A year ago Sally-Ann Murray was the guest poet at a gathering of the Live Poets' Society (LiPS) in Durban...

A year ago Sally-Ann Murray was the guest poet at a gathering of the Live Poets' Society (LiPS) in Durban. Since then she has launched her second collection. Entitled Open Season, it was greeted with great acclaim at the Poetry Africa Festival towards the end of last year.
 
The epic title poem refers to whaling, not long ago one of Durban's staple industries. Those who missed the launch of Open Season, or would like a reprise, can catch her at LiPS' next meeting - 6pm Tuesday 29 May in the Quarterdeck of Point Yacht Club (from where you can actually see the site of the defunct whaling station).
 
High Praise
Sally-Ann Murray's debut collection Shifting (1992) won the Sanlam and Arthur Nortje/Vita Awards. It seems Open Season is destined for similar accolades. Says Michael Chapman, UKZN Dean of Humanities and definitive literary anthologist and critic, "Murray's distinction is to find the poem in the most unexpected of situations, mingling the unusual image with the 'found' word. This collection presents a contemporary South African voice quite unlike any other." The collection will be available at the meeting at the giveaway price of R60.
 
Meet the Challenge
Sally-Ann Murray is an Associate Professor of English at UKZN. An extraordinarily high achiever, she has nominated "Extra/ordinary" as the evening's theme. Those with poems, which could be linked to this challenging subject are welcome to present them. Then in the Poet Pourri session, poems on any topic may be aired.
 
Entry is free and all are welcome, regardless of whether they write poetry. As there is no booking, seats are on a first-come basis. There is a cash bar, and guarded parking at R5 is available. For more details contact Brett Beiles - 031 266 4762.
 

Poet Sally-Ann Murray