2016 poets
07 May 2016 — 07 May 2016
Speakers
Catherine du Toit, Translations
Professor Catherine du Toit holds a degree from the University of Nantes and is a Doctor Litterarum et philosophiae in French from the University of Pretoria. Read More
James Matthews
A man of talent, compassion and remarkable integrity, James David Matthews, The Dissident Poet, was born in the Bo-Kaap nearly 87 years ago. Read More
Keorapetse Kgositsile
Professor Keorapetse Willie Kgositsile, considered one of South Africa’s most distinctive poetic voices since the l960s, is South Africa’s National Poet Laureate. Read More
Michel Deguy
Born in Paris in 1930, French poet and philosopher Michel Deguy prefers to be named a 'writer of poems' or 'the poet I am seeking to be'. Read More
Yvette Christiansë
A poet, novelist, scholar, and librettist, Yvette Christiansë was born and raised in Johannesburg. Read More
Hans C. ten Berge
Known primarily as a poet, Dutch-born Hans C. ten Berge has also published prose fiction, essays, and translations. Read More
Efe Paul Azino
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria's leading performance poets, Efe has been a headliner at many of the nation's premier poetry venues. Read More
Maram al-Massri
Originally from Lattakia in Syria, Maram al-Masri settled in Paris in 1982. Read More
Dominique Botha
Festival Curator, Dominique Botha, co-founded and has co-curated the dancing in other words Spier Poetry Festival with Breyten Breytenbach since 2013. Read More
Neo Muyanga
Festival Musical Director Neo Muyanga’s contributions to South African cultural life as a composer, librettist, musician and cultural commentator are legion. His is an amazingly energetic creative life. Read More
Breyten Breytenbach
Festival founder and curator, poet, writer and activist, Breyten Breytenbach, was born (1939) on the banks of the Breërivier in the Little Karoo and studied at the University of Cape Town's Michaelis School of Fine Arts. Read More
Georges Lory
Former Head of Alliance Francaise in Southern Africa, Georges Lory has translated to French South African authors including Gordimer, Breytenbach, Krog and Njabulo Ndebele. Read More
