Georgian Poet Vazha Pshavela Celebrated in London

Last Friday, an event dedicated to the famous poet Vazha Pshavela was held in London. The very popular Georgian artist was known for his poems as well as his novels and plays. The exhibition and book launching was co-organised by the Embassy of Georgia, Asia House and the British Georgian Society. The reception gathered different people who have been working to translate his poems in English or who have created works inspired by the poet. Indeed, the artist Andro Semeiko presented translations of Pshavela’s poems and lyrics; designer Manana Antelidze exposed fashion sketching; writer Ana Kordzaia-Samadashvili showed her stories inspired by the poet; and there were drawings of Leonid Semeiko and Andro Semeiko on the same theme.

Tamar Beruchashvili, ambassador of Georgia to the UK and Pamela Kember, Head of Asia House’s Art and Learning, opened the event and addressed the audience with welcome speeches. Professor Donald Rayfield launched the new book of translations with Andro Semeiko, author of the project, and both talked about Vazha Pshavela’s life and works, as well as the process of translating. The famous Welsh actress Dame Seân Phillips and Professor Rayfield then recited English translations of Vazha’s poems.

At the end of the exhibition, the guest had the opportunity to drink Georgian wine and to listen to Georgian polyphonic songs performed by the British choir ‘Maspindzeli’. The event was a great commemoration of the Georgian poet who died in 1915 and an occasion to celebrate Georgian culture internationally.

By Gabrielle Colchen

Photo by Besik Mamasakhlisi