PolyGlots 2009
Presented by Geelong Writers for the Pako Festa
PolyGlots 2009 provided a great example of how mutliculturalism influences literature. Covering Asian, European and Australian writers and poets, it was an event where histories were shared and experiences felt.
From Geelong Writers President Ted Reilly's opening address: "Tonight we celebrate both books and languages through the poets who give voice to the many nations whether far overseas or here in our own city, and if we care to listen, we can hear their many voices, their polyglossia."
Chinese Poetry
Sophia Shen a Chinese Australian poet began; “I write poetry because it is short and meaningful.” Sophia’s lovely rhythmic voice recited poetry in Chinese and English, recounting her latest experiences in China. Her poetry spanned several topics including; the Great Wall, Oriental Venice and the beatification of China in recent times.
Lithuanian Poetry
Jura Vitkunaite-Reilly shared two Lithuanian poems. Reading Juozas Grusysm first, Jura’s emotion could be felt as she recounted the Siberian deportations. The second poem Green Spiders, by Agne Zagrakalyte written post soviet times was a light hearted and freer composition.
Ukranian Poetry
The poetry of Ukranian Taras Sevcenko was delivered by Lydia Wasilenko. Poetic even with his Testimate (Will), Lydia read his wishes respectfully. Following this, Lydia shared Don’t Wet, a more comical perspective on family relationships.
Greek Poetry
Following a short interval listening to the melodic sounds of Clonard College’s Flute Ensemble, Jordan Mavros took us back to the invasion of Greece by the Prussians in his reading of poet Con Cavonfy, translated by Ted Reilly. Jordan then shared a section from the Nobel Prize winning Axion Esti by Odysseus Elytis; an image loaded rewriting of the Book of Genesis.
Australian Poetry and Short Story
Providing a contemporary flavour, Brendan Ryan then discussed his own works on the everyday life of colloquial Australia. Brendan said of his writing: “everything is true – to some extent”. Reflective and often humorous, Brendan had us enjoy the thrill of destroying an old piano and gave us the experience of driving with a tough old aunt.
Slovenian Poetry
The last reading of the evening was The Roads Are Quiet by Slovenian poet Tomaz Salamum. Read and translated by Karlo and Jenny Bole, the descriptions of rolling landscapes were a pleasant conclusion to the evening.
PolyGlots* is one of the many events conducted during the Pako Festa multicultural festival. It is presented annually by Geelong Writers. 2009 event was sponsored by City of Greater Geelong, Geelong Regional Library Corporation and Diversitat. Musical accompaniment by Clonard College String Quartet and Flute Ensemble.
Presenters at PolyGlots 2009
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