ART & CULTURE - LEVEL

Step into a World of Words: Poetry Reading Night with Matthew Peter-Carter!
Join us for an unforgettable evening where literature comes to life! Amazing actor Matthew Peter-Carter will bring some of the most powerful and thought-provoking poems to life, immersing us in the beauty of language and emotion.
April theme is ‘Fate or Free Will?‘
Through the selection of poems we will examine the tension between predetermined fate and human agency and will discuss the following pieces:

• That Everything’s Inevitable – Kate Lederer
• Invictus – William Ernest Henley
• The Collar – George Herbert
• Death be not Proud – John Donne
• Superiority to Fate – Emily Dickinson

No preparation is needed—just bring your curiosity and let the words transport you. We’ll not only listen to these masterpieces read aloud by a professional actor and literature scholar, but also take time to discuss and reflect on how their ideas and emotions are shaped by the power of language.

Please, note:

Though the periodisation and characterisation of the Islamic Golden Age is the subject of debate, scholars agree that during the 8th century to the 13th century, the study of astronomy flourished. Baghdad, Iraq became a major center for astronomy, spurred by a new translation movement, especially from Greek to Arabic. This talk will touch on several aspects regarding Islamic art and architecture’s relevance to the field of astronomy across time and space, focusing on material culture that includes scientific instruments, observatories, and the popular decorations of celestial and zodiac iconographies.
(Title from Sura al-Najm (Star Chapter) of the Qur’an (53:1)

Please, note:

This is a series of workshops designed by Azumi Uchitani to explore Japanese culture through the art of calligraphy and language. We will meet bi-weekly, slowly moving from season to season and uncovering new characters, rituals, concepts and beliefs deeply rooted in Japanese lifestyle. Each event we will centre around a new symbol: we will learn its meaning, discuss a poem about it, meditate and experience the power of the concept through calligraphy practice.

### Choice: 選択 (Sentaku)

Life is a series of choices, shaping our paths, defining our journeys, and leading us toward new possibilities. We start April with our Japanese Calligraphy workshop which will focus on the kanji 選択 (Sentaku)—meaning “selection,” “choice,” or “option.” In Japanese culture, 選択 (Sentaku) carries a profound meaning. It’s not just about picking between options, but about thoughtful decision-making—choosing one’s path with awareness and intention. Whether it’s major life decisions, career changes, personal growth, or even daily actions, every choice has meaning and direction. This concept is deeply embedded in Zen philosophy, Bushidō (the samurai way), and the Japanese approach to life, emphasizing mindfulness, responsibility, and the beauty of commitment to a chosen path. Join us to learn the cultural depth and symbolism behind 選択 (Sentaku) and experience the meditative art of Japanese calligraphy.

Please, note: