Poetry Press Conference

What if the world were interpreted through the voices of poets? At Poetry International, we invite you to the Poetry Press Conference, a daily program where Dutch and international poets engage in conversation about the pressing issues of our time. How is the world doing? And where are we headed? 

From climate and conflict to hope and transformation – these unique press conferences provide answers not in numbers and analyses, but through the power of poetry. Whether you're a journalist, a poetry enthusiast, or simply curious: come listen, ask your questions, and experience how poetry makes sense of the world. Live at Poetry International, every festival day. 

Participating festival poets on this day are Dana Cermane and Derek Otte.

Dana Cermane

Dana Cermane is a versatile Deaf performer and advocate for the visibility of Deaf artists in the performing arts. She is part of Deaf Performance Now, a movement dedicated to fostering an authentic and inclusive artistic practice where sign language is not just a translation but a fully realized form of expression with its own rhythm, visual nuance, and emotional depth. 

In her work, Cermane blends visual poetry, theater, and movement to tell stories that are both conceptually and visually striking. Her performances make use of the unique aspects of sign language—such as expressive gestures, facial expressions, and spatial dynamics—to convey meaning in a way that is both accessible and immersive. 

Cermane has performed on various international stages and collaborates with artists and theater makers who push the boundaries of sign language artistry. Through her work, she challenges the traditional notion that spoken language is the default on stage, demonstrating instead how sign language is a distinct and multifaceted art form.

Derek Otte

Derek Otte is a poet, spoken word artist, teacher, and dramatist who bridges the personal and the societal with his words. His poetry is both introspective and straightforward, exploring themes such as identity, urban life, and the position of the individual. What started as a way to overcome his stuttering grew into a versatile career: he was the house poet for FunX, the city poet of Rotterdam (2017-2018), and teaches spoken word at the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. He has published five collections, including On the Edge of Dreamland (2023), and has traveled through the Netherlands and Flanders in recent years with his theater performances De tijd is om and Tijd over.