The Poetry Africa Festival continues in Durban this weekend, and arrives in Johannesburg next week.
Presented by the Centre for Creative Arts, it takes place at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, University of Natal, and at the Windybrow Theatre in Johannesburg.
At 7pm on Friday June 1, South Africa’s Madala Kunene, Amina Said of Tunisia, Taban lo Liyong of Sudan, Claude Darbellay of Switzerand, Chirikure Chirikure of Zimbabwe and South Africa’s Mazisi Kunene will be on stage, introduced by Lisa Combrinck.
On Saturday June 2 at 10am, John Mateer (South Africa/Australia), Amir Or (Israel) and Remi Raji will hold a seminar at the Unisa Library in Old Fort Road.
Saturday is also an open day for poets at the Sneddon theatre. Poets who would like to perform must register from 11.30am. Call (031) 360 2506.
At 7pm, South Africa’s Vusi Ximba and Sandile Dikeni, Canada’s Sheri D Wilson collaborating with singer-songwriter Syd Kitchen and his band Amakool, as well a parade of poets.
Sunday June 3 sees Poetry Africa in Johannesburg, at the Windybrow Theatre. Among those on stage will be Chirikure, Yvette Christians (South Africa), David Dabydeen (Guyana), Nidaa Khoury (Israel) and Lasana Sekou (St Martin), along with poetic stars such as Don Mattera and Gcina Mhlope. Call 082 968 8955.