Among the exciting new initiatives taking place at this year’s Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) is the ‘Textbox’, a soundproof booth designed to host poets whose words are transmitted via headphones then simultaneously translated into Arabic shown across a screen. KITAB, the organsiers of the ADIBF, have expanded the ‘Slam Poetry’ readings by popular demand

Originally planned to take place each day from 4pm to 8pm, the hosts of the Textbox, ‘slam poets’ Bas Boettcher and Timotheus, are putting on extra shows as a result of popular demand. Now running from 10am to 1pm and 5pm to 8pm daily, the two hosts will be handling both the technical aspects of this poetry platform and the performance itself.

‘Slam Poetry’ is a form of interactive poetry that is based on performing a mixture of pre-written texts and ad-libbing whatever the performer feels in the ‘heat of the moment’. Depending on how the audiences react to this free form of recital, slam poetry guarantees that each and every performance will be unique and spontaneous.

Guests visiting the Fair have been treated to Bas and Timotheus’ own writing on a multitude of wide-ranging subjects such as love, city infrastructure, IT and the critique of materialism and consumerism.

Children in particular have flocked to experience the Textbox. Bas, who is the creator of Textbox, commented: “It is easy to explain why children are especially attracted to us. They are naturally curious and spontaneous and more fascinated by new sounds and languages.”

Amer, aged 11 years, thought the Textbox was amusing. He said: “I really like the Textbox, it’s very nice. I am enjoying the Fair and have bought some art and comic books, because I like drawing.”

Hadia, 64, felt it was a direct and powerful way to feel the expressions of the performers, blending technology with the senses. “They were talking about a broad variety of subjects and I think it is a quick way to learn and connect to other cultures and their thoughts and ideas.” He added, “We live in Beirut, but my son wants us to come here every year for ADIBF, and we all will happily come again,” she added.