Suad Al Kuwari
What inspired you to start writing poetry, and how have you improved over the years?
In the beginning, reading was the main introduction to writing poetry. I was a child who loved reading very much. I read all types of writing, including stories, novels, and theater. I started writing short stories for a short period, and then in addition to writing poetry written in the local language and Arabic poetry. But all this was at the beginning until I started reading translated poetry. The Indian poet Tagore, the French poet Jacques Prévert, and Shakespeare were the big steps in my entry into the world of writing.
When I started studying Arabic language and literature at Qatar University, my taste for Arabic poetry spread, and I found that I had the ability to practice writing in a more knowledgeable and knowledgeable way because my taste for Arabic poetry and international poetry was diverse. Translators, and communicating together in a distinctive poetic way, have helped me venture out into the world of writing so far.
Can you tell us about the themes or messages you explore in your poetry collections?
There are many topics and messages mentioned in the collections, the most important of which are matters related to Qatari women in the next stage, especially since the collections were published at the end of the twentieth century, when conditions were very difficult in the Gulf region, especially with regard to women’s issues, but after that, social life changed further.
As well as the various social issues that I faced in my previous life, it therefore supports many questions to highlight through writing
You have translated your works into several languages. How do you approach the process of translating poetry to ensure that the essence and beauty of the original work is preserved?
It is the relationship between the translator and the poet through continuous discussion and understanding the true meaning of the text. This helped convey a good translation of the works, and this is what I felt through the translation when I read it, especially since the translators are basically Arabs and know the Arabic language well in addition to the translated language, and this helped the translation to be Close to the original text.
You participated in many festivals and cultural events around the world. How did these experiences affect your writing and your perspective on poetry?
Participation in festivals and cultural events took place after the writing stage, which was the true reflection of what I had already written, in addition to some new experiences that changed my outlook on life and gave me different ideas and a vision for life.
Your participation in cultural activities, such as being a member of the jury and representing Qatar in international poetry events, is remarkable. How do you see the role of poetry in promoting cultural exchange and understanding?
Indeed, I had the honor of representing my country, Qatar, in many foreign participations, and this was a great responsibility that I felt every time I participated. It was indeed a great responsibility, and yet I felt happy because I carried with me the culture of my country and my Qatari identity in various cultural forums, and thus I played an important role in promoting cultural exchange through presence and participation. Yes, poetry has a major role in promoting cultural exchange and creating bridges of cooperation and cultural exchange.
“Qatar is not a national lyric” is an interesting title. Can you share the inspiration behind this collection and what it represents?
Qatar Ghair is a national collection that expresses feelings. I loved to express my feelings towards my country, Qatar, and a group of these texts were turned into patriotic songs that I participated in on the national days of the State of Qatar.
Your recent publication “Complete Works 2021” is a milestone. Can you tell us about the journey of collecting your entire work and what it means to you as a poet?
Between the last poetry collection and the complete poetry collection, more than twenty years passed, and I fell into the problem of losing copies in the market. Whenever I participated in a festival and was asked for my written works, I felt ashamed because I did not have copies of the books, so I thought of collecting them in a collection that included all the previous books.
This is what made me write the full collection and I considered it the first stage of my poetic works
As a cultural advisor at the Ministry of Culture, how do you balance your administrative responsibilities with your creative endeavors as a poet?
This depends on personal coordination between administrative work and creativity, and this has been the case since my beginning from the stage of study, work, and Creativity. And life in general, I think it is natural that your job position helps you to be creative.
Can you share any upcoming projects or goals you have in your writing career or involvement in cultural activities?
Of course, I still participate in local events as an employee in the Ministry of Culture and a poet, and I have many projects that I hope to establish during this stage of my cultural life, which I will announce at the appropriate time.
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring poets who are just starting their journey in the world of poetry?
Reading is the true gateway to knowledge, so I always advise reading, especially the culture of different peoples, because this will give new poets culture, awareness, and the beautiful ideas that are stored in memory will come out when writing and will be the basic material for them in writing.
Interview by: Ana Stjelja
Photo: Private archive
Comments