The Frye Festival have announced Acadian poet Georgette LeBlanc as Poète flyée for the festival’s 20th edition set to take place April 27 – May 4 in Moncton.
Hailing from Nova Scotia, Georgette LeBlanc, author of four poetic novels and a recipient of many literary awards. During this year’s Frye Festival, she will present her latest book, Le Grand feu, as well as portray a character that is unique among festivals, the Poète flyée. Under the guise of this original persona, she will write two bilingual poems (presented during the official opening and the closing ceremony, respectively), will visit many schools and host the always captivating Frye Jam.
For Frye Festival executive director Émilie Turmel, the choice of Georgette LeBlanc for Poète flyée came naturally.
“The role of the Poète flyée closely resembles that of poet laureates that can be found in many cities as well as in the Canadian Parliament, where they must create texts that bear witness to history, events and issues unique to their regions. For the 20th edition of Frye Festival, we wished to mark the occasion with a unique and powerful voice, one that can ensure that this anniversary makes an impression in our collective memory. The festival team is honoured that Georgette LeBlanc accepted the invitation!”
A long-time companion of the festival, with a first visit in 2010 for the publication of Alma, Georgette LeBlanc says she is “very happy to be the 20th edition’s Poète Flyée”. She maintains “a great air of mystery and surprise” regarding her participation in various events but promises “a large dose of imagination and discovery”.
Georgette LeBlanc currently lives in Moncton, New Brunswick. Her artistic approach continues to focus on orality, history in all its dimensions and poetry through the body. Her entire body of work is published by les Éditions Perce-Neige.
The unveiling of Frye Festival’s complete program will take place on Thursday March 27th, at 5 p.m., at Aberdeen Cultural Centre’s Bernard-LeBlanc Hall. Entry is free for both press and the public.
