More than one hundred writers, poets, and wordsmiths will be featured in the 26th edition of the Time of the Writer festival, presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal from March 16 – 21, 2023.
The programme is packed with a range of
live events and online webinars that will showcase both the creative juices of
South African wordsmiths as well as their deep and critical insights into the
state of the nation.
Fakir will also be in conversation with author Sihle Khumalo to launch Khumalo’s latest title Milk the Beloved Country (Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 15h00).
Other authors adding their voices to the debate about the South African state include Ziyanda Stuurman, Christopher McMichael, and historian Zikhona Valela, who will expand the debate and discuss power, justice, and the future of policing in South Africa.
(Right: Luvano Ntuli)
In an online broadcast, radio journalist
Michelle Constant will discuss Writing Through Grief with authors Kumi
Naidoo, Henry Blumberg, Bruce Little and Yewande Omotoso, whose loss of loved
ones inspired their books. Also online, Dr Sipho Sithole will discuss his book,
Maye! Maye! The history & heritage of the Kwa Mai Mai Market, with
fellow author Hombakazi Mercy Nqandeka.
Author Zukiswa Wanner will be in conversation with author Siphiwo Mahala live in Durban to discuss the legacy of Can Themba. Mahala's book, Can Themba: The Making and breaking of an intellectual tsotsi. This biography dissects and celebrates the life of an iconic figure of the South African literary world and a Drum journalist who died in exile. His book features unprecedented archival access and interviews with Themba's surviving colleagues and family. Mahala will also be featured at the festival in conversation with celebrated authors Fred Khumalo and Niq Mhlongo.
"Our young team of fresh new curators have compiled a programme that is inspiring, provocative, challenging, but, most of all, entertaining. Through a grant from the National Arts Council's PESP Fund, we have mentored four young women graduates in festival management, and we have given them unfettered licence to curate this year's programme", says Mahomed.
(Right: Abby May)
Head curator Sibahle Khwela, and co-curators Scout Fynn, Nolwazi Nene and Nomthandazo Shandu are on a year-long emerging arts manager's programme at the Centre for Creative Arts.
"Apart from veteran writer Sindiwe Magona being selected as this year's Featured Author, we will be presenting more than 60 per cent women writers and session moderators at the festival this year", says Sibahle Khwela on behalf of her curatorial team.
Some of the leading women voices at this year's festival include Nadia Sanger, Benita Moolman, Getrude Fester, Ashanti Kunene, Vangile Gantsho, and Nadine Dirks.
The entire programme for the Time of the Writer festival will be published on Monday March 6 on the Centre's website: tow.ukzn.ac.za
Participation in the online programme will be free. Bookings for the live events will be opened through Webtickets.
NB: For more information on the Centre
for Creative Arts, click on the advert to the right of this article.
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