The 27th annual "Time of the Writer" festival in Durban is set to kick off on Thursday, March 14, welcoming over 100 writers to participate in a vibrant celebration of creative works.
Led by Dr. Ismail Mahomed, the festival is presented by The University of KwaZulu-Natal's (UKZN's) Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) and will span eight days of live events, book launches, panel discussions, workshops, and readings.
Curated under the theme "Reflections, Resonance & Revival", the festival aims to shine a spotlight on creative expressions and storytelling.
Curated under the theme "Reflections, Resonance & Revival", the festival aims to shine a spotlight on creative expressions and storytelling.
Tshosheletso Chidi Bongwadi, the curator-in-residence for this year's event, expressed the importance of rediscovering the resonance of literature, reflecting on shared narratives, and reviving storytelling for social justice.
Dr. Ismail Mahomed highlighted the valuable perspective that Bongwadi brings to the festival, emphasizing her role in developing opportunities for both new and established writers to be featured.
Dr. Ismail Mahomed highlighted the valuable perspective that Bongwadi brings to the festival, emphasizing her role in developing opportunities for both new and established writers to be featured.
The festival lineup includes esteemed South African novelist, poet, and playwright, Professor Zakes Mda, who will deliver the keynote address, exploring the impact of literature on democracy, freedom, and equality.
The festival will also feature a conversation with political analyst Ebrahim Fakir, queer poet Thando Fuze, writer Angela Makholwa, and a tribute to music legend Dolly Rathebe by author Nokuthula Mazibuko Msimang.
The festival will also feature a conversation with political analyst Ebrahim Fakir, queer poet Thando Fuze, writer Angela Makholwa, and a tribute to music legend Dolly Rathebe by author Nokuthula Mazibuko Msimang.
Additionally, a discussion on gender and identity led by Zibu Sithole, Barbara Boswell, Tessa Dooms, and Lynsey Chutel promises to provide unique perspectives on self-discovery and societal expectations.
"We believe that she brings a fresh eye to our curatorial processes and that she has an enthusiastic focus on developing opportunities for new and emerging writers to be profiled alongside established literary luminaries," said Dr. Ismail Mahomed.
The "Time of the Writer" festival serves as a platform for writers to share their stories, engage in thought-provoking conversations, and celebrate the power of literature in shaping society and promoting social justice.
"We believe that she brings a fresh eye to our curatorial processes and that she has an enthusiastic focus on developing opportunities for new and emerging writers to be profiled alongside established literary luminaries," said Dr. Ismail Mahomed.
The "Time of the Writer" festival serves as a platform for writers to share their stories, engage in thought-provoking conversations, and celebrate the power of literature in shaping society and promoting social justice.
