In about a month to the day the above project from Bloodaxe Books will be launched in Dublin, Eire.
It is very exciting and I am not sure what to expect. This is a new concept in poetry book publishing and it will be interesting to see how the audience will respond. It is good that it will be launched in Dublin since the oral/aural tradition continues to be very strong, practised and appreciated in Ireland.
Basically, we, I as the film-maker and Neil Astley as the editor, will present a selection of readings on DVD from the 30 poets as a screening of 40 mins, then field comments and questions from the audience as well as have a panel discussion with "experts". I certainly hope there will be a poet or two present for sure.
To celebrate Bloodaxe Books thirtieth anniversary they are publishing an anthology of 30 of their poets along with a DVD of the poets reading their work. You can read the poems then view them or use the book and DVD in which ever way works for you.
The poets are filmed as if they were reading to you personally, hence the title, often in their own homes and writing rooms. In Neil Astley's words "It is like having your own private poetry festival at home"!
Poetry Ireland is organising the event taking place on
Wednesday April 23rd 2008.
If you are in Dublin at the time please come!
See their website, under LINKS, for more information.
Visit www.bloodaxebooks.com and click on
poetry videos to get a sense of the project.
IN PERSON 30 Poets will be available from April onwards from amazon.co.uk
