Poetry^2

During this 54th festival edition, we connect poetry to all there is out there. All of the connections we make during this festival will be celebrated during this very special closing program on Sunday, when we multiply poetry with poetry and see what arises in the space we’ve created. In this program, both deaf and hearing poets will participate, all of whom seek the boundaries of poetry in their work. Poet laureate of Rotterdam Elfie Tromp will perform with multi-instrumentalist Bruno Ferro Xavier da Silva in a performance they’ve created especially for the city of Rotterdam, and deaf poet Ilse Jobse will bring singer Serena and musician Johan Fransen with her to bring extra dimensions to her poetry in sign language. Do not miss out on this closing showcase!

In Ilse Jobse's life as a deaf person, she has found her own unique way to enjoy music. Although she hears little, she feels and sees sound in her own way. She writes songs about her experiences as a deaf person and her childhood and brings them to life through sign language. Singing has always been a passion of hers, but her deafness made it seem impossible. Now, however, she has found an alternative way to tell her story and share her songs. With a singing interpreter who translates her gestures, she finds a voice for her experiences and emotions.

Serena is a singer, nurse, married and mother of four children. She also acts as a singing interpreter. Singing is the common thread through her life and her passion since childhood. She makes and listens to classical music, jazz, gospel, soul, you name it. Serena believes that music changes you and moves you. She has been part of the gospel choir ABC for over 7 years, with which she performs in various places. She also regularly performs as a soloist or as part of a band, and of course as a voice interpreter at various performances.

Johan Fransen is guitarist and composer with VAN PIEKEREN and In'tVeld. He also works as a freelancer in recording studios and as a supporting guitarist for other artists. He also works as a guitar teacher. His music career started when he was allowed to play at the Conservatory as a 14-year-old boy, after which he was admitted to the preliminary training. After that, he has always remained active in the music scene and performs throughout the year. For Johan, music is literally and figuratively his life.

Poet laureate of Rotterdam Elfie Tromp plays an adapted version of her musical poetry performance Het Degt aan Waar je Standen at Poetry together with Bruno Ferro Xavier da Silva. Rotterdam: in the name of progress, the city became big and prosperous, but a lot has also been lost. A declaration of love and a pamphlet in one about a city that is more than made of stone.