“Inner Exile. A Literary Approach”

Annual Manuel Irujo Lecture 2025 / Wednesday 26th March / 4pm / Walbank Lecture Theatre, 8-14 Abercromby Square / Online

Abstract:

Northern Basque writer Itxaro Borda will explore the concept of inner exile, a state experienced by both migrants and those rooted in their homeland, whether intentionally or unintentionally. People often find themselves in this uncomfortable space when the surrounding socio-political situation becomes tense or deteriorates. At times, one may experience exile within their own homeland, such as when their language is used in diglossic conditions—Borda's first language is Basque, and she only began speaking French when she started school at the age of six. This withdrawal into oneself is often viewed negatively, but it can also provide a space for solidifying thoughts before reaching out to others. Borda will present various examples from literature, theatre, and poetry to illustrate this concept.

 

Speaker:
Born in Bayonne (Northern Basque Country, France) in 1959, Itxaro Borda holds a degree in History and worked as a postal worker until her retirement two years ago. She began writing at a young age and was involved in the creation of the Maiatz literary magazine. In 2002, she won the Euskadi Literature Prize for her novel 100% Basque. She is known for creating the character of Amaia Ezpeldoi, a lesbian detective. Among her last publications, in 2022 she published Uhartearen mugetan with the Maiatz publishing house, and in 2024 she released the poetry collection Itzalen tektonika with Susa and the adventure novel Martin, Basque dans le nouveau monde in French with Cairn Editions. Borda has written lyrics for several Basque singers and has participated in numerous collective writing projects.