The relationship between poetry and translation was emphasised in the presentation of the book “Giorgos Christodoulides: Selected Poems (1996-2021)”, which took place on Wednesday in Nicosia, under the auspices of Armida Books.
The book, which consists of 100 poems drawn from eight poetry collections by Giorgos Christodoulides from 1996 to 2021 and translated into English by Despina Pirketti, was discussed by poet and author Stephanos Stephanides and poet Gürgenç Korkmazel.
In his speech, Stephanos Stephanides pointed out that translation is a performative intervention, which “is like taking a script from one place and space, and making it perform in another.” Citing the view of translator Despina Pirketti that translation is a “bold intervention” and a “dynamic process”, Stephanides stressed that the poetry of Giorgos Christodoulides “nurtures decentralised notions and gestures.”
As writers we probe differences in the play of literary language, and this is repeated/doubled in translation, Stephanides pointed out, adding that “translation like poetry opens up new spaces”.
On his part, Gürgenç Korkmazel focused on the power of Giorgos Christodoulides’ poetry in order to explain where his poetic strength is coming from. He cited lack of hope as a first reason for this, adding that his poetry is neither dark nor bleak.
The second reason is death, Korkmazel pointed out. “We need poetry to remind us that death is in the corner and we are transient. And we need poets like Giorgos to tell us this, and with his poetry prepare us for death,” he concluded.
Poems by Giorgos Christodoulides were recited in Greek by his children, Orestes and Kyveli Christodoulides. The event ended with closing remarks by the poet himself.
Source: Cyprus News Agency