In the Large Cell: A Reading and Gathering

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In the Large Cell: A Reading and Gathering.

In this gathering, Samih Al-Qasim’s poem “End of a Discussion with a Jailer” / <<خاتمة النقاش مع سجان>> will be a point of departure toward a discussion about the uses of art on the outside of the prison: the space the poem describes as the “large cell” in relation to the “small cell” from which the imprisoned speaker delivers his address. In so far as the poem is speaking to a jailer, it is also speaking to many of us. To what kinds of poetics, acts and devotions does an understanding of oneself as living in “the large cell” give rise?

Safa will read a selection of poems, translations, and essay excerpts as an introduction, after which all are invited to respond, discuss and / or share from their own work-in-progress.

Safa Khatib is the author of A Dress of Locusts (Bloomsbury 2025). Her poems, essays and interviews recently appear in Mizna, Poetry Review, Wasafiri and the 2026 Forward Book of Poetry. She is working on translations of Fadwa Tuqan and Lucía Sánchez Saornil.

Date: Tuesday 12th May 2026
Time: 6:30pm
Venue: The Bookish Type, 77a Great George Street, LS1 3BR

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Access Info

The shop has an 8cm step but we have a ramp we can put in place if required.
There is a downstairs bathroom with toilet and hand basin.
There is a range of seating including chairs that are armless with padded seats and backs, armless sofa, bench with cushions.
Face masks are encouraged but not required; an H13 HEPA air purifier will be in use.
On street parking available (charges may apply).
Please email in advance if you have any specific access needs: thebookishtypeleeds@gmail.com

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