The Song of the Earth

The internationally acclaimed writer John Burnside has gained increasing recognition in Germany in recent years as a world-class story teller with such novels as “The Devil’s Footprints”, “Glister” and “A Summer of Drowning”. In many of his literary, essayistic and journalistic works, Burnside is driven by the question of what it means to live in harmony with nature as a good person. In this respect, Burnside is one of the few contemporary literary figures who merge poetic-aesthetic concepts with ethical views and social commitment. This year’s international writers’ conference dedicated to John Burnside focused on the thematic complexes which are characteristic of his work and influence, e.g. poetry as a science of the close interweave of humans and nature, or the question of homeland and the right to possess a home. The Literaturbüro Ostwestfalen-Lippe presented a diverse range of artistic perspectives in readings, discussions, concerts, film screenings, excursions and an exhibition. Invited writers, such as Allison Funk, Raoul Schrott and Teresa Präauer, discussed why literature cannot shy away from the controversial social and political issues of the present and how artists can express their opinions in their works.

Artistic director: Brigitte Labs-Ehlert
Writers: John Burnside (GB), Allison Funk (US), Teresa Präauer (AT), Robin Robertson (GB), Raoul Schrott (AT), Adam Thorne (FR), Jan Wagner, Robert Wrigley (US), Amy Shelton (GB), Franui Musicbanda (AT), Tarkovsky Ouartet (FR)