Can poetry truly influence the world? A symposium exploring the question of lyrical power and relevance in politics. For years, Danish writers have used poetry as a tool to speak about the body, climate, parenthood, health and inequality in society. These works express both anger and despair over those in power, but also a belief that change is possible.
On 26 November 2026, Aarhus Litteraturcenter presents a symposium dedicated to political lyric. Here we examine why poets choose line breaks and metaphors when they want to convey political messages, and whether the words of lyric poetry on paper can change reality or merely reach deaf ears.
Program
- 13.15 – Welcome by Louise Juhl Dalsgaard
- 13.20 – Dan Ringgaard, Professor of Nordic Languages and Literature at Aarhus University, introduces political poetry
- 13.50 – Anne Green Munk
- 14.20 – Luka Holmegaard
- 14.50 – Break
- 15.10 – Ursula Andkjær Olsen
- 15.40 – Panel discussion with speakers, moderated by Louise Juhl Dalsgaard with audience questions
- 16.30 – Conclusion
Practical Information
Location: Teater Katapult, Godsbanen, Aarhus
Date: 26 November 2026
Price: 100 DKK / 70 DKK for young people under 30 and students
The symposium is supported by Aarhus Municipality.
