CAPITOL FICTION: Book Launch

Text by Silje Ree

Photos by Joy Waller and Zoria Petkoska K.

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Marcellus Nealy’s "Capitol Fiction" poetry book was launched at Bar Gamuso, in Asagaya, on February 27, 2025 and the reading took place amidst the visual poems from the second "Visual /// Visionary Poetry exhibition (ToPoJo Vol. 15)".

Nealy invited the audience to take part in a reading circle of "Capitol Fiction". Everyone read a page each until the end of the book. This created a one of a kind rendition of the poetry as the pages came alive with new interpretations and voices and created an intimate and personal atmosphere. The different voices suited the book's structure, as Marcellus has written "Capitol Fiction" in three different voices, three different personas, three different stories revolving around the same human tragedy that is war.

"Capitol Fiction" is a reimagination of characters affected by the tragic events of 9/11 in the U.S. with a story that is brutal, yet brittle. As the readers read the poems out loud at the event, seeing them for the first time, the pages demanded an immediate interpretation, creating a tension fitting of the work. 

Marcellus rounded up the reading with a short explanation of his inspiration and intention and he reread some of his favorite verses from "Capitol Fiction". His rhythmic performance was powerful and striking.

The night was closed with a musical performance by BeepBeepYeah — Vocalist Herman Bartelen and Guitarist Steve Sherriff.

Note: You can buy "Capitol Fiction" on our website.

Visual /// Visionary Poetry exhibition (ToPoJo Vol. 15) 

February 16 — March 27 at Gamuso, Asagaya. 

The artists taking part in the exhibition were (in order of the photos below): Zoria Petkoska K. with Simon Kalajdjiev, Silje Ree, Ana Jovanovska, Eric Selland and Herman Bartelen.