The University of Liverpool’s Port of Call lecture series will feature as part of an extensive calendar of events organised throughout spring and summer under the One Magnificent City initiative.
Delivered by the University’s Centre for New and International Writing, the lecture series will focus on celebration of the sea, ships and literary voyages through performance and public talks.
Nautically inspired
The aim is to tie in with the centrepiece of the One Magnificent City series of events; the return of the three Cunard Queens to the River Mersey on 25 May, to mark the firm’s 175th anniversary.
Port of Call opens on 15 May with Mermaids in their Element, a selection of nautically inspired images and readings dedicated to sea sirens, presented by Professor Sarah Peverley.
On 23 May, Dr Sandeep Parmar will turn her critical gaze to Nancy Cunard. Widely regarded as the black sheep of the Cunard dynasty, she is also considered one of the literary greats of her generation.
While Down to the Sea in Ships, on 24 May, will see critically-acclaimed story-teller, Horatio Clare bring to life tales of seafarers, cargo ships and voyages around the globe.
Further events in June and July include Professor Paul Baines who will explore the life and work of sailor, Edward Rushton. artist, Charlotte Hodes and poet, Professor Deryn Rees-Jones who will also analyse the poetic process, with American wordsmith, Elizabeth Bishop as inspiration.
Lecturer in English, Dr Sandeep Parmar said: “The University of Liverpool’s Centre for New and International Writing is delighted to be to be a part of the One Magnificent City programme of events.
Diverse range
“Celebrating the rich artistic and literary heritage of our city and its internationalism is central to our Port of Call lecture series, which features a diverse range of subjects from Anglo-Saxon tales of mermaids to industrial container shipping and sea travel, as well as captivating historical figures linked to the city like Edward Rushton and Nancy Cunard.”
One Magnificent City features a vast range of events across the city, including Light Night on May 15, the International Mersey River Festival from June 5-7 and the Liverpool International Photography Festival, LOOK/15.
To find out more about the Centre for New and International Writing, and associated events, please visit http://www.liv.ac.uk/new-and-international-writing/
