Set to return in just a few days, the UAE’s prestigious literature festival boasts a lineup filled with luminaries, marking it as the cultural highlight of the season.
Ben Miller-How I Became a Dog Called Midnight
Celebrating its 16th anniversary, the Emirates Literature Festival 2024 is set to enchant attendees from January 31 to February 6. Catering to a diverse crowd, from those with a penchant for history to avid fiction readers, the festival promises an array of activities where authors will engage and inspire their audience.
Notably, Booker Prize laureate Bernardine Evaristo, famed for “Girl, Woman, Other,” will grace the event alongside Curtis Sittenfeld, known for “Romantic Comedy,” and Rebecca Yarros, the mind behind the celebrated “Fourth Wing.”
Evaristo, a distinguished British writer and scholar, alongside American poet and writer Claudia Rankine, will delve into the transformative power of literature. With an impressive repertoire that includes five poetry collections, two plays, and numerous essays, Evaristo and Rankine will explore literature’s role in addressing race and power dynamics.
For more detailed insights into the Emirates Literature Festival 2024, including featured guests and thematic discussions, further exploration can be found in the source material.
Polly Dunbar-RAWR! A Lion is a Lion
The festival will prominently showcase Arab creativity, featuring Egyptian graphic novelist Deena Mohamed, known for “Shubeik Lubeik,” alongside Palestinian American novelist Hala Alyan, the author of “Salt Houses,” and the celebrated Emirati artist Fatma Lootah.
A highlight of the event will be a tribute to the legacy of Mahmoud Darwish, the esteemed Palestinian poet and novelist. This homage will feature Palestinian poet Dana Dajani, along with contributions from Arab world artists like musician Ammar Ashkar and theatre artist Jad Hakawati.
For Arabic-speaking attendees, there’s an opportunity to connect with Ali Abu Al Reesh, a respected author and poet. His work, “The Confession,” is heralded as one of the century’s most significant Arabic novels.
This synopsis provides a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Arab talent featured at the festival, emphasizing the diversity and depth of the cultural and literary contributions. For a more detailed exploration of the artists and their works, further reading is encouraged.
Exploring the expansive realm of culture, from its artistic expressions to culinary traditions and religious beliefs, the festival will host a pivotal session led by author Aanchal Malhotra, filmmaker Nadir Nahdi, and scholar Martin Puchner, titled ‘How does culture shape our identity?’
This year introduces ‘LitFest After Hours,’ promising an array of evening activities from February 1 to 4, including performances, interactive games, and culinary delights under the night sky.
Additionally, book enthusiasts are invited to engage in Discovery Talks, a series of complimentary lectures covering a diverse spectrum of subjects, from cultural insights and linguistic wonders to the implications of artificial intelligence and the essence of art.
LitFest Families will delight our younger audience, featuring a captivating lineup of children’s storytellers and illustrators from across the UAE.”
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