In celebration of International Women’s Day, an event titled “Female Poetic Voices in Greece and Albania” was held in Tirana, organized by the Embassy of Greece in Albania, in collaboration with the Greek Language Department of the University of Tirana and the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture (HFBC). The event featured discussions with notable Greek and Albanian literary figures, focusing on the intersections between Greek and Albanian poetry, shared poetic trends, and broader literary themes. This gathering also marked the Albanian translation of the anthology The Other Half of the Sky – Greek women poets of the 20th century. The anthology was published in Greek in 2020, edited by Sotiris Pastakas and Stavros Girgenis (Zitros Editions) and was translated into Albanian by Maklena Nika (Toena Publications).

Maklena Nika was a Lecturer of Modern Greek Literature at the Greek Studies Department of the University of Tirana for 18 years. Her academic interests focus on comparative literature, comparing Greek, French and Albanian surrealism. She is the president of the Society of Friends of Nikos Kazantzakis for Albania. She has translated major works of Greek literature into Albanian. She is among Delegates Awards Professionals of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture in recognition and cultivation of Greek Culture. She is the author of two poetry collections, Oxymoron and Nitroglycerin, both shortlisted for the National Literature Prize. Nitroglycerin will be published soon in Greek by Eurasia Editions.

Maklena Nika spoke to Reading Greece* about the anthology, the challenges she was faced with while translating the book, as well as about what makes Greek poetry written by women appealing to Albanian readers, and whether similar poetic trends are observed among Albanian women poets.

You recently translated the poetry anthology The other half of the sky: Greek women poets of the 20th century into Albanian. Tell us a few things about this venture of yours?

The recent release of the Albanian translation of The Other Half of the Sky: Greek Women Poets of the 20th Century marks a significant milestone in the realm of translation studies for Albanian readers and beyond. This poetic anthology, encompassing approximately 600 pages, features poems by 160 Greek female poets spanning from the 19th century to the present day. Originally published in Greece in 2020, it stands as one of the most comprehensive collections highlighting the evolution of women’s poetry in the country.

My journey with this anthology began on a slightly foggy April afternoon in 2021. While enjoying coffee in Plaka, one of my favorite areas in Athens, I stumbled upon The Other Half of the Sky online. The intriguing title piqued my curiosity, prompting an immediate visit to a nearby bookstore to acquire it. This serendipitous discovery ignited the translation project, which received prompt support from “Toena” Publications in Tirana and financial backing from the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture in Athens, facilitating the publication of this extensive work.

The anthology offers a chronological exploration of Greek women’s poetry, reflecting the rich tapestry of voices and styles that have emerged over the centuries. From the pioneering works of 19th-century poets to contemporary voices, readers can trace the thematic and stylistic evolution of Greek women’s poetic expression. This collection not only enriches the Albanian literary landscape but also fosters a deeper cultural connection between Albanian and Greek readers, promoting mutual understanding and appreciation of each nation’s literary heritage.

Snapshots from the event ““Female Poetic Voices in Greece and Albania” was held in Tirana, organized by the Embassy of Greece in Albania, in collaboration with the Greek Language Department of the University of Tirana and the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture (HFBC) [ Photos © Orges Paskali]

Which were the main challenges you were faced with while translating contemporary Greek poetry into Albanian?

In my two decades as a translator of Greek literature into Albanian, focusing primarily on prose and theater, embarking on the translation of this poetry anthology presented unique challenges. While I have co-translated other poetry anthologies and rendered works such as Vassiliki Rapti’s Transitorium and Bathed in the Moonlight, as well as Spyros Ntzouropanos’ haiku collection The Sound of the Leaves, and intermittently translated poets like Nikos Karouzos, Kiki Dimoula, Kostas Karyotakis, and Nikos Engonopoulos, this project was unprecedented in its scope.

Translating the voices of 160 female poets into Albanian required meticulous attention and ample time to individually translate, revise, and edit each poet’s work. I immersed myself in a diverse poetic universe, each poet offering distinct sensibilities and linguistic nuances. This endeavor demanded deep engagement to resonate with the unique rhythm and essence of each poet’s work. After translating each poem, I would reflect on its verses, metaphors, and themes before approaching the next, each time encountering new and profound emotions.

This translation journey transcended linguistic and stylistic challenges; it evolved into a deeply dynamic intellectual experience, reshaping my understanding of various concepts and myths. For me, translating poetry means identifying closely with the poet, delving into hidden symbolisms, and perceiving the poem as if it were my own creation. As a poet myself, I found it somewhat easier to navigate the poetic language of each work while diligently preserving each poet’s unique style.

To illustrate the diversity encountered, just consider Matsi Chatzilazarou and Myrtiotissa—two poets with markedly different styles. Chatzilazarou’s work is known for its bold eroticism and celebration of female sexuality, characterized by a primal and iconoclastic approach. In contrast, Myrtiotissa’s poetry is deeply lyrical, often exploring themes of nature, love, and death, reflecting intense romanticism and emotional depth. Navigating these contrasting styles underscored the intricate layers of meaning and the nuanced translation approaches required for each poet.

Poetry by Greek women poets has not been so much translated compared to that by Greek men poets. Does the translation of this poetry anthology aim to bridge this gap?

In 2007, in collaboration with the old Book Center in Thessaloniki and the Greek Ministry of Culture, I conducted an in-depth study on the translation and reception of modern Greek literature into Albanian. This research culminated in the publication of the volume “…γνώριμος και ξένος… Η Νεοελληνική λογοτεχνία σε άλλες γλώσσες” (“…familiar and foreign… Modern Greek Literature in Other Languages”) by the Centre for the Greek Language in 2012. Throughout this ongoing study, I observed a significant gap: the absence of a comprehensive anthology of Greek women’s poetry available to Albanian readers.

Historically, numerous poetic anthologies of Greek literature have been translated into Albanian, reflecting commendable efforts by various translators. However, it is notable that female poets constitute only about 20-30% of the contributors in these collections. While approximately ten Greek female poets have had their works independently published in Albanian, this does not fully address the existing disparity. The recent publication of The Other Half of the Sky: Greek Women Poets of the 20th Century aims to bridge this gap, offering Albanian readers a broader perspective on Greek women’s poetry beyond the renowned ancient poetess Sappho.

This anthology serves to introduce and celebrate the rich tapestry of Greek women’s poetic voices, providing insight into their diverse themes, styles, and contributions to the literary landscape. By doing so, it enriches the cultural dialogue between Greece and Albania, fostering a deeper appreciation for the literary achievements of Greek women poets.

What is that can make contemporary Greek poetry written by women appealing to an Albanian audience?

Greek women’s poetry boasts a rich tradition spanning 26 centuries, from antiquity to the present, reflecting significant developments in genres, styles, and themes. While figures like Sappho laid the foundation in ancient times, modern Greek women poets began making notable contributions in the early 20th century, exploring themes such as fragmented inner landscapes, silent experiences, erotic and existential pain, and the evolution from tradition to modernism and surrealism.

This anthology invites readers into a vibrant poetic universe, where Greek women poets address a multifaceted array of existential issues, including love, loss, memory, personal identity, the female body, and the tension between personal freedom and societal expectations. Their powerful words reveal profound personal and collective truths, underscoring the universality of poetry and the depth of the female soul. This collection is poised to resonate deeply with Albanian readers, who have historically shown a strong appreciation for Greek literature.

Which are the main themes that contemporary Greek poetry written by women delves into? Are there similar poetic trends among Albanian women poets?

In celebration of International Women’s Day, an event titled “Female Poetic Voices in Greece and Albania” was held in Tirana, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Greece in Albania. This gathering marks the Albanian translation of the anthology The Other Half of the Sky. Esteemed Greek poets Lena Kallergi (known for her insightful exploration of themes such as travel, change, and their embodiment in language and the human experience) and Eleni Douxi (a contemporary Greek poet whose works contribute significantly to modern Greek poetry), both contributors to the anthology, participated alongside prominent Albanian poets, including Natasha Lako (a pioneering figure in Albanian literature, her poetry delves into themes of national identity, personal freedom, and the female experience) and Mimoza Ahmeti (a celebrated Albanian poet whose work is characterized by its bold exploration of personal and societal themes).

The event featured discussions with notable Albanian literary figures, focusing on the intersections between Greek and Albanian poetry, shared poetic trends, and broader literary themes. Additionally, I am working on an upcoming monographic study from surrealist women’s literature, encompassing poets from both Greece and Albania, but not only, reflecting my ongoing academic interest in this area. For me, female poetry is something divine and celestial, like the female spirit, the female mind and the female body. We love, we cry, we miss, we suffer, we mourn in the same way. This is poetry, not only in Greece and Albania, but everywhere…

*Interview by Athina Rossoglou

Read more: Reading Greece: Maklena Nika on Building Greek-Albanian Cultural and Literary Ties

TAGS: LITERATURE & BOOKS | READING GREECE