Event 001 Tuesday 6 March 20:00-21:30Al Mamzar TheatreTHE 2012 FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT kicks off with a heady mix of wit and warmth from one of Ireland’s best-loved stars of television and radio, followed by magical performances and readings by five of today’s finest international poets.

One of the most recognisable faces in British media, Sir Terry Wogan has been the most listened-to radio host in Europe; his BBC Radio show Wake up to Wogan, which ran for nearly 20 years, regularly attracted audiences of over eight million. Sir Terry will be recalling his years in radio and talking about his beloved Ireland, giving a personal view of this changing and contradictory nation. He will take us on a journey to old haunts, introduce us to long-lost friends, colleagues and fellow exiles and share the nostalgia evoked by these experiences. But he won’t shy away from the more complicated responses that led him to seek his fortunes elsewhere.  This will be an evening of pure delight.

Imtiaz Dharker describes herself as a Scottish Muslim Calvinist. Born in Pakistan and raised in a Lahori household in Glasgow, she now divides her time between Mumbai and London. She is one of India’s most distinguished poets; her verse dealing with themes of home, freedom, geographical and cultural displacement, communal conflict and gender politics.

John Agard, playwright, poet, short-story and children’s writer, winner of the Casa de las Americas Prize, was born in what became Guyana and now lives in England. His vibrant poetry blends the richness and rhythms of his Caribbean heritage with his experiences as an expatriate in Europe, to unique effect.

Yang Lian, winner of the Flaiano International Poetry Prize, poet in exile after Tiananmen Square, continues to speak out as a highly individual voice in world literature, politics and culture.

Daljit Nagra, a former full time teacher, is now a creative writing tutor and prize-winning poet, nominated for the 2011 TS Eliot Prize for Poetry. His work, rich with ‘Punglish’ (Punjabi English) vernacular, often relates to the experience of British born Indians. 

These four outstanding but very different voices will be joined by a special guest and together will celebrate the vibrancy, variety and richness of contemporary poetry around the world.

Theatre-goers will be able to pre-book a light supper either before or after the event. Full details to be announced.

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