Moments from Calabash 2014

 

Jamaica Kincaid at Calabash Photo by DJ Miller

This year’s Calabash audience had the rare opportunity of hearing from the immensely talented Jamaica Kincaid – first in an amusing reading from her latest book, and then in a insightful and engaging conversation with Kwame Dawes. The interchange included Kincaid’s description of the impact the Concise Oxford Dictionary had on her, as the only thing she had to read – punishment handed down to her seven-year-old self to copy out pages of “Paradise Lost” – passing comment on  letters to the Corinthians from “the constipated Paul” – and her request for a picture of the Calabash audience, which she said included the most black people she had ever seen at a reading, proving that black people do read (and write!)

I was also honoured to have been asked to participate in the celebration of this year’s featured book at Calabash 2014  “Heartland” by Wilson Harris, as one of four readers of selected excerpts. It was the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of the book.  Thanks to the Calabash crew for a wonderful opportunity!

An appreciative Calabash audience listening to Jamaica Kincaid
Photo by DJ Miller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kwame Dawes and Jamaica Kincaid
Photo by DJ Miller

Calabash mobile
Photo by DJ Miller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Calabash calabashes!
Photo by DJ Miller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoying the view
Photo by DJ Miller

 

Another view

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Am audience member punctuated his approval with slaps to his drum
Photo by DJ Miller