3rd – 9th November 2021, RCI London & online
ROCK TALKS
“Rock Talks” is the name of the headline interview series of outstanding “rock star” authors. The best and brightest Romanian and British literary brains meet to discuss their work, their countries and those issues close to their hearts.
*NB This first ROCK TALK event, originally scheduled for Nov 2nd at the RCI, will now be recorded without an audience at BBC Broadcasting House and broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on 23 November at 10pm and available as Arts & Ideas podcast.
*PHILIPPE SANDS and GEORGINA HARDING meet MIRCEA CĂRTĂRESCU
The writer and President of English PEN joins the British author of In Another Europe to meet Romania’s renowned poet, novelist and essayist. Hosted by Anne McElvoy (in partnership with BBC Radio 3).
3rd NOV, LIVE 7pm, RCI London & online
JONATHAN COE meets MIRCEA CĂRTĂRESCU
The distinguished British novelist meets the renowned Romanian author. Hosted by Tessa Dunlop, who will be launching her new book, Army Girls.
4th Nov, LIVE 7pm, RCI London & online
MONIQUE ROFFEY meets MIRUNA VLADA
The prize-winning British-Trinidadian writer meets the outstanding Romanian poet. Hosted by Rosie Goldsmith (Director European Literature Network).
5th Nov, LIVE 7pm, RCI London & online
LIONEL SHRIVER meets MARINA CONSTANTINESCU
The best-selling author of We Need to Talk About Kevin talks to Romanian journalist and theatre and film critic. Hosted by Georgina Godwin (in partnership with Monocle Radio).
8th Nov, LIVE 7pm, RCI London & online
TRACY CHEVALIER meets IOANA PÂRVULESCU
Both much admired for their broad cultural passions and intense, exquisite writing on history and the human condition. Hosted by Rosie Goldsmith.
9th Nov, LIVE 7pm, RCI London & online
TRACY CHEVALIER meets DOINA RUŞTI, IOANA NICOLAIE, LAVINIA BRANIŞTE and IOANA BÂLDEA CONSTANTINESCU
The final ROCK TALK event, and the end of the festival, is dedicated to the writing, readings and conversation of five wonderful women novelists and poets from both Romania and Britain. A joyful celebration of female creativity. Hosted by Rosie Goldsmith.
SPECIAL EVENTS
5th Nov, LIVE 3pm, RCI London & online
A FEAST OF WORDS: ROMANIAN WOMEN POETS
Join seven of the most exciting female voices in contemporary Romanian poetry – Ilinca Bernea, Svetlana Cârstean, Ruxandra Cesereanu, Anastasia Gavrilovici, Deniz Otay, Ana Săndulescu and Elena Vlădăreanu – for a delightful discussion and gripping readings from their latest poetry collections. The event is curated and hosted by cultural entrepreneur and creative producer Gabriela Mocan.
7th Nov, LIVE 3pm, RCI London & online
THE ART OF TRANSLATION: ROMANIAN LITERATURE ACROSS BORDERS
For the second edition of the Romania Rocks Festival, celebrated translators Sean Cotter, Jozefina Komporaly, Diana Manole and Viorica Patea meet to discuss their work and future projects. Curated and hosted by cultural entrepreneur and creative producer Gabriela Mocan, the event will feature readings from a wide range of genres including poetry, drama and prose. A real treat for eager literary taste buds.
6th Nov, 4pm, online
FEM AND PEN
A prerecorded discussion about the novel FEM with its author and member of PEN Romania Magda Cârneci, and two members of PEN International Jennifer Clement and Carles Torner.
CONCERT
7th Nov, 7pm, RCI London
MOSES BAND: THE ROCK CONCERT
This unplugged concert will be filmed especially for the Romania Rocks 2 Festival. We will be broadcasting their performance later ‘as live’ and free for all festival-goers on the RCI Youtube/FB channel.
Useful information:
The Romania Rocks 2 festival is funded and created by the Romanian Cultural Institute (RCI) in London.
Promotion and support in the UK: the European Literature Network.
The Romania Rocks logo design: Cristian Luchian.
All events are free and take place at the RCI in London but you must register. No unregistered guests may attend.
Please respect Covid-19 precautions. Please register for each event – links can be found on the RCI website and by each event in the post above. The full programme can also be downloaded.
The events are filmed and will be available subsequently on Facebook, YouTube and the websites of the RCI London & European Literature Network.
The Romania Rocks 2 festival is supported by a dedicated independent bookshop selling the books of all authors.
Partners: Royal Society of Literature, BBC Radio 3, European Literature Network, PEN International