Polyphonic
London, Bucharest, Brussels, Berlin, Vilnius, 2018 – 2019

Poets: Michael Astner, Dósa Andrei, Robert Gabriel Elekes, Matei Hutopila, Henriette Kemenes, Claudiu Komartin, Mihok Tamas, Aleksandar Stoicovici, Livia Stefan, Victor Țvetov
Animations: Raluca Popa
Collective poem workshop coordinator: Claudiu Komartin
Curator: Simona Nastac

A multimedia performance showcasing Romanian contemporary poetry and its linguistic plurality, with 2D animations expanding the poetic universe beyond the page and live music by the master of micropolyphony, Romanian-born composer György Ligeti. Produced by Muzeul Naţional al Literaturii Române, supported by the Romanian Cultural Institute.

“Waves foment beneath the quiet for all of these poets, and it becomes apparent that, despite the diversity of voice and tone, it is the same universe that they write of. […] The event culminated with a multilingual recitation in chorus, prioritizing a theme over linguistic or geographic restrictions – in other words, each poet presented a poem in his or her language on the topic of food. Interestingly, a translation did not seem necessary here, as it was in this apex that polyphony came together linguistically, thematically, musically.”
Andreea Scridon, London Grip (read full article here)

“Bucharest-based artist Raluca Popa is bringing Romania’s best contemporary poetry to life with new animations. Popa illustrated works by ten young Romanian poets from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Michael Astner, Andrei Dósa, Robert Gabriel Elekes, and Henriette Kemenes. Her work draws on years of experience as a background artist for different animated films.” Katie Davies, Calvert Journal
(full text here, including three animations)

More press here (Romanian only). Poster design: Mugur Grosu

Tour Dates (live shows):
European Poetry Festival, London, 11 April 2018
Bucharest International Poetry Festival, 19 May 2018
Poetryfest Brussels, 8 September 2018
Haus fur Poesie, Berlin, 22 February 2019

Screenings:
StAnza International Poetry Festival, Edinburgh, 6 – 10 March 2019
Vilnius Book Weekend, 30 Nov 2019