Somatic Lines: a poetry workshop with Jinhao Xie and Marianne Habeshaw

How does the body remember? How can touch, breath, and movement become language?

This is a two-hour creative workshop exploring somatic (body-centred) approaches to poetry. Through guided exercises, reading, and reflection, we’ll write from sensation, ritual, and memory, thereby discovering how the body itself can shape voice, rhythm, and image.

We’ll take inspiration from poets such as CA Conrad, Victoria Chang, Han Kang, Yoko Ono, and Rachel Long, who use ritual, instruction, and embodied experience as creative acts.

Together, we’ll experiment with: Writing from bodily awareness and sensory detail; Using objects and memorabilia as anchors for memory; Creating instructional poems that blend ritual and imagination; Walking around the Hypha Gallery 3 and experiencing the artworks

This session is designed for writers of all levels. Expect a mix of short readings, free writing, gentle movement, and time for sharing in an open, supportive space.

Please bring:
A notebook and pen; but paper and pens will be provided
A small personal object or piece of memorabilia
Comfortable clothes for light movement

Duration: 2 hours

Facilitators: Marianne Habeshaw and Jinhao Xie

Location: Hypha Gallery 3/No. 1 Poultry London EC2R 8EJ