Book Launch: Renshi by Roseann O'Reilly Runte
About this event
Join us for the launch of Renshi by Roseann O’Reilly Runte, presented by Library and Archives Canada and the University of Ottawa Press.
Master poets Ooka Makoto, Shuntaro Tanikawa and Kim Yong-Jik were joined by Canadian Roseann O’Reilly Runte in Tokyo on a very warm August day in 1991 to compose a linked-verse poem. It was also the day the Soviet Parliament was stormed, foreshadowing the end of the Cold War. Not knowing the future, the poets chose to celebrate the lasting power of words to survive discord and violence. They believed the beauty of poetry would inspire and transcend time and national and linguistic borders. They followed an ancient Japanese poetic form called renga, and they wrote simultaneously in English, French, Japanese and Korean.
This volume includes the original recording made by the poets, artwork by Sylviane De Roquebrune inspired by the poems and music by Casey Sokol. The renga form dates from medieval times when poets came together at a castle to compose in the course of a single day linked verses that responded to each other, creating a poetic dialogue. We believe this to be the sole renga ever composed completely in four languages at once.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the celebration of such a unique work!
About the Author
Roseann O’Reilly Runte, awarded the François Coppée poetry prize from the Académie française, has served as professor, university president and head of the Canada Foundation for Innovation. She currently dedicates her time and thoughts to writing and consulting. She lives in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Sessions
Parking
Paid parking spaces are available at 395 Wellington Street, on the west side of the building. Parking meters and public parking lots can also be found on the surrounding streets.
Bike racks are also available in front of the building.
Several OC Transpo and Société de transport de l’Outaouais bus routes serve stops located near 395 Wellington Street.
Stay in touch
Do you have questions about this event? Email us at evenements-events@bac-lac.gc.ca.