The city of Marrakech, Morocco, is preparing to host a landmark cultural event as the House of Poetry (Dar Assiir) kicks off its 10th anniversary season. This highly anticipated inaugural lecture, scheduled for November 13th at the Daoudiate Cultural Center, promises to be a pivotal moment for the Moroccan literary scene, focusing on the intersection of modern poetic discourse and universal values.
Exploring the Intersection of Poetry and Ethics
The event will feature a keynote address by renowned academic and critic Abdelfattah Chahid, who will delve into the profound theme: "Poetry and the Questions of Values." In an era marked by rapid digital transformation and global shifts, the lecture aims to examine how contemporary Moroccan poetry navigates, reflects, and challenges the evolving ethical landscape. By analyzing the current state of poetic production in Morocco, Chahid intends to provide a critical framework that addresses the necessity for new intellectual approaches in literary criticism.
The session will foster rigorous academic debate, with additional insights provided by Dr. Said Aouadi, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arabic Language in Marrakech, and researcher Fatima Benomar. Their contributions are expected to revitalize discussions on how poetry can remain relevant as a mirror to modern societal changes, ensuring that the critical apparatus remains as dynamic as the creative works it analyzes.
Celebrating Diversity: The 'Voices of the South' Initiative
A highlight of this year’s milestone season is the official launch of the "Voices of the South" program. This initiative reflects the House of Poetry’s commitment to expanding its cultural horizons by engaging with diverse poetic traditions from across the African continent and the Arab and Amazigh worlds. The program will feature recitations from Adeyemi Hamid Adekunle, a talented Nigerian poet and past winner of the House of Poetry’s annual competition, and Sory Ibrahim Traoré, a rising poetic voice from Mali.
The evening will be further enriched by a musical performance from the "Friends of Eternal Melody" choir, featuring artist Mohamed Ait El Kadi, bridging the gap between lyrical verse and melodic expression. This blend of international talent and local cultural heritage underscores Marrakech’s status as a vibrant hub for global literary exchange.
As the House of Poetry in Marrakech enters its second decade, this event serves as a testament to its ongoing dedication to the preservation and evolution of poetic art. By continuously questioning the role of literature in society, the institution ensures that Moroccan poetry remains at the forefront of the intellectual discourse in the Maghreb and beyond.
As reported by middle-east-online.com.
