Translating Across Worlds: Translation, creativity, and intercultural politics in contemporary francophone women’s writing.
Ananda Devi, Colette Fellous, and Sophie Lewis will be at Durham University in February for a one-day event on translation, creativity, and politics. The day will feature a creative writing workshop, translation workshop, and panel discussion exploring the roles played by translation and creative writing in making sense of the world around us in view of colonial legacies, nationalist movements, and rising extremism, where women are often the primary victims but also the most powerful voices.
Both Fellous (This Tilting World) and Devi (The Living Days) will be reflecting on their respective works, recently published by Les Fugitives, dialing in to urgent contemporary debates on migration, protest, and anti-racism.
Consider a few important questions in the lead up to the event and bring thoughts, opinions, and an open-mind to the day’s discussions:
What happens as translation carries texts dealing with pressing issues into new languages and cultural environments?
What potential does creative writing have in coming to terms with traumatic legacies and offering fresh perspectives on the world?
How do literary texts engage with contemporary politics in the face of rising populism and extremism?
What role does memory or fantasy play in imagining alternative futures?
The event is open to researchers, postgraduate and undergraduate students, and creative writing and translation professionals.
13.30-15.00 Creative Writing Workshop with Ananda Devi
15.00-15.30 Coffee
15.30- 17.00 Translation Workshop with Colette Fellous and Sophie Lewis
Ritson Hall, Alington House, 4 North Bailey, Durham, DH1 3ET
17.30 Vin d'honneur
18.15 Panel discussion
Lindisfarne Centre, St Aidan's College, Windmill Hill, Durham, DH1 3LJ
Attendance is free but space is limited. Please email enquiries to Dr Amaleena Damlé: amaleena.damle@durham.ac.uk to register interest for one or more of the sessions.