‘Meet the Writer: Antoine Wauters’

In the past couple of years, Antoine Wauters has gained a reputation as the wonder boy among the new generation of Belgian French-speaking writers. He began in 2008 as a poet, but only really attracted attention when he switched to poetic prose with titles such as Nos mères (Our Mothers) and Pense aux pierres sous tes pas (Think of the stones beneath your feet). Last autumn, Wauters achieved his major breakthrough with Mahmoud ou la montée des eaux (Mahmoud or the rising of the waters), winner of four literary prizes and translated into several languages. The book tells the gripping story of Mahmoud as he looks back on his life through the Syrian dictatorship and civil war.   

Ten years after his first visit to Bozar to pay a poetic tribute to Cy Twombly, we are pleased to welcome Wauters once again. During a literary meeting, Wauters will discuss his work and introduce his special guest, the Belgian-Syrian musician Shalan Alhamwy, who will accompany him with his Damast Duo during a musical recital. Two days later, the same programme will be opening the Effractions literature festival at the Pompidou Centre in Paris. During the evening at Bozar, the Dutch translation of Mahmoud ou la montée des eaux will be presented.  

Moderation: Pascal Claude.