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Álvaro de Campos 125th Anniversary
A celebration of Álvaro de Campos will take place in Tavira from 8th to 25th October 2015. One of the organisers of the programme, Tela Leao, kindly agreed to an interview. The recorded interview explores why this character is of relevance to Tavira, Portugal, what artistic activities will take place and who is involved in the events. Álvaro de Campos was one of the Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa’s heteronyms. Pessoa’s detailed description of Álvaro de Campos, has him born on October 15th, in Tavira 125 years ago. Associations, the local library, that bears the name of Álvaro de Campos, artists, singers, photographers, dancers, actors, performers and writers, are all coming together to celebrate…
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FLIPSIDE in Suffolk
Last year we went to Brazil and one of the highlights of the trip was the Paraty FLIP book festival. This weekend some of that glamour, joy and humour of FLIP, will be in Snape Maltings in Sufflok and I am going to bask in the experience. I received the press release this week and here are some of the highlights. “Brazilian literary stars Bernardo Carvalho, Milton Hatoum and Adriana Lisboa, Ana Maria Machado, Patricia Melo and Ferréz, are just some of the headlining authors taking centre stage in Suffolk this weekend for the inaugural FLIPSIDE Festival of Brazilian literature, Music and the Arts. As they line up alongside UK…
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A few photos from the launch of the Copacabana – Panoramas of Rio de Janeiro Exhibition
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Chris Keil and Jenny Grainer – Writers in Tavira – Follow up
Chris Keil and Jenny Grainer came to Tavira to read in the not to be missed bookshop A Lura dos Livros. Both writers have a passion for their work. Jenny writes regularly for the Algarve Resident and has written for the Portugal News. Her latest article about the recent tornado and the aftermath is here Jenny has a keen eye for what has gone on over the last 30 years as an expat and resident. What was obvious during the book reading and the workshop the following day is that Chris Keil, inhabits a world of his senses. He comes to the Algarve for the sensuality, passion, intensity of this…
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Chris Keil – Author reading and workshop
Chris Keil is coming to Tavira in December! He has kindly agreed to do a reading at Lura dos Livros on Monday 3rd December. He is also going to run a writing workshop on Tuesday 4th December 10am -1pm The workshop will cover, how he writes, how to write narrative, dialogue and much much more, also lots of tips and ideas!! After the workshop people who sign up, will be able to have a 3 course lunch at 1pm at Casa Alexandra. The menu includes one of Marianne’s fabulous soups, wholefoods from the garden (also fish and meat)!!!!! Fabulous puddings! It is a great opportunity. (please see booking below for the workshop, the reading on Monday night is free) Chris Keil…
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Day 3 Paraty
On Day 3, I attended a mix bag of sessions. The first session celebrated the poems of Drummond. In the next session Stephen Greenblatt and James Shapiro, shared their love of Shakespeare. Later in the day, Granta provided the space for two British writers to reflect on what being British means. Two Middle Eastern writers and poets talked a little about the issues for writers in Syria and Lebanon and finally Jonathan Frazen in his slow but thoughtful presentation reflected on what he makes of American culture and why he thinks we should all become bird watchers. Drummond the modern poet was explored by Alcides Viillaca and Antonio Carlos Seechin. Alcides Viillaca began…
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Paraty – Day One
Trying to work in Paraty has so far been a frustrating experience. The main event last night, which was sold out many weeks ago, was not the most compelling experience I had hoped it would be, having read such good things about the Paraty book festival (FLIP). I am hoping today will be better. The organisational issues for Paraty seem to frustrate many of the attendees and participants, which is more than a shame as its obvious a lot of effort has been put into the festival. Last night was pretty chaotic, but I guess, it’s allowed in a Latin culture. Even though it was sold out, there were plenty…
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Paraty starts today
The population of Paraty swells from 35,000 to 100,00 today, as book enthusiasts overwhelm the town. The opening ceremony starts at 7pm Brazil time, which is 4 hours behind the UK and Portugal. The programme went on the Flip website a few days ago and paper copies were available yesterday. The Portuguese are notorious for not providing information and Brazil seems no better. It feels like being present but also being in twilight. There is anticipation in the humid air. Buildings are still being painted, exhibitions erected. There is very little panic given the state of some places although over the constant sound of music there can be heard…
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Poetry and Ageing
The UK Poet Laureate, Carol Anne Duffy, has invited some of the better known poets, to reflect on ageing. Speaking in the Guardian on Saturday, she says, “Our Society. I believe, is turning gradually away from its obsession with “yoof” and “slebs.”“We are beginning to realise that we face, at the very least, an uncertain future, one in which wisdom and experience – and respect – will need to be accorded a more important role.” She carries on to argue that “A good place to start is to read and listen to some of our most distinguished poets and, through them, to assert the importance of poetry in our culture.” …
