13 June, opening show

The Last Poets [USA]

As pioneers of the spoken-word genre and precursors of American hiphop, the Last Poets have been a major influence and source of inspiration for writers, rappers and musicians for half a century. The group was formed in 1968, arising out of the civil rights movement, and released their first album in 1970. Since then, the Last Poets – in changing constellations of band members – have continued to produce music and poetry that is always topical and politically provocative. Last year, twenty years after their last album, they – founding members Abiodun Oyewole and Umar Bin Hassan and drummer Baba Donn Babatunde – released Understand What Black Is, a strongly reggae-influenced record that ties into the Black Lives Matter movement. Of course these spoken-word giants had to feature on the Poetry International programme on the occasion of the festival’s 50-year anniversary.

13 June, opening show

Metropole Orkest [the Netherlands]

Eighteen times Grammy-nominated Metropole Orkest (MO) has expanded the meaning of the word “orchestra” – if the term makes you think “classical music”, you’re on the wrong track as far as the Metropole Orkest is concerned. What they do play: pop, soul, funk, cabaret, musicals, movie scores, and world music, from the present day and further back. Over the past 74 years, the MO has collaborated with a host of big names from the music world, including Ella Fitzgerald, Brian Eno, Gregory Porter, Bono, and Snarky Puppy. Headed up by young British chief conductor Jules Buckley, the MO is the last complete hybrid orchestra in the world.

Festive opening

“What Happened to the Future?”

Th. 13 June, 20:00-21:30 - Grote Zaal
Featuring all festival poets, the Metropole Orkest & The Last Poets

On 13 June, the Metropole Orchestra – nominated for 18 Grammy Awards – will open the 50th Poetry International Festival with a literal bang. In this theatrical kick-off, the orchestra will perform unique duets with poets, including the legendary Last Poets, godfathers of hip hop and spoken word. Inspired by the festival’s theme, “What Happened to the Future?”, poets from the festival’s rich past, such as Judith Herzberg, Antjie Krog, Rita Dove, Raúl Zurita, and Tom Lanoye, will perform side by side with poets of a more recent vintage, such as Marieke Lucas Rijneveld, Koleka Putuma, Patricia Lockwood, Lieke Marsman, Frank Báez, Sayaka Osaki, Ulrike Almut Sandig, and Galina Rymboe. Whether rooted in the past or inspired by the future, their readings will festively raise the curtains on this golden-anniversary edition.

_{Language no problem}

Flashback Friday

Poetry on the Block

Fr. 14 June, 13:30-16:00 
Featuring Charles Bernstein, Swendeline Ersilia and Ischa den Blanken 

From festival hub De Doelen, Poetry International will take you on a poetic walking tour through the heart of Rotterdam. Led by a guide from UrbanGuides, you will discover extraordinary art in public spaces and have surprising encounters with festival poets and spoken-word artists. Explore the city’s hidden stories together!

On Flashback Friday, Poetry on the Block will take you into Rotterdam’s eventful history and Poetry International’s diverse past. The poetic city tour is a journey through time, from the first traces of a small event to the accomplishments of an international poetry festival of global stature. 

Festival poet Charles Bernstein and spoken-word talents Swendeline Ersilia and Ischa den Blanken will provide their own perspectives on the past and connect it to the future.

_{English spoken tours available. Admission is free if you have a festival passe-partout or day pass for 14 June. De tour departs from De Doelen, Kruisplein 30, Rotterdam.} 

Bilderberg Parkhotel

Name Poetry International when you make your reservation at this beautiful hotel and receive a 10% discount on accomodations and breakfast. You can make reservations using this link: parkhotel.reservation@bilderberg.nl  

The James

The James is nestled comfortably in the heart of the city. Use the discount code 'PoetryInternationalJames' while making a reservation and get 12% off your stay. 

Sparks Hostel

Just a few steps away from festival hub De Doelen, the Sparks Hostel is an affordable stay. Use the discount code 'POETRY50!' and get 10% off if you're booking a stay for two days or more.