Julia is Writer In Residence at Live Theatre with Sean O'Brien. In January/February 2003 they introduced four events at that venue:
Sunday 19 January 7.30pm
AMANDA DALTON, JULIA DARLING AND MAGGIE THACKER
Sean O'Brien introduced this evening of rare opportunities as intriguing poet and playwright Amanda Dalton read her poetry for the first time in Newcastle. Amanda's first collection How to Disappear was shortlisted for a Forward Prize and her adaptation of David Almond's novel Secret Heart premiered recently at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester. Talented musicians singer/song-writer Maggie Thacker (Friggin Little Bits, Blue Mango, The Tulips) and fiddler Charlotte Buchanan then played a short set, featuring settings of lyrics by Julia. After a break, Julia stepped on stage to read from her forthcoming book Sudden Collapses In Public Places (more details on the in Print page), and the evening was rounded off with a solo set from Maggie, mixing her own songs (some on The Tulips new CD) with others with lyrics by Julia.
Sunday 2 February 7.30pm
A WRITERS' GUIDE TO THE NORTH
Julia introduced this event, and wrote about it in her diary on February 7th: "It was a really interesting evening, with David Almond, Andrea Badenoch, Margaret Wilkinson and Sean O'Brien. Much of the work looked at our heritage of coal mining and industry, and hardly anyone talked about more recent changes in the Northern landscape. The question which was raised, but not answered, was what it meant to be a 'Northern writer.' All of us were very influenced by the landscape, even if we weren't native to the North East. I have been living here for years, and just about everything I write is based in Newcastle. "
Sunday 9 February 7.30pm
KATHLEEN JAMIE AND SEAN O'BRIEN
Julia introduced this event, and wrote about it in her diary: "It was a fantastic reading. Kathleen read poems about dolphins and whales, and Sean's work was as inventive and brilliant as ever. Poets have so many good ideas, all packed into tiny poems. When I'm writing fiction I think reading poetry is very inspiring. It is where all the best images and ideas come from...where language is being made."
Kathleen Jamie is now recognized as a leading contemporary poet. Her work combines lyricism and drama, ranging widely in time and place, embodying the urgent, questioning energy of her native Scotland in the new century. Her work includes her most recent collection, Jizzen, the acclaimed The Queen of Sheba and her selected earlier poems, Mr and Mrs Scotland are Dead. Joint Live writer in residence Sean O'Brien joined Kathleen to read from his recent books Cousin Coat: Selected Poems 1976-2001 and Rivers.
Sunday 23 February 7.30pm
PAUL FARLEY AND KATRINA PORTEOUS
Sean O'Brien introduced Paul Farley, one of the most exciting poets now at work. His award-winning first collection was The Boy from the Chemist is Here to See You. Nominated for three major prizes, his second book, The Ice Age, confirms the promise of a writer who combines lyricism, wit and a new grasp of the metaphysics of city life. Paul was accompanied by Beadnell-based Katrina Porteous, author of acclaimed works, The Lost Music and The Wund an' the Wetter, which celebrate and lament the world of the Northumbrian fishermen.
On other pages: How To Behave With The Ill, Inside Out, National Poetry Day 2004, Sudden Blossoms, The Manifesto For Tyneside Upon England, The Great British Public Attachments, Cold Calling, Doughnuts like Fanny's, Personal Belongings, The Last Post and Posties, The Lost Birds of England and Eating the Elephant.
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Created by Julia Darling and Cornwell Internet. |
Last updated on 24 October 2003 by Roger Cornwell.
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