September 8th-29th, 2011
Festival of New Writing in Aberdeen and
North-East Scotland
New Words is North-East Scotland's
innovative festival exploring the spoken and written word in performance, with
events taking place in venues in Aberdeen and towns and villages throughout
Aberdeenshire.
This year's highlights include two
collaborations with local music societies who are beginning their autumn
seasons with events that combine poetry and music. In Huntly, Music Centeral
features Paulina Vanderbilt launching a collection of poetry written in
response to her journey along the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. The
poems will be interspersed with medieval music associated with route performed
by the Artisans, an early music group from London, and the programme also
includes local writer Lucy Aykroyd reflecting on her own pilgrimage to
Santiago.
In contrast, Inverurie Music brings a
programme of poetry, jazz and improvised music from the St Andrews based group
Trio Verso.
Aberdeen publisher Malfranteaux Concepts
has put together a carefully considered set of ten poems by ten poets to mark
the tenth anniversary of the events of 11 September 2001. These will be
presented in two different events: an outdoor commemoration on the anniversary
itself and a performance with music later in the month to end the festival on a
contemplative note.
New Words 2011 is noticeably smaller than
the festival has been in previous years. Some of our partner organisations have
been unable to put on events this year due to funding and other constraints,
but despite the difficulties a core of promoters expressed a determination to
continue, and they have assembled a festival programme to be proud of. While
the number of events may be reduced, we are sure the quality will be as high as
ever. Prepare to be entertained, challenged and stimulated!
Most events are modestly priced — some are
free — and we avoid clashing events so you can come to as many as you choose.
Browse the Event Calendar, be adventurous, visit venues you have never been to
before, and find out why those who have discovered the festival keep coming
back for more!
Haworth Hodgkinson (acting coordinator,
North East Writers)
See www.newwords.co.uk
for the full festival programme
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