Hsia Yu (夏宇), a contemporary Taiwanese poet who writes with a diverse range of styles, will present her poetry collection "Salsa” with French actor Stephane Gombert in one of the "2017 Night of Literature” sessions in Paris on May 27.
Hsia and Gombert will read some of the poems from "Salsa” in Chinese and French in a recital set against music. The one-hour session at Villa Belleville will also offer a discussion on Hsia's works and signed copies of her new French collection.
Hsia, who published her first poem in the 1980s, has played an influential role in Taiwan's contemporary poetry scene. Her works often mixes languages, tones, grammar, and reinterpretation of words to challenge the fixed boundaries of modern poetry.
In addition to being a poet, Hsia is also a lyricist who has written more than 70 sets of lyrics for singers and bands in Taiwan. She was nominated for Best Lyricist at the 23rd Golden Melody Awards for "A Better Rival in Love” written for singer Hebe Tien (田馥甄)
Amongst her eight solo poetry collections, "Salsa” was the fourth to be published in 1999. This particular collection is celebrated for its musical element, the exploration of the passage of time, as well as the duality of intimacy and alienation.
Comprising of 46 poems, the French edition of "Salsa” was translated by Gwennael Gaffric and released this March by French publisher Editions Circe.
The "Night of Literature” is an annual event organized by the Forum of Foreign Cultural Institutes in Paris (FICEP). Each year, it invites Paris-based cultural centers representing different countries to select literary works recently released in France, and arrange for foreign authors, translators, and performers to present their works.
The event is usually hosted in venues such as bookstores, galleries, or art studios across Paris. This year, the Parisian neighborhoods of Belleville and Menilmontant will welcome literature from 20 countries including Austria, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, and Taiwan.
‘Nuit de la Litterature: Par Hsia Yu'