Simon Armitage - Gilgamesh
An Evening with the Poet Laureate
Attendance options:
Join us for an evening with the Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage, who is coming to the bookshop to tell us all about his latest work, Gilgamesh: A New Verse Translation. He'll be performing from this exhilarating translation of the ancient epic poem, in which he's captured its timeless and immersive power.
We're really excited to welcome him to the bookshop for this event and we're looking forward to seeing many of you here too!
About Gilgamesh: A New Verse Translation:
lift the lapis lazuli tablet and read
of Gilgamesh – his adventures and all he endured.
King above kings, most formidable presence.
Gilgamesh originated in Ancient Mesopotamia nearly 4,000 years ago, yet its themes of power, loyalty, love and loss resound with contemporary relevance. The eponymous demigod tyrannically rules the kingdom of Uruk. To establish peace, the gods create his counterpart, the wild man Enkidu, and the two embark on a series of extraordinary adventures. But after tragedy strikes, Gilgamesh sets out alone on a desperate quest for immortality leading him to the very edge of the world . . .
Simon Armitage’s fresh and propulsive version brings Gilgamesh alive as a poem. He harnesses the rhythm of its orchestrated language and conjures a sense of poetic wholeness while honouring its inherent fragmentation. Enhanced by illuminating commentary, this accomplished translation transports us right back to the origins of civilisation and storytelling.
Please note: Tickets for our events are non-refundable. Professional photography and videography may take place during this event. Thank you for your understanding.
Participants:
Simon Armitage Author
Simon Armitage is a British poet, playwright and novelist. He is Professor of Poetry at the University of Leeds and is the current UK Poet Laureate. His poetry collections include The Dead Sea Poems (1995), Killing Time (1999), Universal Home Doctor (2002), The Shout: Selected Poems (2005), Tyrannosaurus Rex Versus The Corduroy Kid (2006), The Not Dead (2008), Out of the Blue (2008) and Seeing Stars (2010).
The venue
The Portobello Bookshop
46 Portobello High Street
Edinburgh
EH15 1DA
Telephone: 0131 629 6756
Website: www.theportobellobookshop.com
Wheelchair Access
We have a ramp at the front of the shop which has a ratio of 1:10 and loading capacity of 300kg, and so should be able to be used by most wheelchair users or those with mobility vehicles. The front doors are fully automated. Our shop interior is designed to allow access throughout for wheelchair users and prams, though please note there is only 700mm wide clearance to access the staff toilet.
Sound
We use a PA system to enhance the audio at our live events. We also have a hearing loop system installed, if you’d like to use our loop system during an event please let us know and we’ll make sure we have it set up and connected to the live audio feed during the event. If you wish to attend an event and require BSL interpretation, please give us a few weeks notice and we’ll do our best to arrange an interpreter.