Can you tell us about this event?
On March 18th and 19th, we will host a celebration of Liu Xiaobo, the imprisoned Chinese writer and activist who won the Nobel Prize last year. The event features performances by Thai musicians, poets, DJs, painters and filmmakers who want to stand in solidarity with Liu and other persecuted artists around the world. Liu is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence for calling for greater freedoms and human rights in China.

How did you get involved?
In addition to being a poet, I’m an editor with the Pirogue Collective, a Senegal-based arts organization. We were approached by Internationales Literaturefestival berlin to organize and promote an event in New York. Since I now live and write in Bangkok, I wanted to put together an event here.

What is your contribution to the event?
Almost all of the performers are Thai, though the readings will be a mix of Thai- and English-language poetry. Each night I’ll read a few English translations of Liu’s poems. On Saturday, I’ll also read some of my own poems inspired by Liu.

What are some of the highlights we shouldn’t miss?
On Friday, Vasan Sitthiket and Kwanchai Lichaikul will create original, “live” paintings while DJ Maft Sai of the ZudRangMa Radio Show spins records. On Saturday, Tul and Pump of indie rock band Apartment Khun Pa will play their own songs, and provide instrumental accompaniment for Zakariya Amataya, winner of the 2010 SEA Write Award, and several other exciting young Thai poets.
Read the full interview online at http://tinyurl.com/5s39y3r