Mar 1, 2024
I had the great honour of interviewing Jakob Ziguras about his latest and most accomplished book, Venetian Mirrors. Ziguras was born in Poland in 1977 to Polish and Greek parents and came to Australia in 1984. He studied fine arts before switching to a doctorate in philosophy at the University of Sydney. His poetry...
Aug 4, 2023
In this episode, Nelson talks to Stephen Edgar about poetry, and why it springs as much from technique as from inspiration.
Edgar's poetry can be read, listened to, and purchased at: http://www.stephenedgar.com.au/newsite/
The theme song 'Zaftik' was composed and performed by Nelson Rufatt.
Nov 19, 2022
Something slightly different.
The theme song 'Zaftik' was composed and performed by Nelson Rufatt.
Oct 18, 2022
In this episode, Nelson recites two of his poems — 'Bellerophon' and 'For Bix Beiderbecke', both of which were published in the June issue of Quadrant.
The phrases 'a sequence of desolate exuberance' and 'playful
grief', are taken from Clive James's essay on Beiderbecke, in
'Cultural
Amnesia'.
Bix, playing the song...
Jun 30, 2022
Nelson and Peter continue their discussion of poetry, and Jewishness. How do Jewish poetry and mysticism balance ironic scepticism with religious feeling? And what the hell's wrong with rhyme anyway?
This conversation took place between Nelson Rufatt, and poet, teacher, and translator of Hebrew and Arabic, Peter Cole....