The Southbank Centre is set to light up the literary and spoken word scene as it announces its highly anticipated Winter 2023 Literature and Spoken Word Season. From November 2023 to February 2024, this cultural extravaganza promises to captivate audiences with an array of literary gems.
Ted Hodgkinson, Head of Literature & Spoken Word at the Southbank Centre, has described this season as a celebration of the very best in contemporary literature. It promises to be a treat for literature enthusiasts, with a wide range of events and presentations scheduled.
The season will feature some of the most celebrated writers of our time. Naomi Alderman, the Women’s Prize-winning author, will present her eagerly awaited new novel, The Future, a thought-provoking exploration of our ever-changing world. Poet Andrew McMillan will introduce his debut novel, Pity, a poignant tale set against the backdrop of a South Yorkshire mining family.
Literary accolades continue with The Booker Prize Shortlist Readings and the T.S. Eliot Prize Readings, showcasing the finest fiction and poetry from around the globe. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the prestigious T.S. Eliot Prize.
The Winter season isn’t limited to literature alone. It delves into the rich tapestry of music and its profound impact on British culture. Notably, journalist Aniefiok Ekpoudom presents his groundbreaking social history of British rap and grime in Where We Come From: Rap, Home & Hope in Britain. Music icon Boy George unveils his autobiography, Karma and Thurston Moore, a founding member of Sonic Youth, shares his passionate memoir, Sonic Life.
The Southbank Centre also pays homage to poetry with a range of events. Out-Spoken, the resident music and poetry collective, offers captivating performances and masterclasses. The National Poetry Library hosts various series, including “Special Edition: Bi+ Lines,” which introduces the first-ever anthology of bi+ poetry, and “Special Edition: Spoken Word London – Anti-Hate,” presenting the Anti-Hate Anthology. The Poetry Showcase features work from diverse voices, showcasing the vibrant world of poetry.
The Southbank Centre’s Winter 2023 Literature and Spoken Word Season promises to be a cultural extravaganza that celebrates the power of literature, spoken word and music in shaping our cultural life. Tickets have been on sale to Southbank Centre Members since September 26, with general public availability on September 27.
For more information and ticket details, visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk.
The Southbank Centre is the UK’s largest arts centre, situated in the heart of London’s vibrant South Bank cultural quarter. It aims to bring people together by presenting exceptional cultural experiences and providing a platform for artists to showcase their finest work. With a rich history dating back to the 1951 Festival of Britain, the Southbank Centre comprises iconic venues like the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, Hayward Gallery, and houses the National Poetry Library. It is also home to six Resident Orchestras, further enriching the cultural tapestry of the centre.
