Thomas Meinecke reads his works in translation

German Pop Literature in Focus Thomas Meinecke reads his works in translation Presented by the School of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures and Cultures in the Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and Wordfest Moderator: Jan Süselbeck, University of Calgary Friday, October 7, 2016 | 2:00 pm | Gallery Hall, TFDL The School of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures and Cultures and this year’s Wordfest are proud to present German writer Thomas Meinecke. He is one of the most influential authors in German pop literature since the 1980s. Meinecke will be making his inaugural visit to Calgary and read from his works in translation. Meinecke has published more than a dozen books, among them six novels. His most recent work Selbst, his forthcoming seventh novel, will be published by the Suhrkamp Verlag in October 2016. Meinecke’s art is inspired by the author’s own work as a performer on the international pop scene. With his still active avant-garde band Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle (F.S.K.), Meinecke also works as a musician. Last but not least, Meinecke has been performing as a radio moderator and a DJ for decades. The history of the blues, jazz, techno music, remixing techniques and other improvisational styles has crucial influence on his writing. He always has been adopting and integrating these musical methods in his own literary work, creating humorous and surprising pastiches of citations from academic debates, pop history and political controversies. Two of Meinecke’s novels are available in English translation: Tomboy (1998) is a playful literary exploration of Judith Butler’s and Michel Foucault’s theories of sexuality and gender performance. Hellblau (2001, translated as Pale Blue) is a similar case. The polyphonic text features discussions about slave trade, race and gender as well as critical reflections of the second world war and its aftermath both in Germany and the U.S. Meinecke will read and discuss parts of these books with his audience, as they showcase his work at its best. Don’t miss this free event! Everyone is welcome to attend! Please note that space is limited and we will have some refreshments available, so to help us plan, please register before October 3, 2016 by clicking HERE. Those who are not able to pre-register are still invited to attend, however resources and seating may be limited.
Location:
Gallery Hall TFDL
Speaker:
Thomas Meinecke
More information at http://www.ucalgary.ca/events/calendar/thomas-meinecke-reads-his-works-translation