So often, poetic things happen when artists find themselves on foreign soil. Many, many Anglophone writers have seemed to find it easier to let loose in Paris than at home. Paris inspired Hemingway, Stein, and their Lost Generation counterparts. Today, the city is home to funnyman writer David Sedaris.

Through June 25, 2007, this proud tradition is on display at the Centre Pompidou, where curators have celebrated the life and work of Samuel Beckett, the Irish novelist and playwright who called Paris home for more than half his life.

The author of Waiting for Godot and one-time secretary of James Joyce was the consummate expat, seen often at Left Bank cafés debating Marcel Duchamp. The Centre Pompidou’s exhibit includes interpretations of Beckett’s main themes by contemporary artists. Entrance to the exhibition runs €10. Closed on Tuesdays, the exhibition can be viewed from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. (until 11 p.m. on Thursdays).

Anglophone writers brave enough to share their poetry or creative work should visit the weekly writing group held every Saturday at the Shakespeare and Company bookshop.

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