A Celebration of Michael Donaghy

Contact: Melanie.Birch@ncl.ac.uk

When he died aged 50 in 2004, Michael Donaghy was regarded as one of the best poets writing in English. He was an acclaimed performer of his own work, a brilliantly witty critic and an Irish traditional musician of repute. His loss to poetry was incalculable, and this year's publication of his Collected Poems and The Shape of the Dance, his Selected Prose, will only add to his reputation.

A distinguished group of Donaghy's friends and fellow poets, including Jo Shapcott, Paul Farley and Don Paterson, invites you to join them in celebrating his work, through readings, discussion and a rare showing of the film of Donaghy reading his great poem Black Ice and Rain. The North East took Michael Donaghy to its heart, and readers and writers of poetry will be keen to attend this unique occasion.

‘A linguistic musician, a literary magician. Every poem is a marvel.’ Simon Armitage

Event Schedule
5.00pm Sean O’Brien - Black Ice and Rain: The Poetry of Michael Donaghy
5.30pm Panel Discussion*
6.30pm Refreshments
7.00pm Film showing of Michael Donaghy performing Black Ice and Rain
7.10pm Readings

*Attendees are invited to read 3 of Michael’s poems to participate in the discussion: Black Ice and Rain, Ramon Fernandez? and Haunts, which will be emailed or posted when booking a place.

Tickets: £7/£4 (to include refreshments) from Melanie.Birch@ncl.ac.uk, 0191 222 7619

Entry: £7/£4 (refreshments)

Time: 5pm to 8.30pm