Backlit
Backlit
Podcast Description
Backlit is a series of groundbreaking conversations with emerging authors. Hosted by Abena Ntoso, each empowering discussion goes behind the literature and beyond it, inspiring intellectual and creative engagement around social issues. Built on authentic curiosity and camaraderie, Backlit transcends literary discourse to become a generative space documenting the emergence of new perspectives and new possibilities for life and work.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The show explores topics such as gender dynamics in literature, the intersection of ecology and writing, and the evolution of work in modern society, with episodes like Just Labor featuring poet Laura-Gray Street discussing themes such as writing as a journey of discovery and the role of privilege in storytelling.
Backlit is a series of groundbreaking conversations with emerging authors. Hosted by Abena Ntoso, each empowering discussion goes behind the literature and beyond it, inspiring intellectual and creative engagement around social issues. Built on authentic curiosity and camaraderie, Backlit transcends literary discourse to become a generative space documenting the emergence of new perspectives and new possibilities for life and work.
What can literary translation teach us about life? How does our attention to language generate hope and lead to new opportunities? In this episode of Backlit, writer and translator Marguerite Feitlowitz joins me in generating ideas for deepening understanding and stimulating creativity, inspired by her translation of Ennio Moltedo’s groundbreaking collection, Night. Brimming with imagination, humanity, and hope, Marguerite’s work embodies the creative potential present in our use of language as a way to connect with one another across cultures.
Topics discussed:
- Challenges of literary translation
- What one learns from translating poetry
- Paying attention to language
- … and what it teaches us about paying attention
- How careful attention and serendipity lead to opportunities
- Documentary surreal
- Using literature as a springboard for learning about history and culture
- Triangle of hope — history, present, and creativity
Literary Translation Publishers & Resources:
- World Poetry
- Open Letter Books
- Words Without Borders
- Asymptote
- American Literary Translators Association
- PEN America Translation Committee
Links:
- Episode Webpage
- Purchase Night by Ennio Moltedo, translated by Marguerite Feitlowitz
- Other books by Marguerite Feitlowitz
- Author Website: Marguerite Feitlowitz
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