Writers and spirituality

Available for over a year

The neighbourhood of Montparnasse in central Paris has been home to some of the most influential artists, writers and composers of the last two centuries, perhaps nowhere more so than the area around Joanna Robertson’s street, rue Boissonade. In the fourth of her series, Joanna explores the unique role that spirituality and religion have played here, and the influence this has had on some of its creative residents. To this day, the street boasts a monastery, a convent and a Korean catholic church. The area has been home to writers and poets who became some of France's most influential, such as Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud. Was it the spirit of the neighbourhood that turned them into Symbolists? And others into Surrealists? Even those seeking forms of spirituality such as that offered by the Persian religion of Baha'ism, found their needs could be met on rue Boissonade. Presenter: Joanna Robertson Producer: Arlene Gregorius Editor: Sara Wadeson Production coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound engineer: Rod Farquhar