Explosion of Words: Poetry, Music and Translation
Immerse yourself in an evening of words and music as we celebrate Stephen Watts' ongoing Bibliography of Modern Poetry in English Translation.
Hear live readings from Watts and special guests including Iraqi poet Adnan al-Sayegh, Iranian writer Ziba Karbassi and musician Bird Radio.
Watts’ Bibliography opens up perspectives on the rich wealth of past and current poetry written out of many different histories and environments, which is made available through English translation.
An artist's limited edition of the Bibliography in four volumes has been printed for the exhibition and will be walked across London from the Nunnery Gallery to the National Poetry Library ahead of this event. This event is part of the exhibition Explosion of Words by artist Hannes Schüpbach and Stephen Watts, which is on show at the Nunnery Gallery from Friday 28 January to Sunday 17 April 2022. Ziba Karbassi is a poet from Tabriz, northwestern Iran, who now lives in the UK. She has authored more than 12 books and been translated into more than 15 languages. She has chaired the Iranian Writers Association (in exile) and Exiled Writers Ink, and is a former director of international relations for Pen International Iran (in exile).
In 2009, Karbassi won the Golden Apple poetry prize in Azerbaijan. In 2012 she was chosen by the Contemporary Poetics Research Centre (CPRC), Birkbeck, University of London, as a writer whose language epitomises the revolutionary power of poetry.
Adnan al-Sayegh was born in al-Kufa, Iraq in 1955. His poetry denounces the wars and dictatorships. He has published eleven collections of poetry, including the 550-page Uruk's Anthem. Since 2004 he has been living in exile in London. He has received several international awards, has been invited to read his poems in many festivals across the world and has had his poetry translated into many languages
Mikey Kirkpatrick, who performs under the name Bird Radio, is a singer, flautist, composer and improviser based in London. Kirkpatrick uses live looping and effect processing to transform and expand his flute and voice into otherworldly sonic universes, a technique he developed through over 200 daily live improvised radio broadcasts he gave during the 2020 lockdown. His music is always rooted in a deep connection to self, place, story and audience.
Dates & times
Price
- Standard entryFrom £7*
- Concessions25%**
* Excludes £3.50 booking fee.
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** Limited availability. Read about concessions.
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Venue
Royal Festival Hall
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The Royal Festival Hall is open to all for access to the Level 2 foyers and toilets, Level 1 and Changing Places toilets, the National Poetry Library, Skylon, Riverside Terrace Cafe, Southbank Centre Shop and Members' Lounge at the following times:
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More information
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Toilets
Toilets, including accessible toilets, are open on Level 2 of the Royal Festival Hall.
A Changing Places toilet is located on Level 1 Royal Festival Hall next to the JCB Glass Lift, for the exclusive use of disabled people who need personal assistance to use the toilet.
The facility includes a height-adjustable bench, tracking hoist system, a centrally-placed toilet, a height-adjustable basin and a shower. The facility is open daily 10am – 11pm.
Please visit the Welcome Desk on Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, where a member of staff can provide you with the key. You can also use the phone next to the Changing Places toilet to speak to a member of staff.
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Booking wheelchair positions
When booking a wheelchair position in the Royal Festival Hall for large motorised wheelchairs (more than 65cm wide), please book in the rear stalls or side stalls. Boxes aren't able to accommodate larger wheelchairs due to limited space. If you have any queries, please contact [email protected] or call 020 3879 9555.
Entering the hall
For level access to the Royal Festival Hall from the Queen Elizabeth Hall Slip Road off Belvedere Road, please use the Southbank Centre Square Doors. The JCB Glass Lift is situated at this entrance and will take you to all floors. All floors are accessible from the main foyer on Level 2. If you need further assistance, our Visitor Assistants are here to help you.
You can also use the external lift near the Artists' Entrance on Southbank Centre Square to reach Mandela Walk, Level 2.
We welcome wheelchair users and guide companion dogs.
More about Access & facilities
Parking
Blue Badge holders and those with access requirements can be dropped off on the Queen Elizabeth Hall Slip Road off Belvedere Road (the road between the Royal Festival Hall and the Hayward Gallery).
There are four Blue Badge parking spaces available for visitors located on the Queen Elizabeth Hall Slip Road. Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and are free to use. You must display your Blue Badge as you enter the site. Vehicles that do not display a Blue Badge are refused entry.
Blue Badge parking at National Theatre
Alternative parking for Blue Badge holders visiting the Southbank Centre can be found at the National Theatre car park (330 metres). If you are visiting the Hayward Gallery, just take your badge and car park ticket to the Ticket Desk in the gallery foyer for validation before you leave.
Please note: when the National Theatre building is closed (on Sundays, and on days without performances) there is no step-free access from the car park. Please contact the National Theatre directly to check before travelling. Call 020 7452 3961 or email [email protected]
Alternative parking is available nearby at the APCOA Cornwall Road Car Park (490 metres), subject to charges.
Blue Badge parking at APCOA Cornwall Road
Alternative parking for Blue Badge holders visiting the Southbank Centre can also be found at the South Bank Car Park – APCOA Cornwall Road Car Park. Just take your badge and car park ticket to the parking attendant office at the entrance to the car park for validation before you leave.
A drop-off point at the Royal Festival Hall (30 metres) has been created for visitors who are unable to walk from alternative car parks.
Our Access Scheme
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