Everything to Declare:
celebrating 25 years of Wasafiri
Purcell Room, Southbank Centre
Saturday 31 October

Leading writers and performers from around the world join together on Saturday 31 October for a spectacular day of events at the Purcell Room at the Southbank Centre in London to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Wasafiri, the magazine of international contemporary writing.

2.00pm: Ngugi wa Thiong’o on Writing Now

Distinguished Kenyan novelist and critic Ngugi wa Thiong’o discusses the changing shapes of his past and present life as a writer in a keynote address. Chairing the event and joining Ngugi in a wide-ranging conversation about the history of writing now is acclaimed writer and journalist Aminatta Forna.

4.00pm: Writing Across the Generations: Anita Desai and Kiran Desai in Conversation

A rare opportunity to listen to the formidable family duo Anita and Kiran Desai, who discuss the different cultural, historical and literary forces that formed their writing lives, making them the internationally renowned authors they are today. This intriguing conversation will include short readings from both writers and will be moderated by renowned writer Maggie Gee.

The event will start with the announcement of the winners of Wasafiri’s New Writing Prize.

7.45pm: Back to the Beginning with the Word

As a rousing finale to Wasafiri’s 25th birthday.

Hosted by Bernardine Evaristo, the rhythms of Fred D’Aguiar’s Caribbean poetic will mix with the Black British African vibes of Lizzy Dijeh, Nii Parkes, the soaring Indian verse of Sujata Bhatt and the sublime lyricism of Elaine Feinstein. Completing the celebration is the musical duo Sridhar/Thayil, who, in the words of Rolling Stone magazine, “are redefining indie music in India ". This UK debut will transport audiences to Bombay via poetry, New York rap and classical opera in a breathless, foot-tapping myriad of words and pulsating music.

The 25th anniversary issue of Wasafiri magazine is out now, featuring interviews with internationally acclaimed writers plus new fiction, poetry and essays.

Highlights include a conversation with Doris Lessing by Hermione Lee; an interview with Chinua Achebe by Simon Gikandi; an essay by Anita Desai – On Being an Indian Writer Today, and a new story by Catherine O’Flynn.