Exiled poetry machines conquer Schwerin: words against persecution!

Exiled poetry machines conquer Schwerin: words against persecution!

A special type of poetry will be celebrated in Schwerin from November 8th to 14th, which addresses the deep themes of persecution and loss of home. The exile poetry machine, which is being set up as part of the Days of Exile and the Festival of Forbidden Music, shows poems by 20 talented poets whose works address the unifying element of exile. The machines are available at two central locations, namely in the Kulturforum Schleswig-Holstein Haus at Puschkinstrasse 12 and in the Schwerin City Library, Klöresgang 3.

For a small donation of €0.50 you can choose a poem, and the selection is made completely at random - an exciting surprise for all poetry fans. This initiative is supported by the Körber Foundation in cooperation with the Mecklenburg State Theater and the state capital Schwerin and promises to be a highlight in the autumn cultural calendar. On-to-MV reports that the event should lack nothing to offer viewers broad access to the moving themes of exile.

Exile: A Neverending Story

Exile has always been a serious issue that has shaped many cultures and eras. It refers to a forced or voluntary absence from home, such as Wikipedia explained. There are numerous examples in history such as Napoleon's exile to St. Helena or the expulsion of Prince Rama in the Ramayana. Exile is often experienced as a form of punishment or to avoid persecution and pressure.

The distinction between different types of exile is particularly striking. Political exile, often associated with coercive measures, leads many individuals to leave their homeland, while internal exile means living in one's homeland but far from one's community. This can lead to enormous psychological stress and is also reflected in literature - for example in famous authors such as Ovid or Dante, who recorded their suffering and loneliness in moving verses.

The poetry of exile

The Exile poetry machines in Schwerin are a creative outlet for sharing these complex experiences and emotions in a new, accessible form. They symbolize the long journey of the exiled, whose voices are often not heard. In today's world, the dark chapters of history are particularly significant when we think of the many people who are still forced to leave their homes for political or social reasons.

Another exciting element of exile is the formation of diasporas, where communities in foreign countries come together and preserve their cultural traditions. They are important nodes of cultural identity and memory, which makes poetry particularly important as a medium for telling such stories. The Cambridge Dictionary describes this comprehensively by illuminating various aspects of exile, which often provide navigational aids in difficult times.

From November 8th, Schwerin will be a venue where poetry and repression, home and loss are presented in harmonious interaction. A visit to this extraordinary project is worthwhile for anyone who wants to learn more about the diverse facets of exile.