In Berlin, Poesiefestival spotlights Terrance Hayes, a notable poet from the United States.
In the heart of Berlin, Germany, the 25th edition of Europe's largest poetry festival, Poesiefestival, played host to a captivating two-hour performance by American poet Terrance Hayes. The event, held at Kulturbrauerei's Haus für Poesie, brought together a diverse audience of Germans and non-Germans, eager to witness the renowned poet's mesmerising style.
Hayes, a professor of creative writing at New York University and a MacArthur fellow, delivered a performance that was as memorable as it was thought-provoking. His unique style, which ranges from booming sermons to heartfelt apologies or prayers, left the audience in awe.
During his talk, Hayes discussed a variety of influences, from contemporary artists like Kendrick Lamar to iconic poets such as Sylvia Plath. He also touched upon the intriguing relationship between poetry and basketball, reflecting his multifaceted interests.
One of the highlights of the performance was Hayes' reading of his poem George Floyd, which he published in June 2020. The audience applauded enthusiastically after hearing the powerful words, a testament to the impact of Hayes' work.
The title of Hayes' talk, "Things will get less ugly inevitably hopefully", encapsulated a hesitant optimism that resonated with many. His performance at the Poesiefestival represented a significant moment in contemporary American verse, further cementing Berlin's reputation as a city committed to supporting poetry and literature.
Poesiefestival Berlin is a notable international poetry festival focused on contemporary poetry and literary exchange. Historically, it is connected to the Literaturwerkstatt Berlin and Haus für Poesie. The festival engages in collaborative projects, such as poetry translation, involving notable poets like Claudia Rankine.
Hayes is the author of seven poetry collections, including the National Book Award-winning collection Lighthead (2010) and American Sonnets for My Past And Future Assassin (2018). His poems are known for their impactful and memorable lines, such as "We have no wounds to speak of beyond the ways our parents expressed their love" and "I wanted to know how my mother passed her days having never touched her husband's asshole".
As the festival continues, it invites poets from all across the globe to lecture or perform their art, fostering cross-cultural literary exchange. This year, Hayes was one of 149 artists involved in the festival's 18-day programme. His unforgettable performance at Poesiefestival Berlin was rated ★★★★★, a fitting tribute to a poet who continues to push the boundaries of contemporary verse.
- The captivating performance by Terrance Hayes, a professor of creative writing and MacArthur fellow, during the Poesiefestival in Berlin, delved into his diverse interests, such as the intriguing relationship between poetry and basketball.
- In addition to his poetry collections, which include the National Book Award-winning Lighthead and American Sonnets for My Past And Future Assassin, Hayes also discussed influences from contemporary artists like Kendrick Lamar and iconic poets such as Sylvia Plath.
- Among Hayes' poetry collections, his poem George Floyd, published in June 2020, received enthusiastic applause from the audience at the Poesiefestival.
- The Poesiefestival Berlin, a notable international poetry festival centered on contemporary poetry and literary exchange, conducted collaborative projects, including poetry translation, with renowned poets like Claudia Rankine.
- Social media buzzed with positive reviews of Hayes' unforgettable performance at the Poesiefestival Berlin, which was part of the festival's 18-day programme that featured 149 artists across the globe.
- For fans of fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, travel, books, education-and-self-development, personal-growth, or entertainment, Hayes' performance — and the Poesiefestival as a whole — offers insights into pop-culture and celebrity even beyond the realm of the literary world.
- As the festival continues to promote personal-growth and learning, it provides a platform for poets to share their art, fostering cross-cultural literary exchange while celebrating contemporary verse.
- For those interested in sci-fi-and-fantasy or sports, the Poesiefestival isn't just about literature; it also stretches to topics such as sports-betting and basketball, allowing attendees to delve into a world of multifaceted interests.
- Career-development in the literary world or otherwise can be furthered through participation in the Poesiefestival and its collaborative projects, showcasing a unique opportunity for emerging poets and fans alike to engage with the literary and cultural landscape.
