Caroline Bird, born in 1986, is a British poet, playwright, and author. She has made significant contributions to the literary world with her evocative poetry and thought-provoking plays. Let’s delve into her fascinating journey:
- Early Life and Education:
- Caroline Bird grew up in Leeds, England, as the daughter of Jude Kelly, an acclaimed theater director and producer.
- She attended the Steiner School in York and later the Lady Eleanor Holles School before relocating to London in 2001.
- At Oxford University, she studied English literature and served as the president of the Oxford Poetry Society.
- Published Works:
- Bird has published six collections of poetry:
- Looking Through Letterboxes (2002): Her debut collection, written when she was just 15, draws inspiration from fairy tales, fantasy, and romance.
- Trouble Came to the Turnip (2006): This collection received critical acclaim.
- Watering Can (received a Poetry Book Society Recommendation).
- The Hat-Stand Union (2013): Described by Simon Armitage as “spring-loaded, sad, deadly… explodes with poetry.”
- In These Days Of Prohibition (shortlisted for the 2017 TS Eliot Prize and The Ted Hughes Award).
- The Air Year (won the Forward Prize for Best Collection 2020; shortlisted for the Costa Prize and the Polar Prize).
- Bird has published six collections of poetry:
- Playwriting:
- Bird is not only a poet but also a playwright.
- She participated in the Bush Theatre’s 2011 project Sixty-Six Books, where she wrote a piece based on a book from the King James Bible.
- Her radical version of The Trojan Women received wide critical acclaim during a seven-week run at The Gate Theatre.
- Other plays include Chamber Piece and a re-twisted version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
- Recent Work:
- In Spring 2022, her play Red Ellen, centered around the life and work of Ellen Wilkinson, garnered acclaim from critics.
Caroline Bird’s ability to blend poetry and drama showcases her versatility and creativity.