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Digital programs in French spotlighting poet Lo Chih-ch’eng

  • Date:2020-05-30
Digital programs in French spotlighting poet Lo Chih-ch’eng

During the trying times of the coronavirus, the importance of literature becomes ever clearer. This is why FICEP (Forum des Instituts Culturels Étrangers à Paris) transformed the 8th edition of "Nuit de la littérature" into a digital showcase featuring 14 French and international authors such as Taiwan's poet-scholar Lo Chih-ch'eng (羅智成) on May 30.

Born in Taipei in 1955, Lo studied philosophy at National Taiwan University and East Asian languages and literature at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Since returning to Taiwan, he has assumed various editorial positions at newspapers, magazines, and publishing companies. He also teaches at several universities and served as department of information commissioner at Taipei City Government and director of the Ministry of Culture's Kwang Hwa Information and Culture Center in Hong Kong.

His first book of poems, which was self-financed, designed, and illustrated, was released in 1975. More than ten books of poetry, five books of prose and critical essays, two books of travel writing, and various translations have since followed suit. Lo's literary works are famous for their philosophical profoundness, imaginative imagery, lyrical syntax, and original insight. Already an established poet in the 1970s, he continues to influence the poets of today.

His poetry collection, "Borders of Dreamland (夢中邊陲)," was translated by Alain Leroux (胡安嵐), veteran translator and deputy professor with the Taipei-based Chinese Culture University, and is now available in French as "Les marges du rêve" from publisher Circé. Its contents reflect Lo's commitment to his family and daughters, wistful interpretations of a seemingly unattainable utopia, and the lyrical word play that he is known for.

As one of the 14 featured authors of FICEP's 8th Nuit de la littérature, Lo was joined by Leroux, who served as an interpreter and helped Lo share a passage from his book as well as respond to questions. The full video from May 30 remains available on YouTube:





Moreover, to keep the literary flame burning, the Taiwan Cultural Center in Paris has produced an original 8-part series that will offer an in-depth look at Lo and his poetry. Tune in to the center's Facebook page between June 15 and 23 for an exciting glimpse of how writer and translator work together to introduce Taiwanese literature to French readers.

Tune in for beautiful week of literature — from home!