Writing awake to times of crisis @ Round Table Books

'Crisis', from the Greek 'krisis' meaning decision, was first used in English in reference to the decisive or turning point in the progress of a disease. 

Join us as we take action by paying attention — reading and writing in response to what is happening around us. There is much to cherish, and much to strive to change, and poetry is uniquely placed to reflect and shed light on the situation we find ourselves in.

You will leave having read and discussed contemporary poems, and begun your own poems of witness, in a supportive and nourishing group.

This workshop is open to new and experienced writers of poetry, and anyone who is curious about writing as expression and discovery.  

Sessions take place @ Round Table Books, 10-11 Granville Arcade in Brixton market, and last two hours with a break. Drinks and snacks are available from the café. 

About Shazea Quraishi

Shazea is a Pakistani-born Canadian poet and translator based in Brixton, South London.

Her work has been widely published in the UK, US and Canada. Books include The Glimmer (Bloodaxe Books, 2023) The Taxidermist (Verve Poetry Press, 2020), The Art of Scratching (Bloodaxe Books, 2015) and The Courtesans Reply (flipped eye publishing, 2012).

Shazea has performed her work at venues including Hay Festival, Ledbury Poetry Festival, Bradford Literature Festival, Edinburgh Book Festival and The Royal Festival Hall. She has received awards from the Royal Society of Literature, the British Council and Arts Council England.

She has taught for over 20 years, with organisations including the Poetry School, Arvon, The Poetry Society, Translators at School, English PEN, Exiled Writers and more. She has designed and delivered poetry courses at undergraduate level and led poetry workshops in adult education, prisons, refugee centres, festivals, theatres and museums.

Shazea has a gentle, inclusive approach - always encouraging and able to offer guidance for the development and improvement of your work. [PP]

Photo credit: Derrick Kakembo