Directory 2013-14 Cambridge University English Society A

D I R E C T O R Y

of P U B L I C A T I O N S , G ROUP S & READINGS etc.

compiled by the

C A M BRID G E UNIVERSITY ENGLIS H S OCIETY

C A M B R I D G E

M M X I I I - M M X I V PUBLICATIONS

AVIARY is a small publication, with a limited run, published at the beginning and end of every term. Each edition is hand-crafted and brings together the best creative talents, producing a wonderfully unique visual and literary experience. Many of the features are produced specifically for Aviary, and represent a chance to get one’s hands on original artwork by some of the most exciting young talents in and beyond Cambridge. Aviary is always looking for young creatives, of any artistic expression, to appear on the Aviary website, which is regularly updated with features and artwork. This includes the new ‘Aviary Presents’, which intends to showcase the best in performative, musical or any other form of artistic talent. This year’s editors are Thea Hawlin, Madeleine Dunnigan, Alice Housset and Ella Hubbard. [email protected] www.aviarymagazine.com

CAMBRIDGE LITERARY REVIEW is an occasional print magazine of poetry, short fiction and criticism, edited by Boris Jardine and Lydia Wilson. www.cambridgeliterary review.org or cambridgeliteraryreview @gmail.com

CAMBRIDGE THEATRE REVIEW sends two students to review the first night performance of all student, amateur and professional productions in Cambridge. CTR’s policy of publishing two reviews for every production is designed to stimulate debate, creating a new way of writing about and responding to theatrical events. Our greatest strength is that we are exclusively online: we can be a dynamic, interactive and ever-expanding cultural resource. Our users will post their own event information, request to review online and leave their reviews via the site, leaving our editorial team free to pursue new ways of extending CTR’s reach. Any student (with an .ac.uk email address) with an interest in theatre can review for us. Simply request to review the play of your choice online (go to the specific event’s page or your ‘my reviews’ page to sign up). Tickets are allocated on a first-come-first- served basis; if all the spaces are filled, you can be put on the waiting list so that you are the first one to be contacted.

THE DIAL is a small publication of new writing run from Queens’ College. Anyone is welcome (and encouraged) to submit anything that they have written, so long as it has not been previously published; there are no other formal constraints. The publication takes the form of ink on paper, and is made available across Porters’ Lodges and faculties at no extra cost. There are at least three editions of The Dial a year, depending on the flow of incoming writing. Readings to follow. For submissions and queries of any sort, contact Joseph Persad swift as a spirit hastening to his task (or a face rolled away). [email protected]

HALFCIRCLE is a print poetry journal founded in Oxford in 2010 by Tom Graham and Arabella Currie, primarily devoted to the promotion of innovative and experimental verse. Halfcircle has been distributed in shops and at readings in Ireland, France, America, Uruguay and throughout the UK, and has also organised poetry readings in Oxford and Cambridge. www.halfcircle.org [email protected] [email protected]

Each year, the MAYS publishes a selection of the best and most exciting new writing from students at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, ever since it first appeared in 1993. The anthology is edited by students and is based at the University of Cambridge, published by Varsity Productions. The Mays is broader in scope than most university literary projects: it is sold in bookstores and by delivery nationwide. Each year a guest editor — usually a prominent author, poet or artist — writes an introduction to the anthology. Email president@ varisty.co.uk if you are interested in helping out on the editorial team. Anthology submissions usually open after Michaelmas term.

NOTES is a bi-weekly student journal in Cambridge and Oxford publishing submissions of essays, visual art and creative writing. Its aim is to eventually create a platform for discussion and expression of new ideas within and across the two universities. [email protected] www.facebook.com/notespublication

PAPERS

THE CAMBRIDGE STUDENT is a free weekly newspaper distributed to the staff and students of the University of Cambridge. It is written and edited entirely by a team of volunteers. The Cambridge Student prides itself on being an inclusive organisation. We try not to patronise, and the newspaper's aim is to deliver the best in student journalism. We are the only student publication in Cambridge to have dedicated pages to theatre, film and music. Although The Cambridge Student is affiliated to the University Students' Union (CUSU) we are editorially independent. [email protected]

THE TAB arrived at Cambridge in June 2009 with one simple aim – to provide fast news and entertainment direct to your rooms. We understand that the life of a typical ‘tab’ can be stressful and demanding. By applying a sense of humour to news within ‘the bubble’ we hope a little chuckle can help remedy those woes. Life’s not all laughs though, and at The Tab we are committed to delivering quality news and initiating important debates. It is this balance that makes us different from the rest. The Tab was created by students, is run for students and is the only newspaper in Cambridge operated only by students (although graduates can’t seem to get enough of it!). We believe that we are the true independent university news service. Oh yeah, and we’ve got some values as well. We believe in the power of writing. It is one we offer to everyone, whether it is through our news articles or in our feedback sections – a space where you can share your thoughts. We also love you a bit… [email protected]

VARSITY is the independent Cambridge student newspaper, avidly read since 1947. The paper and website together offer a huge range of writing opportunities, so whether you’re interested in news-reporting, feature writing, poetry, puns, comment or analysis, we’d love to hear from you. Or, if the prospect of sharing your views on the latest cinema, theatre, books and music appeals, try your hand at reviewing. If you’re interested in something, chances are that other people will be too. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have any experience – a lot of people get their start on Varsity. We’re always on the lookout for illustrators and photographers. So, if you want your work to be read or seen by thousands across Cambridge, you know where to find us. [email protected]

SOCIETIES

THE CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY ENGLISH SOCIETY aims to promote communication between those interested in the literary arts across colleges and subjects, and aims particularly to support and connect creative writers. Our creative writing network, Chameleon, provides up-to-date listings of all events, opportunities, groups and regular nights of interest to writers and poets. We also run regular events and workshops; keep an eye on what’s going on across the university by joining the mailing list. In the academic year 2013-14, the President is Phoebe Power ([email protected]), the Vice-President Harry Cochrane ([email protected]) www.cambridgechameleon.wordpress.com

HATCH is a showcase of the best new writing from students in Cambridge: drama, poetry, monologues, sketches, scenes, stories, works in progress. We usually present two sell-out shows per term at venues around Cambridge. Writers of poetry and prose will read their own work on the night, while each piece of drama will be staged by our own acting and directing body. We also produce a pamphlet of all texts included in the show, sold as part of the ticket price and available from the English Faculty Library. Keep an eye on our Facebook group; for more information, contact Georgia Wagstaff at [email protected]

KING’S COLLEGE DRAMA SOCIETY was reinstated just last year by a group of King's students who felt King's College ought to have a thriving drama scene of its own. So far we have had an extremely successful production of Jean-Paul Sartre's 'No Exit' and a sold out monologue showcase which exhibited new student writing, as performed by student actors. The society is committed to encouraging those interested in the theatrical and using its resources to demonstrate original student writing. www.kingsdrama.co.uk

LUCY CAVENDISH ENGLISH SOCIETY / CREATIVE WRITING The English Society runs a termly theatre trip with free or subsidized tickets for members and puts on other events such as international poetry readings, Christmas parties and talks, with plenty of chocolate. All Lucy Cavendish English students are automatically members but any other student at the college can also join.

During first year all English students at Lucy Cavendish are given the opportunity to take part in creative writing classes given by Kelly Smith, a professional writer and ex-English Student from the college. Some of the work produced can be put forward as part of the original composition component of Tripos. Contact Heather Hind ([email protected]) or Hannah Schule-Lewis ([email protected])

NEWNHAM ANONYMOUS PLAYERS is the Newnham College dramatic society that provides funding for in-house or experimental productions. We’re committed to helping students, particularly those at Newnham, explore performance in any genre or discipline from stand-up comedy to dance. If you are interested in being involved in any aspect of theatre or need funding for your production, please drop us a line! Contact Emily Newton ([email protected]) or Britta Tarvis ([email protected])

NEW WORD ORDER is a dramatists’ writing group in collaboration with the Pembroke Players, starting Michaelmas 2012, New Word Order will meet weeks 1, 3, 5 and 7 at the Pembroke New Cellars to share, create and experiment with dramatic writing. This will culminate in a show in week 8 at the Pembroke New Cellars. The show will consist of a series of individual short acts of works in progress from each writer, or a combined short play. There would be a dual emphasis on mastering the requisite skills of dramatic writing as well as considering how to push the boundaries of and subvert dramatic conventions. The group would also be open to those with an interest in the spoken word, such as performance poets. Please contact Matt Lee ([email protected]) or call 07903 374364

PELICAN POETS – This literary club based at Corpus meets on three evenings each term for informal poetry readings and themed literary discussions, presented mainly by undergraduates and graduate students at the college. Meetings are attended primarily by members of the college and their guests but all members of the university are welcome. PP also organizes Poets’ Meetings (see separate entry). For more information please contact Holly Green ([email protected]) or Catherine Oliver ([email protected]).

PEMBROKE POETRY SOCIETY – Open to everyone, we are a friendly creative writing group that aims to bring poets together to meet and exchange ideas. Poems are submitted anonymously on the day of the meeting and then we chat about them in the evening, where wine, cake and poems are always provided. We really act as the university’s poetry society, with members from a diverse range of colleges and subjects, and also organise regular events such as workshops and open-mic. Please contact Phoebe Power ([email protected]) or Harry Cochrane ([email protected])

UCAM PERFORMANCE NETWORK – A UCAM list for those interested in anything which addresses, or is about, the idea of performance. This is a space to interrogate literary critical approaches as much to view performances themselves: in other words, part of the recognition of the value of interdisciplinary approaches to the discipline of English, as well as a community of those who straddle the worlds of academia and practice. Its founders and practitioners are from Music, MML, screen media, as well as the English Faculty, and will soon extend to History of Art and Anthropology. [email protected]

CB1 Poetry has held regular readings in Cambridge for over twelve years, and in 2007 began a major new series of readings in the city centre. We feature well known and award winning guest poets as well as talented up and coming writers from Cambridge and further afield.

Most of our events feature open-mic floor spots, which afford less experienced poets the opportunity to give a two-minute reading in front of a large audience.

Events also offer books for sale, as well as refreshments from the Punter's nearby bar before and after the readings, and during a typically 15 minute interval. The venue is open from 7:30pm, with readings commencing at 8pm sharp and finishing at 10pm. Our standard entry prices is £4 (£3 concessions).

We hope to see you soon at The Punter to hear some amazing poetry. www.cb1poetry.org.uk [email protected]

SPEAKEASY is a brand new spoken word night for Cambridge students, featuring an open slam and brilliant feature poets from Cambridge and beyond. More details about date and location to follow, look out for updates on Facebook and publicised on the Chameleon website cambridgechameleon.wordpress.com. If you have any questions or would like to perform, contact Charlotte Higgins ([email protected])

POETS’ MEETINGS – CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE These evening meetings take place once a term, bringing together practicing poets who live in or around Cambridge to exchange ideas, listen to one another’s poems, discuss them, and talk about matters connected with the practice of the art, in a cordial and open atmosphere. Writers in other fields and practitioners of other arts are welcome, as are all interested students, critics, readers and listeners. Contact Richard Berengarten ([email protected])

THE SHIRLEY SOCIETY is the University’s oldest literary society. It is currently known for its rearguard defence of contemporary poetry, with recent readings from Don Paterson, Lavinia Greenlaw, and Christopher Read. Events are publicised in the English Society and Varsity. [email protected]

TRINITY COLLEGE LITERARY SOCIETY is committed to inviting a range of voices from around the world. We have hosted, among others, Guardian literary journalist John Crace, the Somalian poet Caasha Yusuf, and the American poet Spencer Reece. Talks are held several times a term in Trinity. Email [email protected] to join our mailing list.

FIREFLIES - ‘Telling the truth is a revolutionary act’ – George Orwell All are welcome to the Fireflies story slam, starting on Friday 18th October, held at The Fountain Pub. It’s the first of many story-telling events in Cambridge and the theme for the first is Wanderlust. Come to listen, or to tell a story, or just to revel in the wine or beer, comedy or beauty of the spoken word. See cambridgechameleon.wordpress.com for more updates. Contact Hannah Kaner ([email protected])

unAMERICAN ACTIVITIES INTERNATIONAL READING SERIES unAmerican Activities is a poetry reading series held simultaneously in Cambridge and New York. The series connects audiences and readers on both sides of the Atlantic via live audio and video link. Readings take place in the Judith E. Wilson Drama Studio, Cambridge Faculty of English, 9 West Road, two or three times a term. www.unamac.org

SOME PRIZES

The BREWER HALL POETRY PRIZE is open to undergraduate members of the university and to graduate students of not more than three years’ standing. To enter you need to submit an original poem or collection of original poems in English totaling not more than 200 lines in length. The value of the prize is £500 (although a shared prize may be awarded) and the prize will not be awarded twice to the same person. The prize is adjudicated by Emmanuel College; more information is released during Lent Term by email and on the college and English Faculty notice boards.

The LUCY CAVENDISH PRIZE is awarded to a remarkable, unpublished female fiction writer over the age of 21 who successfully combines literary merit with ‘unputdownability’ in their entry. Participants will need to submit the first thirty pages of an unpublished novel and a synopsis of the rest of the novel (max. 10 pages). For more information please visit www.lucy- cav.cam.ac.uk

The JOHN KINSELLA AND TRACY RYAN POETRY PRIZE is open to those in statu pupillari in the University of Cambridge. The prize will be awarded for an original verse composition in any form, of not more than 500 lines in length. The winning entry will be published in the journal Salt, with the writer’s agreement. The prize will be a single award of £500, though a shared prize may be awarded in the case of two equally appropriate candidates. For more information please visit www.chu.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduat es/courses/english/kinsella_prizes.php

THE OTHER PRIZE will be awarded for an original, unperformed play of any length. Candidates may enter more than one play. The prize will be a single award of £500, though a shared prize may be awarded in the case of two equally deserving entries. For more information please visit www.chu.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduat es/ courses/english/kinsella_prizes.php SOME PRESSES

AREHOUSE Edited by Neil Pattinson and Sam Ladkin. www.cambridgepoetry.org

BARQUE PRESS publishes chapbooks and small run paperbacks of some of the most compelling contemporary poetry you will ever read. Our authors include J. H. Prynne, John Wilkinson, Keston Sutherland, Peter Manson, Simon Jarvis and Andrea Brady. www.barquepress.com

CRITICAL DOCUMENTS - edited by Justin Katko. www.plantarchy.us/home.html

EQUIPAGE edited by Rod Mengham. www.cambridgepoetry.org

MOUNTAIN PRESS edited by Justin Katko, Luke Roberts & Neil Pattison. www.mountainpress.co.uk

Cover illustration by George Cochrane