Revolutions is our theme for this year.
In the words of President Obama, ‘Change has come to America’ – a historical change made possible by the revolutions of our times. 2009 is the 50th anniversary of the Cuban revolution, 40th anniversary of Stonewall, 30 years on from the Iranian Revolution, and 20 years since the fall of the Berlin wall and of democracy in Poland, Czech Republic and the Balkans.
In our Spring programme and throughout 2009, Southbank Centre Literature & Spoken Word explores revolution in all its forms.
Radical philosopher Slavoj Zižek – who predicted the current economic meltdown – asks what now for global capitalism? From Susie Orbach’s overview of the beauty and celebrity of the body to gay porn, we tease the subject of sexuality. The dazzling Puerto Rican and Cuban poets Martin Espada and Omar Perez celebrate and contemplate the aesthetic and political force of poetry. Ruth Padel introduces her radical biography of Darwin’s life in poems. Foremost writers Kamila Shamsie and Iain Sinclair launch their new novels at the Southbank, and we introduce singer-poet Gemma Weekes’ debut novel with a DJ night of readings and music.
Our season begins with the launch of the Southbank Centre Book Club, and – for the first time – the prestigious TS Eliot Prize Readings in Queen Elizabeth Hall.
In the words of Adrienne Rich, Revolution is poetry. Come along to Southbank Centre and join our revolution.
Rachel Holmes
Head of Literature & Spoken Word
Southbank Centre
If you’re a Soutbank Centre Member, you can book these events today, and everyone can book from Thursday.
Filed under: Announcements
Interesting program indeed…
chinckle