International Writers Series: Olivia Lott

In this virtual reading and discussion, PhD Candidate Olivia Lott will present her recent translation of Lucía Estrada’s KATABASIS, the first full collection of poetry by a Colombian woman to be translated into English. It takes its title from the Greek word for descent, referring to both classical knowledge quests into the underworld by epic heroes and, more broadly, to any journey into madness, darkness, the unknown. A three-part plunge into the darkness of the world, and of the mind, Estrada’s prose poems depict the night, the subconscious, and the surreal. KATABASIS is longlisted for the 2020 PEN Award for Poetry in Translation. Lott will be joined in discussion by Rebecca Hanssens-Reed, a PhD student in Comparative Literature and fellow literary translator.

This is the inaugural season for the International Writers Series, a new collaboration between the International Writers track of the Program in Comparative Literature and the University Libraries at Washington University to celebrate new publications of creative works by writers and translators in the Washington University in St. Louis community. The discussions are moderated by Matthias Goeritz, Professor of Practice of Comparative Literature.

Free and open to all, pre-registration required.