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Modern Occitan Poetry Reading Oct. 14 In October, the Triangle will be entertained by a true modern-day troubadour. Miquèl Decòr, a prolific and original poet who carries on the ancient literary tradition of writing and performing in the Occitan (Oc) language, will be sharing his works at poetry readings in Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Pittsboro. This is Decòr’s first visit to the United States. The poet and his translator, and Meredith College staff member Jeannette Rogers, will read in Occitan and English from two of his books which Rogers has translated, “Wild Roman Byways / Passejada Menerbesa” and “Heirs of the Moon / Eiretiers de la Luna.” In September, "Wild Roman Byways" will be published by the Institute of Occitan Studies (Aude, France) and will be offered for sale at the readings. This is the first of Decòr's books to be available in English, and will include the original Occitan versions of the poems. Three poetry readings, a collaboration between Meredith College and the Center for European Studies at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, are planned. They are free and open to the public:
Decòr is a native and resident of the Languedoc region of France where the troubadours lived nearly a thousand years ago. From the 11th through the 13th centuries, 500 troubadours wrote and performed in Occitan throughout Europe. During that time they invented many forms of poetry, as well as biography and literary criticism, while they shifted the focus of literature in Western Europe from war to love. Modern Oc poets provide the connection to the significant literary heritage of the troubadours. The author of ten books, including poetry, drama and history, Decòr has been involved in many French cultural events and appeared on French television and radio. About the Sponsors
For more information contact Jeannette Rogers, Meredith College, rogersj@email.meredith.edu, or Jeannette.rogers@gmail.com; the Center for European Studies, UNC-CH, (919) 962-6764, europe@unc.edu; or The Joyful Jewel Art and Fine Craft Shoppe in downtown Pittsboro, which features the works of 30 artists and craftsmen, (919) 883-2775.
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