Versopolis Podcast #30: Pub Poetry

Ana Marija Grbić, poet, editor, illustrator and radio host, has spent the last decade shaping the poetry scene in Belgrade. Through ARGH, monthly poetry evenings in bars, she’s created space for the quietest voices to rise, fueled by conversation, community and a bit of beer.

David Braziel is a poet, spoken word performer and digital artist from the UK. With a background in computer science and a career in IT, David now focuses on poetry full-time. A multiple-times slam champion, his performances blend humour, reflection and technical precision.

In this episode, we discuss identity, performance and access. Who gets to call themselves a poet? What happens when poetry leaves the page and enters a noisy, public space? From Belgrade to Belfast, how do you write without pandering to the crowd? Is slam poetry just stand-up with feelings that brings the energy of the rooms down?

David Braziel is a poet, spoken word performer and digital artist whose work weaves together language, voice and visual storytelling. A seasoned slam champion, his poetry has been published widely, and he has performed at festivals and literary events across the UK and Ireland. Beyond the stage, David facilitates writing workshops, curates and presents live events and has served on the boards of several arts organisations. He also creates short poetic films and digital art projects exploring the intersection of language and technology. He is currently studying for an MA in Creative Writing (Poetry) at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Ana Marija Grbić was born in Belgrade, Serbia, where she completed her undergraduate, master’s and PHD studies in literature. She has published three books of poetry, one short story collection and one novel. Her short story collection Srneća leđa (Doe’s Back) received the Grozdana Olujić and Stevan Sremac literary awards. She works as a creative writing mentor, organises the Argh poetry nights and is an editor for the TV show Kulturni centar. She has served on the juries of various literary competitions and works as an editor of both Serbian and international literature for several publishing houses. She has participated in numerous literary festivals and residencies in Serbia and across the region. Her books have been translated into Bulgarian, Polish and German, and her short story collection is currently being translated into Italian. She is currently working on her new novel.