Liepāja Poets Explore “Depths and Surfaces” at Kurzeme Poetry Days 2024 in Talsi
Kurzeme Poetry Days unfolded in Talsi on September 6th,bringing together poets from across the region,including a notable contingent from Liepāja. The event, themed “Depths and Surfaces,” followed a September 5th kickoff in Liepāja with a relaxed “poetry Tea” hosted by ViA Cultura Society at 35 Tirgus Street, where attendees shared poetry – both their own and works by others. This was the first time in several years that Liepāja University’s student poetry teams participated, according to Marta veskuna, spokesperson for the Literary Academy of Seaside.Representing Liepāja at the Talsi event were poets Gundega Rezevska, Inga Vlasova, Gunita Lagzdiņa, Demian and valentīna, alongside artist Liene Eltermane and Linda Zulmane, Head of the Liepaja Division of the Latvian Writers’ Union. The Liepāja delegation made a visual statement, largely appearing in black and white attire featuring “#Time in the Reading” shirts.
The day began with an engaging, impromptu survey led by playwright and writer Eric Wilson, designed to delve into the perspectives of the participating poets. Journalist Gundeg Blumberg later interviewed Wilson, revealing his passions for both diving and poetry.
A important moment of the day was the celebration of the 105th anniversary of poet Alexander Pelec at the Talsi creative Farm. Poets listened to recordings of Pelec’s work and viewed an exhibition of paintings by pastende Art Studio, inspired by his poetry. the event was honored by the presence of Pelec’s son, Martins Pelēcis.
further exploration of poetic expression took place at the Talsi King’s Stage,where poets shared their work reflected in mirrors,and a workshop led by playwright and director Sandy Santa at the Talsi cultural Center. This workshop challenged poets to experiment with performance, recording their poetry in diverse ways - from whispers to powerful vocalizations.
The day culminated in a unique concert on rafts and catamarans on Lake Talsi as the sun set. Six poets, each representing a diffrent county, performed poetry readings along the Talsi Promenade, accompanied by the voice and violin duo “Violin Diivas.”
The conventional “poetry key” was then passed to representatives from Tukums district in the courtyard of café “No. 33,” signifying their role as organizers of the next Kurzeme Poetry Days.
