Durban will once again host a number of international and South Africa poets, when the second Poetry Africa festival takes place at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, from May 4 to 9. Some 20 poets will present and read from their work and engage in discussion.
Jamaican-born musician/poet Linton Kwesi Johnson is the opening-night headliner. Well known for his “dub” reggae recordings and socially conscious recitals, this will be his second visit to South Africa.
Touareg poet Hawad reflects his nomadic heritage by making “endlessly moving worlds” from a mingling of poetry, epic, philosophical tales and drama. He has published 12 books in various languages, but his work is always first produced in the unique tifinagh script of his people.
Bei Dao is regarded as China’s foremost contemporary poet, resident in the United States and a frequent Nobel Prize for Literature nominee.
And that’s just a small sample of the international stars who will be present. South African poets who will be there include Breyten Breytenbach, Shabbir Banoobhai, Ari Sitas, Ingrid de Kok and Nise Malange.
The final wrap-up evening on Saturday, May 9 will feature all the poets in a Parade of Poets.
Tickets are R10 each.