Story by Victor Seow
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
THE launch of the fifth edition of the George Town Literary Festival on Nov 27 witnessed the assembly of many prominent men and women of letters and the arts – celebrated writers and poets, top notch moderators and innovative performers as well as versatile singer-songwriters and spoken word artists – from around the globe in Penang.
Held over three days and themed “We Are Who We Are/Are We Who We Are?” for this year, the festival provided the opportunity for writers to interact and mingle with their fans and to share ideas on common issues affecting society.
“The theme for this year is an issue that concerns us all and will not only address obvious questions of identity but delve into topics that force us to look at the human condition in ways that are not always pleasant, looking at how we treat each other, the deterioration of values, the imposition of judgements, prejudices – not just as human beings – but as writers and commentators of society,” said Bernice Chauly, the festival director.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who launched the event, spoke of the wonders of the pen and especially the role played by the many men and women of letters who mould the nation by giving it a sense of direction during times of uncertainty.
“This festival strives to cultivate creativity and an appreciation for literature, encourage freedom of expression and promote a reading habit among Penangites and Malaysians in general,” he said.
“The theme for this year’s festival couldn’t be more appropriate. Malaysia is at a critical crossroad. As we seek to resolve the current crises and shape a new future, we have to contemplate who we are as a nation and what we want to become in the future,” he added.
Also present were Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari and social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir.
Marina also presented Lim with a copy of her latest book, “Dancing On Thin Ice”, to mark the launch of the festival.
Copies of her book were available for sale during the event.