One of Greece’s most celebrated contemporary poets, Vlavianos is also a prolific translator, essayist and historian. He will be discussing the language of crisis in Greek-German relations (Sep 11, 19.30) and speaking at the “Blood is thinner than water” event (Sep 10, 18:00) and Poetry Night I (Sep 10, 19:30).
Three-word alliterative self-description:
Impassioned, impatient, impulsive.
Why write: At this point in my life that’s like asking, “why do you breathe?
Writing aids: Gallons of coffee and occasionally some fruit. Looking at the Aegean Sea can also be extremely inspiring.
Defining literary moment: When at the age of 22, after reading Cavafy and Eliot, I decided that I too must join this wonderful tribe.
Back-up plan: None – I’d be wondering about what’s wrong with me that I cannot write.
What you’d like to be remembered for: For a few poems that managed to create something memorable out of the chaos of life.
Shoe size: 46.
