Liao Yiwu

Liao Yiwu, a renowned Chinese dissident and writer, shares his profound experiences of smuggling poetry from prison. He discusses how his verses emerged from the anger of Tiananmen Square and the fear of cultural amnesia. The conversation delves into the silent resistance among political prisoners, who crafted words with limited resources to battle oppression. Liao reflects on the psychological toll of censorship and the struggle to maintain a voice in exile. Ultimately, he highlights the fragile power of literature against authoritarianism and the enduring quest for freedom of expression.

Chinese dissident Liao Yiwu shares his experience of writing and smuggling poems out of prison, highlighting the challenges faced in detention. He reflects on the importance of documenting history through his writings and the struggles of life after prison, including multiple confiscations of his works. The podcast explores his journey of surviving detention, escaping to freedom, and continuing his writing journey despite the Communist regime's attempts to silence him.