Stefan Weidner (Germany)
The Arabic Divan
Pre-Islamic Arabic poetry – a nearly forgotten world literature full of passion. Stefan Weidner reintroduces this literary treasure: from lovelorn romantics (“I speak to her image in the sand…”) to rebellious feminists like Laila of Al-Akhyal, and the Black Knight Antar. Here we encounter desert witches and dromedaries, experience loyalty and betrayal, politics and eroticism. Weidner’s contemporary translations reveal that these 1,500-year-old verses feel as fresh today as a viral TikTok song – unfolding a literary panorama like no other.
Moderation: Michi Strausfeld
Language: German
Entry: €10/ reduced €5
