We can always unite in different ways - and with the ongoing Ukrainian War Poetry Project, we really felt the magic of poetry bring us together. It's magic from the poets who have been writing their poems while fighting or volunteering in the frontline, as well as those who are communicating closely with poet warriors.
On the 27th of June, we organized and held a special iteration of the "Ukrainian War Poetry" workshop in Manchester, joined by Ukrainian poets Julia Musakovska and Olena Huseinova, as well as Hanna Khriakova, international manager of the Lviv UNESCO City of Literature and poet. While this was the first event that we've organised outside of Devon, we're overwhelmed by the strong support that we've received from the Ukrainian community in Manchester. Their poetry hits straight to the heart, and from the simple words written in the poem, sometimes it takes your breath away, chokes tears or gives you goosebumps.
At the workshop, we dissected Fedor Rudogo's poem "What is always with me" - we read together, and shared thoughts and feelings about what struck us. We tried to analyze the options for English translation and choose the best words that accurately convey the meanings contained in the poem, with support from Julia Musakovska, who is a professional translator of poetry into English.
The power of poetry has united us together. Poetry has formed a beautiful atmosphere in the space - a feeling of unity, a safe space for delicate, yet deep discussions. The event was transformative, turning strangers into a united group sharing profound thoughts and emotions, almost like a collective therapy. We laughed and cried together, even composing our own poems, and no one wanted the session to end despite the week’s fatigue.
We’re immensely grateful to Hugh Roberts from the Languages, Cultures and Visual Studies Department and the University of Exeter for their support. Special thanks also go to the Kovalyshyn family and Ukrainian Cultural Centre AUGB Manchester for hosting us. Thank you to Alyona Kaporina for capturing these beautiful moments, and Olena Meshva for translating the event.
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