South African Literati braces itself for an immersive literary experience at 9th African Women Writers’ Symposium
The event takes place at Soweto Theatre and Market Theatre from October 8-20, 2023, and all events are free and open to the public. RSVPs to afroartsurban@gmail.com
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
The literati is again bracing themselves for another exciting edition of the annual literary feast of panel discussions, sharing experiences, workshops and perspectives at Soweto Theatre. This is whereThe 9th African Women Writers’ Symposium will take place from 8 to 20 of October 2023. Like the previous eight editions, this year’s event features keynote addresses, panels, workshops and more on all things literature. This year’s symposium will also witness the the launch of the first ever African Women Writers Literary Award at the Market Theatre in Newtown.
And encouragingly all these events are free and open to the public wishing to attend in person. However booking is absolutely essential, the organisers of the eventAfro Arts SA, directed by Ms Roshnie Moonsammy have emphasised. Moonsammy is at the forefront in presenting a wide range of cultural activities from quality music concerts to educational workshops on poetry, music and literature. RSVPs are to be sent to afroartsurban@gmail.com
The Symposium will kick off on Sunday 8 October at the Soweto Theatre and will result in the launch of the first ever African Women Writers Literary Award. The occasion will feature Nomboniso Gasa and Professor Pamela Nichols from the Wits Writing Centre in conversation, as well as a special talk by Rhodessa Jones (San Francisco, USA), writer, activist, actor and theatre director of the Medea Project: Theatre for incarcerated Women. Jones works with incarcerated women in the USA and has worked over several years in South Africa at Sun City ‘Prison with women inmates’.
Her work is focused on using theatre to reduce recidivism in society. She will be looking at issues around women, love, crime and incarceration: including ‘celebrity’ criminals and societal perceptions. Joining her at the talk will be writer and journalist Naledi Shange, author of Cop Killer, the story of Rosemary Ndlovu. The programme will end with music and poetry by award winning artists such as Boskasie, Muneyi, Marleyne B, Dshamilja Roshani and Torsten Rybka.
The second major part of the African Women Writers Symposium will move to the Market Theatre Auditorium at the Market Square in Newtown on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 October 2023. Writer and academic Professor Barbara Boswell will deliver the Nadine Gordimer In Memoriam Lecture on Friday 13 October, followed by a Q&A. Music, poetry and workshops will also take place.
Saturday 14 October will feature various literary international and local panel discussions on contemporary issues as well as master class workshops.
Some of the highlights to look out for include a talk led by Egyptian activist and feminist Mona Eltahawy on social media and misogyny, a panel on independent book publishing, workshops on poetry writing beyond the stage, on scriptwriting and filmmaking, and much more.
Detailed Programme – 9th African Women Writers Symposium
The announcing of the inaugural African Women Writers Literary Prize of the African Women Writers Symposium with Nomboniso Gasa and Prof Pamela Nichols from Wits Writing Centre in conversation; and a Talk/Discussion by Rhodessa Jones, on Women, Love, Crime and Incarceration: including ‘celebrity’ criminals and societal perception with the participation of Naledi Shange, author of Cop Killer, the story of Rosemary Ndlovu.
Music and poetry by Boskasie, Muneyi, Marleyne B, Dshamilja Roshani and Torsten Rybka.
Date: Sunday 8October 2023
Time: 2pm onwards
Venue: Soweto Theatre
Nadine Gordimer In Memoriam Lecture, presented by Professor Barbara Boswell followed by Q&A, and a cultural programme of music and poetry.
Music and poetry will end the evening
The early part of the day from 12 midday will include masterclass workshops on scriptwriting and filmmaking, writing of poetry.
Date: Friday 13 October 2023
Time: 5pm onwards
Venue: Market Theatre Auditorium / Market Square
RSVP: afroartsurban@gmail.com
Panel Discussions & Masterclass workshops
Poetry Workshop: Poetry and music of Leonard Cohen presented by writer Arja Salafranca and lyricist and musician Sio [10am-12pm].
Panel Discussion 1: Independent Book Publishing with Flo Wellington, Dr Nkateko Masinga, and Gary Cumminsky; facilitated by Shafinaaz Hassim [12-2pm]
Panel Discussion 2: Writing Beyond the Stage for Poetry with Mandi Vundla, Dr Raphael d’Abdon and Indigene Corefio; facilitated by Vus’umuzi Phakathi [3-4.30pm]
Panel Discussion 3: Social Media and Misogyny with acclaimed Egyptian feminist and writer Mona Eltahawy (live link up with a SA panel), Terry-Ann Adams and Thandwefika Tshabalala [4.30-6.30pm]
Date: Saturday 14 October 2023
Venue: Market Theatre Auditorium / Market Square