The Poetry Pharmacy Returns with William Sieghart

4 snips

Nov 27, 2023

Guest

William Sieghart

William Sieghart, a celebrated publisher and founder of the Forward Prizes for Poetry, leads an inspiring discussion alongside novelist Sarah Dunant, actors Nina Sosanya, Greta Scacchi, and Martha West. They delve into the therapeutic power of poetry, exploring how it provides emotional solace and understanding during life's challenges. Topics include the embodiment of poetry through performance, the intricate dynamics of parenting reflected in poetic themes, and the profound connections between kindness and shared human experiences.

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ANECDOTE

Poetry Pharmacy Origin

William Sieghart's Poetry Pharmacy idea originated unexpectedly at Port Eliot Literary Festival.
He was initially asked to prescribe poems for attendees' worries, resulting in overwhelming demand.

INSIGHT

Poetry's Emotional Power

Sarah Dunant initially resisted poetry due to negative school experiences and perceived inaccessibility.
She now views poetry as a powerful tool for navigating difficult emotions.

INSIGHT

Inhabiting Poetry

Actors inhabit the poetic dimension by embodying the work with technique and personal experiences.
Performing poetry involves a nightly renewal of the performance.

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Grease

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The Poetry Pharmacy

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For this episode, we’re revisiting one of our favourite events from the past few years, The Poetry Pharmacy Returns. Back in 2019, we gathered a stellar line-up to celebrate the power of poetry all thanks to the vision of publisher William Sieghart. Sieghart’s Poetry Pharmacy books look to use the written word as a healing antidote to many of life’s everyday challenges.

Sieghart will be returning to the stage soon with Intelligence Squared alongside BBC broadcaster Sarah Montague and another array of superb actors to make the words of great poets come alive once more at The Power of Poetry: Words to Heal and Inspire taking place at the Tabernacle in London on Tuesday the 5th of December. Head to Intelligence Squared.com for tickets. For this recording, which took place in 2019, onstage were Sieghart, the novelist and broadcaster Sarah Dunant, plus actors Dominic West, Nina Sosanya, Greta Scacchi and Martha West. The event was chaired by the author, playwright and broadcaster Bonnie Greer.

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