Jan 9, 2025
Strangers on a Train is a monthly reading series hosted by Langara College's English Department, celebrating 10 years of connecting diverse writers and fostering dialogue across Vancouver’s literary community. Each event features a mix of seasoned authors, emerging talents, and Langara students, offering a unique platform for collaboration and discovery. Despite challenges like venue changes and the pandemic, the series thrives as a vibrant space for storytelling and creative exchange.
In the bustling cultural tapestry of Vancouver, a unique reading series has been quietly forging connections and fostering collaboration across diverse literary landscapes. Strangers on a Train, hosted by Langara College’s English Department, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of rich dialogue and vibrant community engagement. Born out of a simple idea to connect writers from different genres and backgrounds, the series has grown into a beloved institution that unites students, seasoned authors, and literary enthusiasts alike.
The genesis of a unique reading series.
Strangers on a Train began in 2014, co-founded by Langara instructors Heather Jessup and Thor Polukoshko. Inspired by a reading series during his undergraduate years, Polukoshko envisioned a platform where writers from varied disciplines could share their work and spark discussions. The Railway Club, a cherished hub for Vancouver’s arts scene, became its first venue, inspiring the series’ train-themed moniker, a nod to Alfred Hitchcock’s film and Patricia Highsmith’s novel. Instructor Daniel Poirier joined the organizing team in 2018.
Since then, the series has weathered venue changes, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the inevitable ebb and flow of community life. Yet its mission remains unchanged: to foster connections within Vancouver’s literary community and beyond.
Bridging gaps in the literary world.
What sets Strangers on a Train apart is its commitment to inclusivity. Each event showcases an eclectic mix of voices, from highbrow prose stylists to spoken word performers, from established names like Fred Wah and George Bowering to up-and-coming student writers. The series creates a rare opportunity for these disparate voices to share a stage, fostering dialogue between writers who might never otherwise cross paths.
For students, the experience is transformative. Strangers on a Train always includes a Langara student reader, offering a platform for emerging talent. The impact of these moments cannot be overstated; as Polukoshko recalls, one student’s work even caught the attention of Wah, a former Canadian Poet Laureate, sparking an email exchange between the two.
Memorable moments and challenges.
Over the years, Strangers on a Train has accumulated its share of unforgettable stories. From celebrating George Bowering’s 80th birthday with cake at the Railway Club to hosting a makeshift reading in a tiny vegetarian restaurant, the series has shown remarkable adaptability and a knack for turning challenges into cherished memories.
Yet, not every event has been a success. A summer reading at the Heritage Grill drew only a handful of attendees, underscoring the challenges of building an audience. But these occasional setbacks have done little to dampen the enthusiasm of organizers and participants.
A space for growth and connection.
For Langara students, Strangers on a Train offers more than just bonus participation marks – it’s a gateway to a larger world of literary exploration. Many who attend for the first time find themselves eagerly returning, inspired by the quality of the readings and the intimacy of the events.
The series also nurtures ongoing relationships with its alumni. In 2024, former student Marc Perez returned to read from his debut book, Dayo, showcasing the program’s lasting impact on its participants.
Looking ahead.
As Strangers on a Train moves into its second decade, its organizers remain committed to its mission. While finding a new venue for in-person events remains a challenge, the series continues to adapt, with a mix of campus readings and online gatherings.
Polukoshko is optimistic about the future.
I foresee this thing going on for many more years to come. There’s something magical about bringing people together to share their stories and their art.
– Thor Polukoshko, co-founder of Strangers on a Train
Strangers on a Train is more than just a reading series; it’s a testament to the power of community, the richness of collaboration, and the enduring magic of storytelling. For Vancouver’s literary scene, it’s a journey worth continuing.
The next Strangers on a Train event will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 7:00 pm. All events are free and open to the public. See further event dates and learn more about the Strangers on a Train.
