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) has decided to transform 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).
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 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 will be joined by an interpreter and spend about 10 to 15 minutes sharing a short passage. An additional five to 10 minutes will be allocated for answering questions: https://www.ficep.info/post/les-marges-du-reve
The presentation will take place on May 30 in the form of a video that will be posted on the FICEP’s website. Altogether, the digital showcase encompasses 14 short videos that will be released between 6pm and 11pm (GMT+2): https://www.ficep.info/nuit-de-la-litterature
Tune in for a beautiful night of literature — from home!