Literature galore!
Fourth Galle Literary Festival in 2010:
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
With three successful years under their belt, the Galle Literary
Festival (GLF) team is poised to stage GLF for its fourth consecutive
year from January 28 to February 1. This much looked forward to event in
the literary calendar brings together a realm of creativity where
literature enthusiasts meet up with their favourite authors. Those who
wish to indulge in writing can get tips from seasoned and award winning
wordsmiths, and new scribes are also brought to the limelight.
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Edna O’Brien Dinner - Dutch House in GLF 2009. Picture by
Alefiya Akbarally |
Crime writing is the latest addition to the GLF 2010 lineup. Renowned
detective writer Ian Rankin will visit the isle to share his experiences
along with arresting new graphic novelist Sarnath Banerjee will train
the participants in making their own comic books. Author Gillian Slovo,
whose latest piece of work is set in Sri Lankan soil, will take on the
topic of growing up in South Africa.
Poets Wendy Cope and Jackie Kay will recite lively poetry to
listeners over afternoon tea. Gratiaen award winner Shehan Karunatilaka
will unfurl ideas on his novel in manuscript and celebrated children's
writer Sybil Wettasinghe will recollect episodes from her childhood
based on Galle's golden landscapes.
Historian Antony Beevor will focus on the rise of conspiracy theories
and playwright cum novelist Michael Frayn takes up the topic of fiction
in historic setting. The festival will also feature some of the top
names in South Asian literature such as Mohammed Hanif, Rana Dasgupta
and Amit Varma along with far-famed Sri Lankan writers Michelle de
Kretser, Shyam Selvadurai and Ru Freeman.
"Writers who speak on an unusual and contemporary aspect will be
included in this year's festival. The children's festival will have an
island theme, drawing its inspiration from Martin Wickramasinghe's
popular children's novel Madol Doova, merged with the detective theme
from the main festival.," said GLF director Sunila Galappatti.
Interestingly GLF 2010 will set stage for the country's sterling
performing artistes. The Ravibandu Vidyapati Drum Ensemble and the
Chitrasena Dance Company will enthrall local and international audiences
with their performances while the Chamber Music Society of Colombo will
once again fill the Dutch Reformed Church with harmonious tunes.
A new addition to the festival is a day of activities especially
dedicated for schoolchildren. Students from rural schools in Galle and
Matara have engaged in workshops which aim to promote creative writing
and reading. Writers, playwrights and university academics have
conducted the events for both students and teachers of 25 schools
supported by the charity Adopt Sri Lanka. Discount tickets for teachers
and students are also part of the package.
GLF 210 is hosted by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau together
with the festival carrier Sri Lankan Airlines. Further details can be
obtained on www.galleliteraryfestival.com |
