Afeif Ismail Literary Works
“The poem is a mirror of the soul, reflecting the silence between the stars and the earth.”
Afeif Ismail
Drawing from the rich well of Sudanese-Australian heritage, Afeif Ismail stands as a celebrated bilingual poet and dramaturg whose creative power transcends linguistic boundaries. With his evocative narratives now resonating in French, Spanish, and German, he fearlessly tackles the complexities of human displacement and liberty. He remains a pillar of advocacy, enriching the arts with his vision.
For over forty years, Afeif has been a transformative force in global letters, earning prestigious accolades for his mastery of the written word. His diverse portfolio of verse and prose has graced the pages of esteemed publications like Westerly, Cordite Poetry Review, and Fremantle Press's Performance Poets. From Mascara Literary Review to the Bridges Anthology, his presence is felt worldwide.
On stage, Afeif’s dramatic works have come to life at venues such as Nexis Theatre and the World Fringe Festival. His legacy includes seven acclaimed volumes of Arabic literature released between 2001 and 2025, including Traps and some Tracks and The River is Another Name for Her. These works reflect a profound exploration of existential mystery, solidify his reputation as a giant of contemporary poetry.
Afeif and Dr Vivienne Glance are long time collaborators in their specialised practice of Co – Transcreation – a process of working that brings translation of texts from one language to another into a new methodology, working with culture and context as part of shared language creation.
Afeif is a member of International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ), Write Local Play Global (WLPG) and PEN, Perth, Western Australia, Afeif holds a Master of Creative Writing from Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia, and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Drama from Murdoch University WA.
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Collaborations, readings, and literary inquiries are always welcome. Please reach out to discuss how we can connect through the written word.
Afeif Ismail: Literary Works