Channel 4 News’s international editor in the UK, has always carried a book of poetry with her in her four decades of reporting on conflict. In an extract from her memoir, I Brought the War With Me, Lindsey explains why her own words were not always enough and why she turned to poetry. Of being with UNICEF in Rwanda, Lindsey writes: “In those terrifying first few days I was the only foreign correspondent on the streets of Kigali . . . I used to feel that I needed philosophical more than psychological help – after seeing what they are capable of, it is hard to believe that human beings are inherently good.

    “I found solace in poetry, which provided both a connection and a way of distancing myself from what I had witnessed. Connection because a poet might express similar emotions to my own, and distance because a poem could transform the singularity of my experience into something universal.” Discover which poets and poems brought Lindsey solace in her piece in The Guardian.

    The 11 best poetry podcasts, from Podcast Review

    This is a condensed and rewritten version of an original piece by Alice Florence Orr and published on Sept. 12 in Podcast Review. Find the link to the original piece at the end of this article. 

    Poetry podcasts have become an increasingly popular medium for exploring and appreciating the art of verse. Here’s an overview of some notable poetry podcasts:

    Roundtable Discussions

    Poem Talk hosted by Al Filreis offers a warm, intellectual discussion of various poets, from classics like Emily Dickinson to contemporary voices like Kathy Acker. The show’s approach makes poetry accessible and engaging, potentially rekindling listeners’ interest in the art form.

    Bite-sized Poetry

    The Slowdown, hosted by Major Jackson, presents brief yet thought-provoking episodes, usually under five minutes long. This podcast stands out for its diverse selection of global and contemporary poets, offering a fresh perspective on poetry.

    Contemporary Poetry Focus

    Poetry Off the Shelf, hosted by Helena de Groot, delves into the world of contemporary poetry. The show features a mix of interviews, anthology reviews, and unique “poetry documentaries,” exploring various aspects of poetry, including tactile poems and prose-like verses.

    In-depth Analysis

    Close Readings provides deep analysis of great poets’ works, with recurring editions focusing on specific themes like satire or ancient poetry. While it may not cater to fans of more modern forms, it offers valuable insights into the foundations of poetry.

    A Mouthful of Air, hosted by Mark McGuinness, offers rigorous analysis of classic poetry alongside readings by contemporary poets. The host’s articulate presentation makes even complex works accessible and engaging.

    Literary Hub Connection

    Shakespeare and Company: Writers, Books and Paris brings the ambiance of the famous Parisian bookstore to listeners, featuring conversations with various writers, including poets. The podcast’s Sunday episodes are dedicated to poetry, offering a blend of literary history and contemporary voices.

    Everyday Poetry

    Commonplace: Conversations with Poets (and Other People), hosted by Rachel Zucker, explores the connection between poetry and everyday life. The show’s meandering, conversational style provides unique insights into poets’ daily routines and inspirations.

    Educational Focus

    Beyond the Verse targets high school students, offering concise discussions of poems commonly found in school curricula. This podcast can be a valuable resource for young poetry enthusiasts or anyone looking to refresh their knowledge of canonical works.

    Unique Approaches

    Interesting People Reading Poetry invites individuals from various fields to read and discuss poems that have significantly impacted their lives. The show’s use of original musical compositions enhances the listening experience. 

    The New Yorker: Poetry features contemporary poets reading and discussing works from the magazine’s archives, creating a dialogue between past and present poetic voices. 

    The Poetry Exchange takes a unique approach by treating poems as friends, inviting guests to discuss their favorite poems in a deeply personal way. These podcasts offer diverse perspectives on poetry, catering to various interests and levels of expertise, from casual listeners to dedicated poetry enthusiasts.

    The full original article by Alice Florence Orr published in Podcast Review is here.

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