After Catastrophe: Futures Beyond Crisis
Poets, translators and editors explore why we rely on young writers during a crisis and how translation might be just the tool we need for a different future.
When the world seems turned on its head, it’s often only then that the voices of young writers are heard. But what would it look like to work towards more ethical, sustained literary futures?
Hosted by Modern Poetry in Translation editor Janani Ambikapathy, with Leo Boix, Dominic J. Jaeckle and Ghazal Mosadeq, the discussion focuses on translation as a vital practice for imagining futures beyond English and, crucially, beyond catastrophe and a state of emergency.
Combining short readings by invited young poets with a moderated conversation, the panel explores mentorship, editorial responsibility and the process of bringing emerging voices into print.
Need to know
Times & tickets
Dates, times and prices
Dates & times
11 Jul 2026, 12.30pm
Run time
1 hour and 30 minutes (approx)
All timings are approximate and subject to change
Standard entry
from £11 + £4 booking fee
Ticket prices may be adjusted without notice to reflect demand.
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For your visit
This event is held at the Royal Festival Hall Southbank Centre
The Royal Festival Hall is open six days a week.
Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 11pm
Monday, closed.
Plan your visit
The Royal Festival Hall is home to our largest auditorium as well as The Clore Ballroom, National Poetry Library, Members’ Lounge, Festival Bar & Kitchen, Ballroom Cafe and Skylon restaurant.
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Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
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All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
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On Level 2 of our Royal Festival Hall you can grab a slice of life by the Thames with drinks and freshly made pizza at our Festival Bar & Kitchen which opens out onto our Riverside Terrace. You can grab a coffee and a slice of freshly made cake from our Ballroom Cafe. Or alternatively enjoy destination dining in the restaurant at Skylon.
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.