Writing in the Clouds, Living in the Earth 

Friday 19 April, 19:00 – 20:30 Pigott Theatre and online 

Join us for an intimate evening of poetry and dialogue with acclaimed Chinese poet Yu Xiuhua.  

This event takes place in the British Library Pigott Theatre and will be simultaneously live streamed on the British Library platform. Tickets may be booked either to attend in person, or to watch on our platform (online) either live or within 48 hours on catch up. Viewing links will be sent out shortly before the event 

Hailed as one of the most significant voices in contemporary Chinese poetry, Yu Xiuhua's lyrical prowess and emotive depth have brought her international recognition, resonating with audiences across linguistic and geographical divides. 

In defiance of the stigma attached to her disability, her status as a divorced single mother, and as a peasant in rural China, Yu Xiuhua found her voice in poetry.  

In 2014, Ms. Yu's poem "Crossing Half of China to Sleep with You" catapulted her career as she became an Internet sensation, finding a devoted following among young readers who enthusiastically welcomed her fresh, bold, confessional voice into the literary canon. 

Yu Xiuhua's unflinching work reflects on homesickness, family and ancestry, as well as the reality of disability in the context of a body's urges and desires.  

At this special event she takes the stage to share her evocative poems in Mandarin and English and previews excerpts from the upcoming dance-theatre production Ten Thousand Tons of Moonlight. This features Yu Xiuhua as the lead performer and brings to life her reflections and questions on love, beauty, disability, and the societal expectations placed on women. Created by Fengling Productions Ten Thousand Tons of Moonlight will premiere in Shanghai in Autumn 2024 and is expected to be presented in the UK in 2025. 

Yu Xiuhua is joined in conversation with writer, journalist and poet Yuan Yang, author of the forthcoming Private Revolutions: Coming of Age in a New China. 

Half price tickets available for British Library Members, students, under 26s and other concession groups.  

Bar open from 18:00. Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start time of this event at 19:00.

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