What’s On

The Poetry School: Towards a Collection: a ten-week course with tutor Pascale Petit.  This practical ten-week course offers advice and guidance for poets working towards their first collection, whether entering the Eric Gregory Award, compiling a pamphlet, or that first full-length volume.  Through group discussion, and drawing on examples from published collections, we’ll consider all aspects of preparing a manuscript for submission then publication, from structure, order, titling, editing, to the cover and publicity, and also ask what publishers and readers might be looking for.  6:30pm - 8:30pm weekly on Fridays (Not 2 May), at The Poetry Studio, the Poetry Society, 22 Betterton Street, London WC2H 9BU.  Fee: £95 / £76 concessions.  For further details email programme@poetryschool.com, phone 0845 223 5274 or book online at www.poetryschool.com.  www.pascalepetit.co.uk ; www.myspace.com/pascalepetit

University of Glamorgan: A night with Niall Griffiths. 6:30pm at the Glamorgan Business centre, University of Glamorgan.  For more information contact Tony Curtis: profcurtis@btinternet.com. Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Childe Roland will be performing his work from his book of prose poems about the Blank Page entitled the Six of Clubs.  Some of the poems are printed blank (without ink) in poster form. at the Book Art Book Shop, Pitfield Street, near Hoxton Square, London.

Beyond The Border and Parthian Books present Rhiannon.  A Storytelling evening plus book launch.  Katy Cawkwell has developed a reputation for dramatic and powerful reworkings of epic material and invites you to enjoy an evening of compelling storytelling she tells this tale, from the great Welsh mythological cycle, the Mabinogion.  Rhiannon follows a woman’s journey from her world into our own, from eternal youth to mortal suffering, from passionate first love to the strength of love rediscovered, from vision to understanding.  Intertwined are the stories of a young king, a brave farmer, an old traveller and a shadowy lord of the Otherworld - not to mention the nine trusted companions, the six treacherous midwives and one of the three golden shoemakers… Rhiannon was commissioned by the Festival at the Edge and was published by Parthian in 2007.  The performance will be followed by book signings by the author over a free glass of wine.  8pm at the Tythe Barn, St Donats Arts Centre.  Tickets £6 (includes a glass of wine).  For further details and tickets contact enquiries@stdonats.com / 01446 799100.  www.stdonats.com.

Ceridwen Centre: Caribbean Houseparty.  The line-up of Caribbean artists includes John Lyons, poet and painter; Elly Niland, poet and Guyana Prize Winner; writer, poet and organiser of Newcastle’s Identity on Tyne, Sherree Mack, hot from her travels in the Caribbean; as well as musicians Keith Waithe and Jo Jo Yates of the Macusi Players.  The Ceridwen Centre nestles on a hilltop in beautiful West Wales and sleeps up to 25 people.  The weekend will include tuition, plus full board with Caribbean-inspired meals.  For further details contact Maggie Harris: maggie729@btinternet.com / 01559 371070.  www.maggieharris.co.uk   www.ceridwencentre.co.uk.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Parthian Books: A Warriors Tale. Dai Smith will be in Conversation with Eric Hobsbawm to celebrate the Launch of Raymond Williams: A Warrior’s Tale by Dai Smith, Chair of the Arts Council of Wales.  Welcomed by Merryn Williams.  At 2pm in Room 532, Birkbeck College, University of London. Followed by a book signing and buffet in the student bar on the fourth floor extension. For further details contact Dominic at Parthian: Dom@parthianbooks.co.uk / 01267 676633.

Four Readings and a Funeral.  Performance poetry night featuring Mab Jones (John Tripp 2007 audience award winner), Noel James ("Liberates the lunatic side to our personalities - brilliantly!" - Time Out), Scott Fitzgerald (a literary giant masquerading as a cheeky-faced troll) and Mao (Ely’s answer to Roger McGough).  Plus music from Sylvie Winn, and your compere for the evening: Mr Johnny Disco.  Expect a night of poetry, song, comedy, tragedy, hi-jinx, larks, - and a funeral.  7.30pm at Media Point, Chapter, Cardiff.  Price: £5.  For further details contact Mab Jones: mab_jones@lycos.com / 07846 484274.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

St Donats Arts Centre: Book Club with Ian McMillan.  Looking Over The Hill.  Ian McMillan is one of the UK’s best known contemporary poets and a performer of great wit and charm.  This special Book Club event is the culmination of ‘Looking Over The Hill’ as part of Gwanwyn – the Wales festival of arts and creativity for older people. A variety of groups have taken part by writing short pieces of poetry or prose on the subject of the present and the future.  Everyone is welcome to this informal Book Club event featuring Ian’s selection of the pieces alongside performances of his work that can be moving, touching, provocative and funny – and, of course, a chance to meet Ian, ask questions and get your books signed over tea and cake.  “In his range, prodigious northern myth-making, indefatigable good humour and real status as a community poet, he is unique.” Peter Forbes.  "With McMillan, you feel a draught coming from the blast of fresh air blowing through the dusty cobwebs that festoon most literary programmes." The Observer.  2pm at St Donats Arts Centre.  Tickets £4 / £3 (includes free tea and cake).  For further details and tickets contact enquiries@stdonats.com / 01446 799100.  www.stdonats.com.

Haverfordwest Library: What Poetry: Poet Carol Rumens will read her work.  6:30pm - 8:00pm at Haverfordwest Library.  Free and open to all.  For further details contact Christine Willison: christine.willison@pembrokeshire.gov.uk / 01437 776079.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

The Collective: Anne Cluysenaar and Jane Blank will be reading and discussing their work at 8pm at the Hen & Chicks, Abergavenny.  Entry £5.  For further information contact Ric Hool: richardhool05@aol.com.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Swansea University: Readings by Sally Roberts Jones, Menna Elfyn and Roger Garfitt in the English Department at Swansea University.  For further details contact Nigel Jenkins: N.Jenkins@Swansea.ac.uk / 01792 295338.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Merthyr Tydfil CBC: Welsh Poems and Pints / Open Mic Poetry with Dewi Prysor (Welsh Language - learners welcome).  7:30pm at the Imperial Hotel, Merthyr Tydfil.  Free entry.  For further information please contact arts@merthyr.gov.uk / gus.payne@merthyr.gov.uk / 01685 725382.

Seren Books: Launch of Real Aberystwyth by Niall Griffiths where he will be in conversation with series editor Peter Finch.  6:30pm - 7:30 pm at Waterstone’s, Aberystwyth.  For further details contact Jen Campbell: jencampbell@seren-books.com.

Cinnamon Press: launch of Joan Hewitt’s debut poetry collection, Missing the Eclipse.  "The poems in Missing the Eclipse unfold like short stories told by moonlight.  Their subjects are the enduring puzzle of family, love and identity, set against seaside and city, Europe, near and far.  The recurring motif of the camera serves as reflexive eye, filter and captor, framing these ongoing moments that are evoked in language that is both sturdy and spare, unflinching." - Linda France.  7:00pm for 7:30pm at the Old George Inn, 10 Cloth Market, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1EE.  Free event with bar.  To RSVP and for further details contact Jan Fortune-Wood: jan@cinnamonpress.com / Tŷ Meirion, Glan yr afon, Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 3SU.

Palas Print: Book Launch: Revenant by Tristan Hughes.  6:30pm in Palas Print, Caernarfon.  For further details contact Eirian James: 01286 674631.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

George Ewart Evans Centre for Storytelling: Research Seminar: Dr Jacqueline Harrett - What’s in a story?  Dr Jacqueline Harrett, Lecturer in Education at the University of Glamorgan examines telling tales and written words and asks ‘The same or different?’  6pm in The Zen Room in The Atrium, Cardiff School of Creative and Cultural Industries, Adam St., Cardiff.  For further details, to reserve your place at the seminar or to discuss any of the activities of the centre contact storytelling@glam.ac.uk / 01443 483312.  www.glam.ac.uk/storytelling

Academi: Readings and Q&A session with local author Roger Granelli.  Roger will be reading from his new book ’Risk’ published by Accent Press and discussing his other novels including Quick Reads title ’Losing It’.  From 2pm at Ystrad Mynach Library.  All welcome.  For further details contact Louise Richards: swvldo@gmail.com or Lesley Case, Caerphilly Libraries: 01443 864059.

Parthian Books: ReWind.  7:30pm at Archbishop Childs Hall, Trinity College, Carmarthen.  For further details contact Dominic at Parthian: Dom@parthianbooks.co.uk / 01267 676633.

Parthian Books: Out With It, with Aled Islwyn.  7pm at Swansea University.  For further details contact Dominic at Parthian: Dom@parthianbooks.co.uk / 01267 676633.

University of Cardiff: Public lecture by Gwyneth Lewis: ‘Criss-crossings: Literary adventures on Irish and Welsh shores.’  Gwyneth Lewis will be talking about the strong influence that Irish poets have had on her own work.  Part of a Wales-Ireland Symposium: The Politics of Affiliation - Comparisons and Contexts.  6pm at Room 0.36, Humanities Building, Cardiff University, Colum Drive, Cardiff.  For further details contact Dr Katie Gramich: gramichk@cardiff.ac.uk / 029 2087562.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Seren Books: Book Signings: Real Aberystwyth by Niall Griffiths.  Niall will also be signing copies of the book on at 10:30am - 11:30am in WHSmith and 12:00pm - 1:00pm at Galloway’s Bookshop, in Aberystwyth.  For further details contact Jen Campbell: jencampbell@seren-books.com.

University of Cardiff: Round Table Discussion with four Irish and Welsh writers: Eilis Ni Dhuibhne, Robin Llywelyn, Catherine Fisher and Patrick McGuinness.  Part of a Wales-Ireland Symposium: The Politics of Affiliation - Comparisons and Contexts.  2pm at Room 0.36, Humanities Building, Cardiff University, Colum Drive, Cardiff.  For further details contact Dr Katie Gramich: gramichk@cardiff.ac.uk / 029 2087562.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

The Bleddfa Poetry Group: The Four Quartets by T. S. Eliot: Quartets Nos. 2 and 3: East Coker and The Dry Salvages.  Said to be the greatest religious poem in English of the 20th Century or even all centuries, T. S. Eliot’s masterpiece, The Four Quartets (1935-1942) meditates on the nature of time, love religion and history.  Led by Peter Conradi and Daphne Turner  2:30pm - 4:30pm at The Hall Barn, Bleddfa Centre, Bleddfa, nr Knighton, Powys.  £5.  For further details contact enquiries@bleddfacentre.com / 01547 550377.  www.bleddfacentre.com.

Butetown History and Arts Centre: Contemporary Trinidadian Poetry: lecture and discussion with Anson Gonzalez.  Anson Gonzalez is internationally recognised as a poet with several collections and with poems in most of the new major antholigies of Carribean poetry.  7pm - 9pm at Butetown History and Arts Centre.  For further details contact Michael Flynn: marketing@bhac.org / 029 20256757.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Butetown History and Arts Centre: Poetry Writing Workshop with Anson Gonzalez.  Anson Gonzalez is internationally recognised as a poet with several collections and with poems in most of the new major antholigies of Carribean poetry.  15 places available.  4:00pm-5:30pm at Butetown History and Arts Centre.  For further details and to book your place contact Michael Flynn: marketing@bhac.org / 029 20256757.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Gwent Poetry Society: Annual General Meeting.  7:15pm - 9:00pm at the Studio, Dolman Theatre.  For further details contact Hazel Pritchard: 01633 483592.

Neath Port Talbot Library Services: Talk on research and writing with Catrin Collier.  2:30pm at Briton Ferry Library.  Free entry.  For further details contact Paul Doyle: p.a.doyle@npt.gov.uk / 01639 860000.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Unveiling of the Al Purdy Memorial Statue.  Al Purdy (1918 - 2000): In addition to his 33 books of poetry, this Canadian writer published a novel, an autobiography and nine collections of essays and correspondence.  He is the winner of two Governor General’s Literary Awards, and was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1983 and the Order of Ontario in 1987.  “I have enjoyed being alive and writing a great deal, being ashamed and prideful, making mistakes and stumbling on answers before I know the questions existed.  In a world so abundant with both good and bad things, in which my own unique lighted space of human consciousness burns and flickers, at this moment when the past and future converge to pinpoint now, at an age when the body says, ‘Slow down, you silly bugger,’ there are still important things in my life, and still poems I want to write.” - Al Purdy, Ameliasburg, March 1986.  4:30pm - 6:30pm, Remarks: 5:00pm, at Queen’s Park North (east side of Queen’s Park Circle).  This event is a co-operative effort of the City of Toronto, the Toronto Legacy Project and the Friends of the Poet Laureate.

Dylan Thomas Centre: Book Launch: Read Only by Peter Read.  The long-awaited second collection by poet, playwright and actor Peter Read, winner of the 2007 John Tripp Award for Spoken Poetry.  Published by Pinewood Press, this volume reflects both sides of Peter’s poetry – the wry, witty, and energetic pieces that form the core of his memorable performances, and the intelligent, philosophical, and often moving poems written more for the page.  Enjoy a reading of both at this launch evening as we celebrate one of Swansea’s most cherished characters.  7pm at the Dylan Thomas Centre.  Free entry and wine.  For further details contact the Dylan Thomas Centre: dylanthomas.lit@swansea.gov.uk / 01792 463980, Peter Read: peterread@ntlworld.com / 07931 614180 or Pinewood Press: 01792 207077 / 07946 584210.

Neath Port Talbot Library Services: Seminar on writing for pleasure and profit with Peter Read.  2pm at Port Talbot Library.  Free entry.  For further details contact Paul Doyle: p.a.doyle@npt.gov.uk / 01639 860000.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Butetown History and Arts Centre: Poetry Readings and Discussion with Anson Gonzalez and Chris Meredith.  Anson Gonzalez is internationally recognised as a poet with several collections and with poems in most of the new major antholigies of Carribean poetry.  15 places available.  7:00pm at Butetown History and Arts Centre.  For further details and tickets contact Michael Flynn: marketing@bhac.org / 029 20256757.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Fishguard Library: Poetry Allowed: Bring a poem by Maya Angelou to read and discuss.  6:30pm - 8:00pm at Fishguard Library.  Free and open to all.  For further details contact Christine Willison: christine.willison@pembrokeshire.gov.uk / 01437 776079.

Book Launch: The Banquet of Esther Rosenbaum, the first novel by Penny Simpson, winner of the Rhys Davies Short Story Competition 2007.  Set in interwar Berlin, this is a novel about exile told by Esther, a Jewish chef whose extraordinary recipes are a subversive form of storytelling.  "Alive… startling and original… quirky, unsentimental… funny... The writing flies off the page" - Tessa Hadley and Meic Stephens.  For further infomation about the novel click here.  Wine, cake, conversation.  6:30pm for 7:00pm at Bay Art Gallery, 54B/C Bute Street, Cardiff Bay CF10 5AF.  For further information and to RSVP contact: 029 20650016 / gwen@ylolfa.com.  www.bayart.org.uk  www.alcemi.eu  www.pennysimpson.com

Academi: Readings and Q&A session with local author Roger Granelli.  Roger will be reading from his new book ’Risk’ published by Accent Press and discussing his other novels including Quick Reads title ’Losing It’.  From 2pm at Ebbw Vale Library.  All welcome.  For further details contact Louise Richards: swvldo@gmail.com.

The Absurd presents: An evening of spoken word and music with Martin Daws, Laura-Leigh, Sophia, Andy Jones and Sophie McKeand.  Plus limited floor spaces available.  To book a slot contact andy@theabsurd.co.uk.  7pm at Y Delyn wine bar, Mold.  Admission: voluntary contributions.  Free tapas from 7pm.  For further details visit www.theabsurd.co.uk or www.myspace.com/theabsurduk.

The Poetry Society: The highly popular ‘Under the Influence’ series, where one poet looks at the influence another poet has had on their work, continues in 2008 with an exciting new line up and venue.  Robert Minhinnick will look at how Derek Walcott has influenced him and his work.  The host for the event will be the Poetry Society’s Chair, Anne-Marie Fyfe.  7:00pm - 9:00pm in the intimate and historic surroundings of the Club Room at the Arts Theatre in London’s West End.  Tickets £10 / £7 (Concessions and Poetry Society members).  Tickets available in person at the venue or by phone: 0844 847 1608 or via Ticketmaster.  For further details click here or contact Solange Moffi: smoffi@poetrysociety.org.uk / 0207 420 9895.

Glanfa, Wales Millennium Centre: Choman Hardi reads from her poetry in Kurdish and English.  7:00pm at Glanfa, Wales Millennium Centre.  In association with the Arabic Society for Culture.

Cardiff Storytelling Circle: Celtic Gems with Robin Williamson.  7:30pm at Chapter Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff.  For further details contact Cath Little: cathlittle@btinternet,com / 02920 230919.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

POETica @ Papillon with Fanny Walker and Ross Sutherland.  Performance poetry night, with interactive poetry and open mic.  Two performance poets, Fanny Walker from Washington DC and Ross Sutherland (Aisle 16) will headline the night.  There will also be a poetry open mic session to encourage local poets to perform their work and an interactive poetry session to encourage the audience to get involved more actively with poetry.  Ross Sutherland was listed in February 2008 by The Times newspaper as one of the Top Ten Rising Literary Stars for 2008.  POETica is a collective of four poets in North Wales dedicated to increasing access to poetry in the area. POETica events are a new stage for international spoken word performance in Bangor. The events bring spoken word and live literature together in a fresh blend of slam, spoken word and literary poetry.  7:30pm at Papillon, 347 High Street, Bangor, LL57 1YH.  Tickets: £4.  For further details contact Soracha Cashman: poetica.bangor@gmail.com / 07736 461735.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Parthian Books: Dai Smith will be featuring in ’The Raymond Williams Lecture’ at 2pm at Hay Literary Festival.  For further details contact Dominic at Parthian: Dom@parthianbooks.co.uk / 01267 676633.

Academi: Book of the Year 2008 Short List launch.  At the Hay Festival, Hay-on-Wye.  Further details to follow.

Winning Stories: Eagle in the Maze.  Join Cinnamon Press, Academi and The Rhys Davies Trust at the Literature in Wales stand for the launch of Eagle in the Maze, selected by Tessa Hadley and Meic Stephens, the anthology of the winning entries of the 2008 Rhys Davies Short Story Competition.  Hear excerpts of some of the winning stories and learn more about this prestigious prize that is helping to keep alive the short story form in Wales.  The Literature in Wales stand is a collaboration between Academi, The National Library of Wales, The Welsh Books Council, Welsh Assembly Government and Arts Council of Wales.  “You can put a whole world in a short story or next to nothing at all: anything’s permitted. In all eleven winning stories, what matters is that subject and form and language combine to make the sparks fly, to make something happen, something new.” - Meic Stephens & Tessa Hadley.  1:00pm at the Literature in Wales Stand, Hay Festival, Hay on Wye.

Parthian Books: Dai Smith will be featuring in ’The Raymond Williams Lecture’ at 2pm at Hay Literary Festival.  For further details contact Dominic at Parthian: Dom@parthianbooks.co.uk / 01267 676633.

Winning Stories: Eagle in the Maze.  Join Cinnamon Press, Academi and The Rhys Davies Trust at the Literature in Wales stand for the launch of Eagle in the Maze, selected by Tessa Hadley and Meic Stephens, the anthology of the winning entries of the 2008 Rhys Davies Short Story Competition.  Hear excerpts of some of the winning stories and learn more about this prestigious prize that is helping to keep alive the short story form in Wales.  The Literature in Wales stand is a collaboration between Academi, The National Library of Wales, The Welsh Books Council, Welsh Assembly Government and Arts Council of Wales.  “You can put a whole world in a short story or next to nothing at all: anything’s permitted. In all eleven winning stories, what matters is that subject and form and language combine to make the sparks fly, to make something happen, something new.” - Meic Stephens & Tessa Hadley.  1:00pm at the Literature in Wales Stand, Hay Festival, Hay on Wye.

University of Wales, Bangor / Parthian Books: Otherland: Contemporary Poems on Wales and Welsh-American Experience.  Parthian launch a collection by ten poets, each with an American background and an active, creative engagement with Wales.  Readings by anthology contributors David Lloyd (also the editor) and Margaret Lloyd.  6:30pm at the University of Wales, Bangor.  For further details contact Graeme Harper: cos401@bangor.ac.uk.

Aberystwyth Arts Centre / Parthian Books: Otherland: Contemporary Poems on Wales and Welsh-American Experience.  Parthian launch a collection by ten poets, each with an American background and an active, creative engagement with Wales.  Readings by anthology contributors David Lloyd (also the editor), Margaret Lloyd, Joseph Clancy, and Jon Dressel.  6:30pm at Aberystwyth Arts Centre Bookshop, Aberystwyth.  For further details contact Rosie Whitmore: acbstaff@aber.ac.uk.

Cinnamon Press: Because We’re Brilliant: The Hay on Wye launch of Dinner Time by Holly Howitt, Eva Shell by Kate North and The Fugitive Three by Mike Jenkins.  Join Cinnamon Press for an exciting event featuring three engaging and distinctive works of fiction – Holly Howitt’s innovative, surprising microfictions, Kate North’s multi-genre, multi-layered debut novel, Eva Shell and Mike Jenkins’ sharp, witty and convincing novella.  Jan Fortune-Wood will be introducing the authors: a chance to hear excerpts from these three innovative, engaging books, ask questions from the audience and buy signed copies.  11:30am at the Guardian Hay Festival, Hay on Wye.  For further details contact Jan Fortune Wood: jan@cinnamonpress.com.  For full festival details visit www.hayfestival.com

Llanhilleth Institute: Open Mic Night with Babs Horton; hosted by the Llanhilleth Writers and Culture Group.  Come along and join us for a fun open mic night from 7:30pm at the Llanhilleth Miners Institute, Llanhilleth.  For further details contact Karen Ross on 01495 354607 / 01495 354764.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Neath Port Talbot Library Services: Talk by Mavis Nicholson.  6:30pm at Glynneath Library.  Tickets £2.  For further details contact Paul Doyle: p.a.doyle@npt.gov.uk / 01639 860000.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Dylan Thomas Centre: Poets in the Bookshop, featuring guest poet Cherry Smyth, who is also a visual arts curator.  Born in County Antrim, Cherry now lives in London.  Her latest collection One Wanted Thing is published by Lagan Press and her poetry has been described as ‘engaged, telling, vigourous, exciting…clear-sighted and unflinching.’  Plus usual slot for open mic readings.  7.30pm at the Dylan Thomas Centre.  Full Price £4, Concessions £2.80, Swansea PTL £1.60.  For further details contact the Dylan Thomas Centre: dylanthomas.lit@swansea.gov.uk / 01792 463980.