It’s the write time
ASELECT group of writers from South Africa and Africa will gather for a week of thought-provoking literary dialogue and exchange of ideas at the 18th Time of the Writer Festival this month.
Presented by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) and made possible by support from the National Department of Arts and Culture, the City of Durban, the French Institute (IFAS) and the Goethe Institute, this 18th edition takes place in Durban from March 16 to 21.
The theme for this year’s festival, Writing For Our Lives, calls attention to the urgent continuing struggle of all writers in speaking truth and bearing witness to the times through their words.
Globally, writers are combating censorship when the truth is too hard to swallow, challenging the reader’s perspective and sparking a passion for literature in our youth.
During this activity-rich week, audiences can expect to engage with a multitude of awardwinning writers, from a wide range of political and social contexts, on the creative and technical processes and perspectives which shape their writing.
Evening readings and discussions will take place at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre (Howard College Campus), while free day programmes are spread across Durban and surrounding areas as part of the festival’s ongoing efforts to promote and nurture a culture of creative expression through reading and writing. This includes school visits, a publishing forum and a range of seminars and workshops.
The lineup for this year’s festival is as follows: NoViolet Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Carol Campbell, South Africa; Imraan Coovadia, South Africa; ZP Dala, South Africa; Ousmane Diara, Mali; Dilman Dila, Uganda; Jacob Dlamini, South Africa; Ekow Duker, South Africa; Craig Higginson, South Africa; Mandla Langa, South Africa; Thando Mgqolozona, South Africa; Kirsten Miller, South Africa; M J Mngadi, South Africa; Nthikeng Mohele, South Africa; Given Mukwevho, South Africa; Futhi Ntshingila, South Africa; Sue Nyathi, Zimbabwe; Charlotte Otter, South Africa; Margaret von Klemperer, South Africa; and Mzilikazi wa Afrika, South Africa.
Tickets are R25 for the evening sessions and R10 for students on presentation of a valid student card. Workshops, seminars and book launches are free. Book through Computicket or at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 6pm.