Performing literature is the literary event of October 2002, which will gather in Bulgaria leading artists and musicians on the international arts scene. Inspired by the success of last year's Scottish writers in Bulgaria festival, the Performing literature festival will aim to create an awareness of contemporary British and Bulgarian writing and to stimulate the participants into continuing the dialogue from last year. All British participants, among whom Lemn Sissay, Roger Robinson, Piers Faccini and Francesca Beard, are accomplished writers and or performers. The main criteria for selecting the British artists has been their curiosity about performing literature and extensive work with music and the spoken word.

The framework of the event is clear - three performances in Sofia, Russe and Veliko Turnovo. Its target group and aim are also well known - to bring pleasure to the young people who tend to take literature as something live, as something that lives in music. What the combination of original poetry, prose and music will lead to is still to be seen. One thing is certain however - the tour will provide an opportunity to engage the audience in a process of reaction and response to the creative literature.

Ian Steward, Director of British Council Bulgaria, expressed the hope that all participants will leave the festival better informed and challenged by the "intensity and dynamics of the performances". The participants claim that personally to them the process is much more important that that the product and are convinced that this will be a most gratifying experience. And the process, which started with a workshop at the National Palace of Culture, will end on October 5, when Sofia audience will be given a chance to see the result of the artists' efforts.

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