Sunday 10.00 am – 1.00 pm | Workshop with Patience Agbabi
Castle Green Hotel – Castle Room
£16.50
The Sound of the Sestina
Troubadour Arnaut Daniel invented the sestina in medieval Provence. Dante praised him as ‘the greater craftsman of the mother tongue’. This practical workshop will focus on the form’s musical roots: how it trips off the tongue; echoes in the ear; dances on the page. The workshop will briefly examine how the sestina has developed in English. Then, through short, fun exercises, Patience will explain how to master the inner mechanics of the form, write a first draft of a sestina and share the creative process. Beginners and experienced poets are welcome. The sestina has the reputation for being difficult: come to challenge that assumption and learn new techniques that will enhance your writing, in formal or free verse. Handouts will be available on the day but if you’re inspired, please read the following poems online prior to the workshop:
- Sestina – Elizabeth Bishop
- You Can’t Rhumboogie in a Ball and Chain – Alice Fulton
- Boy Wearing a Dress – Dan Bellm
- The Signifying Monkey – Michael Donaghy
- Skins – Patience Agbabi
- The Misfits – Paul Muldoon
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