What does literature sound like?

The 41st International Literary Festival Vilenica will take place this week, marking a celebration of literature with a focus on contemporary voices from across Europe and beyond. The festival, which runs from August 30 to September 6, will feature a series of literary evenings and discussions highlighting the works of both established and emerging writers. Among the highlights is a special evening dedicated to Tone Škrjanec, one of Slovenia’s most recognizable poets, whose work has been praised for its subtle, urban tone and ability to capture the quiet moments of everyday life. This year's festival will open with the Literary Evening titled Doživetja za trenutke vsakdana, which will explore how seemingly insignificant scenes and gestures can reveal deeper truths about human existence. Škrjanec, known for his minimalist style and deep engagement with the mundane, will be featured alongside other notable authors. His poetry draws inspiration from daily experiences, often using a restrained language to reflect broader existential insights. Influenced by American Beat poetry and New York poetic traditions, his work resonates with a rhythm akin to jazz and blues. This evening will emphasize the value of observing small, overlooked aspects of life. On the same night, the Literary Night will present Stefan Feinig, an Austrian-born author who writes in both Slovenian and German. Feinig, who has published novels, short stories, and experimental poetry, will share eight poems from his collection 374. The title refers to the number of a ticket given to job seekers waiting at employment offices, a theme that reflects the social and emotional struggles of modern life. The poems blend critical social commentary with personal intimacy, offering a melancholic yet poignant reflection on the search for purpose. The readings will be interpreted by Urban Kuntarič, while translations will be handled by Stefan Feinig and Adrian Kert. Midweek, the festival will host a session featuring Velibor Čolić, a Bosnian writer who gained recognition early in his career before emigrating to France. Despite initially struggling with the French language, Čolić eventually made it his literary medium, becoming a respected figure in French literature. His works, including Priročnik za izgnance and Knjiga odhodov (translated by Anja Barič Moder), explore themes of displacement and identity. A passage from Knjiga odhodov, translated by Marko Golj, will be highlighted during this session, performed by actor Gregor Zorc. The festival will reach its peak on Thursday with a special evening devoted to Serhiy Żądacz, one of Ukraine’s leading literary figures. Born in 1974, Żądacz is a poet, novelist, essayist, and translator, and the lead singer of the band Žadan i Sobaki. Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he has become a prominent voice within Ukrainian civil society. His writing blends poetry, social critique, humor, and direct experience of conflict zones, often set against the backdrop of industrial eastern Ukraine. His works frequently address issues of identity, war, and survival in uncertain times. Two of his novels, Vorošilovgrad and Internat, have been translated into Slovenian, with the latter forming the basis of the evening titled Gotovosti ni. Throughout the week, the festival will continue to offer a diverse range of literary events, bringing together writers, translators, and readers from different backgrounds. Each evening will provide insight into the complexities of contemporary storytelling, reflecting the varied experiences and perspectives that shape today’s literary landscape. As the festival unfolds, it promises to highlight the enduring power of literature to connect, challenge, and inspire.