Free Verse Revolution:

It is a pleasure to announce that submissions are open for our first issue of 2022. Our fifth issue will be titled ‘Issue V: Cassandra (prophecy and deceit)’ and invites writers, photographers, and artists to explore the story of Cassandra in Troy and how its relevance is still felt today, across the globe.

Cassandra was born in Troy (located in present day Turkey) and given the gift of prophecy by Apollo, except when she fell out of his favour she was cursed to never be believed. All who heard her gift of foresight saw it as a lie. Cassandra’s story has always reflected the experience of many – her truth was always denied.

In recent years, we have seen Cassandra’s plight in victim-blaming, in statistics year on year proving survivors do not report out of the knowledge they will not be believed, in the rise of femicide (especially in Turkey, Cassandra’s home), in 2021 being the most fatal year for trans people thus far, and even in the appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. 

The weight of Cassandra’s curse and how it led to the fall of Troy is heavy. Issue V endeavours to be a place for the truth; a place to lift up rather than silence a myriad of voices whether that be through artistic or written means. 

FVR invites you to tell Cassandra’s truth and your own. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, 20th February. Submission guidelines can be found here.