In March 2023, Rima Abdul Malak, then Minister of Culture, had planned to come to Thionville for the Politéïa Festival, of which she had accepted that this first edition on freedom be placed under her high patronage but the social news of the time – the government’s forceful passage on pensions – had decided otherwise. Asked to participate in a round table during the following edition, Rima Abdul Malak was then not available on the proposed dates and with Pascal Didier, president of the Des Mots & Débats association which co-organizes with the City this festival of ideas, the promise was made that the next time would be the right one.
It’s done but it is no longer a Minister of Culture that Des Mots & Débats welcomes to Thionville on Friday June 12 but a reader, passionate about poetry. This joyful and bright idea of creating a Rima Poetry Club was undertaken by the former Minister of Culture, when she was still on rue de Valois. Today, Rima Abdul Malak lives most of her time in Beirut where she runs the major French-speaking Lebanese daily L’Orient-Le Jour but returns regularly to France to continue the great adventure of this Rima Poetry Club because as she likes to say, “the poem helps to face reality.” “. And in Lebanon, the real thing is war.
Each reading becomes an encounter
So this is poetry on stage. A bit in the spirit of the Jamel Comedy Club, but with verses to replace the laughter. The strength of live broadcasts, the collective energy, the desire to move the lines and bring a little gentleness into this chaotic world. It is a fiery, lively scene, which is proposed here where the voices of contemporary poetry resonate. A place of listening and inspiration, open to the winds of the world, where each reading becomes an encounter. For this Thionville session prepared in consultation with Pascal Didier, the Puzzle stage will welcome three poets (Rima Batal, Cécile Coulon, Alix Lerasle), a poet (Louis-Philippe Dalembert) and a musician (pianist Marie Sigal) for an exceptional evening presented by Rima Abdul Malak.
This evening is organized in partnership with the City of Thionville, the Crédit Mutuel des Enseignants de la Moselle and the Puzzle team. The readings will be followed by a book sale and a signing session with the Librairie La Cour des grands in Metz. Free and free entry subject to availability. Reservations strongly recommended: https://tinyurl.com/DMDRIMA. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Bar open and light meals available.
