Past Poets
Piloted in 2005 as Dead Poets Sessions, these events have proved hugely popular. The Past & Present series generally features two poets (appearing in their own right elsewhere in the festival) in discussion with chairman Colin Will. Each talks about a nominated poet from the past, touching on their enthusiasm for the work and any personal connections, ending with a short reading. Poets of the past are also present in other ways during the festival: in performances, as the subject of talks, on film and as illustrations in workshops. In 2009 they were also met with on the Poetry Walk round St Andrews.
Thu 19 March | Poetry & Golf Walk
Poetic aspects of the ancient game, visiting the historic links: led by Maureen Jack
The Byre Theatre, Abbey Street – Theatre Garden
(Dependent on fair weather, please check with the StAnza desk.)
Thu 19 March | Lord Byron: Uncovering a Poet
David McClay, curator of the John Murray Archive at the National Library of Scotland.
The Town Hall, Queens Gardens – Council Chamber
Thu 19 March | Past & Present
Marco Fazzini on Douglas Livingstone
Jay Parini on Robert Frost
The Town Hall, Queens Gardens – Council Chamber
Fri 20 March | Tam O’Shanter and the Fairy Cult
Talk on Burns’ poem by Drew Clegg
The Town Hall, Queens Gardens – Council Chamber
Fri 20 March | Past & Present
Alan Gillis on Wallace Stevens
Jenny Bornholdt on Lorine Niedecker
The Town Hall, Queens Gardens – Council Chamber
Sat 21 March | Poets of the Scottish Enlightenment & the 18th Century Gaelteachd
Talk: Robert Crawford & Angus Peter Campbell
The Town Hall, Queens Gardens – Council Chamber
Sun 22 March | Burns – the next 250 years
Talk by Drew Clegg
The Town Hall, Queens Gardens – Council Chamber
Sun 22 March | The Land of Counterpane
Children’s Show (Age 7+): An afternoon of Robert Louis Stevenson themed poetry and play with Robert Crawford, Sara Lodge & Bill Manhire
The Town Hall, Queens Gardens – Supper Room