Poethreesome

The event will take place at H18:00 at Istituto Svizzero, via Liguria 20, Rome.
Free entry

Poetry and translation, readings with Daniele Bernardi, Simone Lappert e Arthur Billerey

Poets around the world have always translated other poets, often without even knowing the source language. Given the poor contacts between Swiss poets from different language areas, and noting that mental barriers may be more granitic than physical ones, Babel conceived the project titled in 2016.

Each year, three Swiss poets translate each other into three national languages. When they do not know the source language, they rely on the mediation of interlinear versions-word for word, with notes on lexicon and prosody prepared by scholars or other poets or translators-or on a shared lingua franca. In any case, the translator and the translated always share a language, that of poetry. Poetic language knows no barriers, not even linguistic ones, that cannot be overcome. Both for writers and for readers. Translation between writers from different linguistic areas thus offers a model of mediation for approaching other people’s cultures and ways of being.

The results of this work are presented at national and international literary events and finally published in.

The 2024 edition of Poethreesome features Simone Lappert working on German, Daniele Bernardi on Italian, and Arthur Billerey on French, engaging in mutual writing and translation. As usual, readings by the poets from previous editions will continue in parallel.

Project promoted by Babel Festival in collaboration with Istituto Svizzero, Cultua | lugano.ch and MRL Maison Rousseau et Littérature.
With the support of Pro Helvetia – Swiss Arts Council and Fondazione Oertli.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Via Liguria, 20, 20 Via Liguria, Roma, Italy