Words Weekend 2019
Ben Okri in conversation with Margaret Busby OBE
Booker Prize winning Nigerian author and poet Ben Okri talks to editor and broadcaster Margaret Busby OBE about his latest novel The Freedom Artist as well as his latest short story collection Prayer for the Living . Hailed as “an impassioned plea for justice” The Famished Road is both a penetrating examination of how freedom is threatened in a post-truth society, and a powerful and haunting call to arms. A rare opportunity to hear one of the finest and most acclaimed writers in contemporary literature, read poetry and talk about his work.
Ben will be in conversation with Margaret Busby OBE, who became Britain’s youngest and first black woman publisher when she co-founded Allison & Busby in the late 1960s. She has judged literary awards, including the Caine, Baileys and Commonwealth prizes, served on the boards of PEN, Wasafiri and the Royal Literary Fund, and collected many honours including the 2015 Henry Swanzy Award. She is the editor of ‘Daughters of Africa’ and its recent companion edition, ‘New Daughters of Africa.’
More info:
Start time: 4pm
Venue: Sage Two
As everyone deserves equal access to entertainment, every event in Words Weekend will be accessible. In addition to the gold standard access provision at Sage Gateshead, all events will be BSL interpreted and there will be a roaming interpreter facilitating conversations throughout the venue.
Words Weekend will post a Social Story on their website for anyone who might find new situations difficult and would like to know what to expect from the festival. Sage Gateshead also offer short familiarisation visits.
We request that everyone is tolerant to the needs of other audience members, some of whom might need to take a break from a space during an event, for example. Lighting will be raised slightly higher than usual, sound levels will be limited at most events and more comfortable seating options will be offered in some spaces. Please remember that not all disabilities or health conditions are visible. If you have any questions please contact info@wordsweekend.com.