Event

The XXVIII Annual West Indian Literature Conference 2009 will be held at the University of Guyana from April 26 – 29, 2009 under the title "Quiet Revolutions in West Indian Literature and Criticism". The conference theme for 2009 is designed to explore, among many other things, the several developments, preoccupations, forms or issues that may reflect "quiet revolutions" in West Indian literature and criticism.

Organizers are issuing a call for papers for the conference. Abstracts of less than 250 words should be submitted by FEBRUARY 15, 2009 to: Al Creighton Tel. 592  222  4923 e-mail  deanseh@hotmail.com OR alcreightonjnr@hotmail.com.

The conference theme for 2009 is designed to explore, among many other things, the several developments, preoccupations, forms or issues that may reflect "quiet revolutions" in West Indian literature and criticism.  Since this annual conference started, West Indian literature has experienced change, sometimes unique and radical, often representing revolutionary advancements, with new areas of study and artistic engagement peculiar to West Indian literature, as well as the inclusion of related forms and pursuits hitherto excluded or marginalised.  These have not necessarily all been recent; some may say the literature has been attended by quiet revolutions throughout its history.

Participants in the conference are invited to consider these:

Relevant areas might be: Film, Performance, Language, Music, Form, Creole, Dub / Dub Poetry, Oral traditions, Orality, Dancehall, Theatre and Drama, in relation to any of: Caribbean criticism;  the East Indian ethos; Comparative literature; the Amerindian ethos; the Francophone and the Hispanic; Folklore; West Indian fiction; Narrative; West Indian Poetry.

Special focus: 100 Years of Edgar Mittelholzer

These "quiet revolutions" have often centred around or driven by Caribbean writers themselves (Wilson Harris, Eddie Kamau Brathwaite, Derek Walcott et al).  Edgar Mittelholzer is a Guyanese fiction writer considered to be himself one of these quiet revolutions. The conference will mark his 100th anniversary in 2009  with a special panel.

Celebrating Wilson Harris

 The conference proposes to honour/pay tribute to/recognise Harris and participants are invited to contribute to a panel on Harris.