A virtual writing workshop exploring the mourning and melancholia that comes with living in the diaspora.
In 1917, Sigmund Freud wrote an essay called "Mourning And Melancholia" about World War I. Mourning, of course, happens immediately when we lose something or someone. But then there's melancholia that is never-ending; a mourning without end.
80+ years later, David Eng and Shinhee Han, coined the concept of racial melancholia, an ongoing mourning as it comes to our identity. Those of us living in the diaspora never quite properly mourn or get over the losses of our homeland, of our language, of our culture. As assimilation is a never-ending, always evolving process, so too is this sense of loss.
In this virtual writing workshop, we’ll pay homage to that melancholia we feel through migration – however far back that might go in our history.
No writing experience necessary. Only an open heart and an open mind with a readiness to give and receive vulnerability.
We’ve carefully and intentionally designed this workshop to be intimate and jam-packed with writing. We’ll give you writing prompts to spark your creativity in a safe and positive environment. All you need is a steady Internet connection to join us online, some paper, and a pen.
Cost: $40
About Your Facilitator: Justine Abigail Yu
Justine Abigail Yu is the founder of Living Hyphen. She is an award-winning workshop facilitator whose work with Living Hyphen has been featured on international, national, and local media outlets including the Globe & Mail, NextShark, CTV National News, and CBC. She was named a “Changemaker” by the Toronto Star in October 2021.
Justine Abigail is a fierce advocate for diversity and representation in Canada’s arts and literature scene. Her mission is to stir the conscience and spur social change.
Follow her work at justineabigail.com or across socials at @justineabigail.
Location
This is a virtual writing experience. Video conferencing details will be sent after registration.
ABOUT FINANCIAL ACCESSIBILITY
At Living Hyphen, we strive to make all our initiatives financially sustainable while also maintaining artistic independence and ensuring accessibility for our community. Our creative workshops will always have a few subsidized pricing options for those experiencing financial hardship.
Please use the code LETSWRITE! at registration to access our subsidized pricing. If you have any questions, please get in touch at hello@livinghyphen.ca.