Poetry@fedsquare is a free program of poetry, music and performance at The Atrium in Federation Square in the heart of the vibrant city of Melbourne. The Atrium is right next to the NGV, in the corner next to the cafe and the booksellers.
I will be reading there on 16th August at 2pm – 4pm. I will be accompanied by the well-known Greek-Australian musician Nick Tsiavos on double bass. Entrance is free and everyone is welcome to attend. Thanks to Dimitris Troaditis for making this happen.
I will be reading in Maltese and English from my most recent collection published in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 2013, called Deciphered Lips (Xufftejk Spjegati) and from other collections.
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Nick Tsiavos is a bassist and composer whose work operates at the intersections of a number of cultural boundaries: from 8th century chant to contemporary minimalism, from syncretic hybridisation to experimental improvisation, from church to pub to concert hall.
Since 1994, Tsiavos has been developing new music for the solo bass. As an ‘ethnic’ musician he is interested in, and informed by, non-canonical discourse, while refusing the tokenism that ethnicity often entails.
The diversity of his cultural influences come together to create a new language for the bass – work articulating an intensely personal response to the problematics of contemporary Australian culture.
In 1995, Tsiavos formed the group Jouissance, exploring the dialogue between contemporary thought and ancient chant. As the group’s artistic director, Tsiavos has produced a dark and confronting examination of Medieval and Byzantine chant. Jouissance has toured internationally and throughout Australia . ‘… wrenchingly ecstatic…this music’s trances like states actually take you on a journey …’ Clive O’Connell, The Age 1997 .’…. the ethereal music was an engrossing experience …’ Jeremy Vincent, The Australian 1999 .
Tsiavos continues to freelance between the worlds of jazz, new music and folk music in all its forms. His performances and compositions are regularly broadcast.
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Each month different poets present their works in a public setting to an ever-changing audience. It is an opportunity to hear new words and voices.
Readers and presenters come from all walks of literary life; some are published authors; some are translators; some are first-time authors with a piece of work in progress to test; while others will read/present a bilingual writing of another author. Over the years more than 1000 different poets, translators and open readers have participated in the program.
The regular format allows for feature presenters, reading up to 20 minutes each. There is also an open mic section for those want to share their lovely words for just 5 minutes each.
In Melbourne I have already read at the Maltese Community Centre in Parkville, on Sunday 13th July, at a reading organised by the Grupp Letteratura tal-Victoria.
The Venue
Inspired by Melbourne’s laneways and arcades, The Atrium is an elaborate cocoon of steel and glass that connects the Yarra River to Flinders St.
The cantilevered form of this covered space is a location for indoor events such as fashion parades, festival launch parties and a regular book market. It is flanked by cafes and boutique stores.
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adriangrima.org 