Double Bill: Sasha Dugdale and Oksana Maksymchuk
Contemporary poetry can challenge, explore uncomfortable truths, and bear witness to unimaginable experiences.
In Sasha Dugdale’s new collection, The Strongbox, recent history and Greek mythology meet. Her varied cast of characters are abducted to foreign lands, travel through war zones, and are haunted by conflicts.
Oksana Maksymchuk’s Still City reflects life in the wake of extreme and unpredictable violence. Beginning as a poetic journal kept from her hometime in Ukraine, 2021-22, it chronicles events as the poet, her family and community prepare for airstrikes, as well as nuclear, chemical and biological warfare.
Together, Oksana and Sasha discuss what it is to write poetry in these times of conflict. Chaired through the ConVERSE Emerging Chairs Programme with Edinburgh University.
Event Sponsors:
Similar Events You May Enjoy...
Hannah Lavery and Michael Pedersen – Makar-athon
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Join renowned poet and playwright, Hannah Lavery, as she hands over the baton of Edinburgh Makar to the ever-effervescent Michael Pedersen. Hannah and Michael will discuss their own work including Hannah’s recently published, Unwritten Woman, as well as what holding the position of Makar means to them and how the city influences their work.
Get TicketsBlack History and Poetry Walk
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Lisa Williams, poet, author, and founder of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association, will lead this Black History Walk and share some specially written poetry as we explore the histories of The Royal Mile’s surrounding areas. These little-known stories of Edinburgh’s many visitors and residents of African, African American and Caribbean heritage may surprise some; what tales lie beneath the sunny Mile?
Get TicketsBreaking Ground Ireland
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Breaking Ground Ireland is a landmark project showcasing over 90 writers and illustrators from ethnic minority backgrounds, including Irish Traveller writers, from the island of Ireland. Featured poets Christie Kandiwa, Neo Gilson, and Lorde Fuhl will be chaired by Speaking Volumes’ Sharmilla Beezmohun in this fascinating event showcasing some of Ireland’s best contemporary talents.
Get Tickets