In this lecture performance, Lucia Palladino takes us through her publication Callisto and love. The work brings together poetic and theoretical texts about Callisto: a woman with a bear’s head, a writer and a mythical figure. The publication collects her writings, her use of metaphors and her mythological heritage. It consists of a central text, supplemented with appendices, footnotes, exercises, introductions and endings. Based on a writing exercise that forms the basis of the project, Palladino uses metaphors as a form of anti-capitalist resistance.

The central text originated from her earlier project the forest_, in which she developed fictional worlds and languages. In one of those worlds, Callisto appeared unexpectedly. Palladino knew little about her, but felt that her presence was essential: a figure who transforms books into lungs and windows into branches.

The publication also contains a QR code that activates Callisto’s walk and gives access to three audio files in Italian, French and English. callisto and love is a genre-transcending, multidimensional and multitemporal book that interweaves theory, fiction and poetry. It can be read, listened to or activated while walking. It explores language, neurodiversity, imagination, systems, resistance, complexity, struggle — and love.

Memento Festival will be held in Kortrijk between 12 and 29 March 2026. Myriem El-Kaddouri, as Letterzetter (city poet), is the festival’s curator and has chosen ‘absurdity’ as its theme. This performance is part of the festival. There are other performances in the building. You can find the full line-up at www.mementofestival.be.