A snapshot of LitFest Harare 2014

It’s been happening literature-wise in Zimbabwe the last few days as LitFest Harare rolled into that nation’s largest city. LitFest Harare is headed by poet and writer Chirikure Chirikure its Director and Dr Edgar Mberi, a writer, critic, and lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe the Steering Committee Chair. It was supported by the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe, Trust Africa, Meikles Foundation, Harare City Library, the Book Café, the Zimbabwe German Society, and the Berlin Literature Festival.

So what was in store for the residents of Harare who love books and stuff? It was a series of events in venues around the city including the Book Café, the University of Zimbabwe’s Faculty of Arts, and Harare City Library.

Here are some of the hot topics and the people that discussed them;

Thursday, 27 November

Panel at the Book Cafe

A dialogue between the UK-based Zimbabwean writer, Stanley Nyamfukudza, and the Kenyan writer, academic, and publisher, Tom Odhiambo. There will also be a performance from the Bulawayo-based poet, Sithandazile Dube.

On Friday, 28 November

Panel at the University of Zimbabwe’s Faculty of Arts

Writers Ignatius Mabasa, Nozipo Maraire, Robert Muponde, Stanley Nyamfukudza, Sekai Nzenza, Tom Odhiambo, and Zukiswa Wanner in a discussion about writing and reading that closed with a solo performance by Chirikure Chirikure.

Film at the Book Cafe

A film entitled The Farewell: Brecht’s Last Summer takes a snapshot of the life of Bertolt Brecht, the German poet and playwright, in his twilight years, the director attempting to encapsulate his life in one day was screened. It was followed by a discussion about the film.

Saturday, 29 November,

Discussions, interviews, readings, performances, and recitations at the Harare City Library

These included Tom Odhiambo, Ignatius Mabasa, Nozipo Maraire, Robert Muponde, Stanley Nyamfukudza, Sekai Nzenza, Zukiswa Wanner, Michael Banda, Taurai Chinyanganya, Michael Mabwe, Isabella Matambanadzo, Elizabeth Muchemwa, Valerie Tagwira and the group Almasi Collaborative Arts will take part.

The day ended with a handover of Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing’s collection of books to Harare City Library.

You can see more images of the events in Harare at the Writers International Network Zimbabwe blog here.