The pre-readings gathering is a friendly and relaxing affair
for poets and friends. |
2007 Canadian shortlist nominee Don McKay chats beforehand with artist Marlene Creates.
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Griffin trustees Robin Robertson and Carolyn Forché effuse about another amazing shortlist and the excellent readings to come.
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Griffin Trust manager Ruth Smith and trustee Carolyn Forché compare notes on another busy season, and then join the warm welcome for guests of honour Monica and Tomas Tranströmer.
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2007 International shortlist nominee Rodney Jones surveys the scene with twinkling eyes … | 
… as do writer Christopher Doda and 2007 Canadian shortlist nominee Priscila Uppal. |
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The judges mingle with the poets, as John Burnside chats with Rodney Jones …
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… Charles Simic shares a chuckle with Don McKay and Marlene Creates …
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… and then Don McKay turns to find judge Karen Solie and poet David Seymour …
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… while Charles Simic and John Burnside converge on 2007 International shortlist nominee Charles Wright.
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Monica and Tomas Tranströmer are all aglow in anticipation of Tomas’ Lifetime Recognition award, while Scott Griffin greets Charles Wright.
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An ebullient Ken Babstock, 2007 Canadian shortlist nominee, joins the festivities.
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Tomas and Monica Tranströmer exchange warm greetings with Griffin trustees Michael Ondaatje and Scott Griffin.
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Linda Spalding and Michael Ondaatje reminisce about all the incredible Griffin readings they've attended, while Tomas Tranströmer flashes a wonderful smile.
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Griffin trustee Robert Hass congratulates judge Charles Simic for tackling 483 books of poetry, including 18 translations, received from 15 countries around the globe.
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Griffin trustee Robin Robertson congratulates poet Paul Farley for making it to the 2007 shortlist from a field of 483 books.
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Krystyne Griffin has a warm reunion with Griffin trustees David Young and Carolyn Forché.
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Ruth Smith greets actor Caroline Cave, who will read the work of 2007 International shortlisted poet Frederick Seidel.
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Robin Robertson and Krystyne Griffin have never revealed the accuracy of their annual secret wager on the Griffin Poetry Prize winners.
| And then everyone made their way to the MacMillan Theatre … |
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The striking MacMillan Theatre stage awaits the 2007 Griffin Poetry Prize shortlist judges and poets.
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Martha Butterfield and Margaret Atwood contend that there is a positive connection between curly tresses and love of poetry.
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The MacMillan Theatre welcomes another sold-out crowd of poetry supporters.
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The poets assemble onstage.
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Scott Griffin never tires of introducing an exciting new selection of poetic voices to a rapt audience every year.
(At right) With the trademark poet banners towering over the stage, judge John Burnside introduces poet Paul Farley.
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Paul Farley gives a warm, witty and moving reading from Tramp in Flames.
Click here for audio/video clips. | 
Rodney Jones gives a quietly captivating reading from Salvation Blues.
Click here for audio/video clips. |
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Judge Karen Solie rhapsodizes about the startling impression Frederick Seidel's work made on her.
(At right) Caroline Cave tackles Frederick Seidel's surreal, haunting imagery from Ooga-Booga.
Click here for audio/video clips. | 
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Charles Wright intrigues and mesmerizes with his reading from Scar Tissue.
Click here for audio/video clips. | Intermission followed, before the presentation of the Lifetime Recognition award and the 2007 Canadian shortlist poets … |
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Young poetry enthusiasts are thrilled to meet Margaret Atwood during intermission.
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Scott Griffin introduces trustee Robert Hass, who will do the Lifetime Recognition award honours.
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Monica and Tomas Tranströmer appear onstage.
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Robert Hass warmly greets Monica and Tomas Tranströmer.
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Scott Griffin adds his congratulations as Tomas Tranströmer receives the award.
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| Learn more about Tomas Tranströmer here, and listen to Monica Transtromer and Griffin trustees Robert Hass and Robin Robertson pay tribute to him. |
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Ken Babstock brings to life the sometimes darkly funny but always compassionate words and images of Airstream Land Yacht.
Click here for audio/video clips. | 
Don McKay captures beautifully the sense of wonder that infuses the poetry of Strike/Slip.
Click here for audio/video clips. |
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Priscila Uppal’s vibrant reading of selections from Ontological Necessities brings the evening to a stirring close.
Click here for audio/video clips. | As the audience departed the theatre, sated, the poets gathered for a customary commemoration of the evening with a group portrait. |
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Cradling handcrafted, leather-bound volumes of their nominated works, the Griffin Poetry Prize 2007 shortlisted poets and judges celebrate an unparalleled evening of poetry readings.
Left to right (front row): Rodney Jones, Ken Babstock, Priscila Uppal, Paul Farley, Tomas Tranströmer, Monica Transtromer
Left to right (back row): Don McKay, Karen Solie, Charles Simic, Caroline Cave, Charles Wright, Scott Griffin, John Burnside
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