Events

A hard-hitting debate on issues of gender, class, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, and human rights.

Readings by and conversation with 2019 finalists Jeanelle Frontin, Tamika Gibson, and Diana McCaulay, chaired by Jasmin Simmons, and the announcement of the winner by chief judge Ian Randle. In... Read More

Note: This workshop is full and registration is now closed.  With comics and graphic novels now firmly established as literary forms, many writers dream of exploring the genre — but... Read More

Master calypsonians Black Sage and Brian London debate the theory and reality of equality in Trinidad and Tobago. In partnership with the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts.... Read More

We claim calypso and steelpan as T&T’s “national” musical forms, but what about other genres in which we excel? A discussion on the significance of and prospects for genres like... Read More

Haitian writer Néhémy Pierre Dahomey and Trinidadian Ayanna Gillian Lloyd read from and discuss fictions where family ties intersect with history and politics, chaired by Marie Abdulah. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiQTkNvcnps&list=PLg6BREpAhZH1SMyQXgo-iO1pRDF8zjfFe&index=3&t=0s Bookmark

The Forward Prize-shortlisted UK poet leads a hand-on session exploring the “metic experience,” exploring issues of identity, race, and migration through the eyes of foreigners and exiles. In partnership with... Read More

The British writer and UK Guardian editor-at-large talks to Kevin Adonis Browne about how race continues to shape politics in Britain and the United States. Bookmark

Meet the late, great queen of Cuban music in this fascinating documentary from director Anthony Wall. Co-produced by Speaking Volumes and Lucy Hannah, as part of the Your Local Arena... Read More

Krystal Sital, author of the hardhitting memoir Secrets We Kept: Three Women of Trinidad, talks to Angelique Nixon about her book and the sometimes unspoken traumas that lurk within families. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h8fNzdiQD8&list=PLg6BREpAhZH1SMyQXgo-iO1pRDF8zjfFe&index=4... Read More

Marina Warner (Fly Away Home) and Abigail Parry (Jinx) read from their stories and poems inspired by a rich tradition of fairy tales, folklore, spells and curses; chaired by Shivanee... Read More

The life and times of Brazil’s most popular musical icon, in a documentary directed by Francis Hanly and Tim May. Co-produced by Speaking Volumes and Lucy Hannah, as part of... Read More

The successor to the groundbreaking anthology of African and African-diaspora women writers has its Caribbean debut, introduced by editor Margaret Busby, with readings by TT writers Lisa Allen-Agostini, Alake Pilgrim,... Read More

Celebrating Caribbean LGBTI+ Writing! Join us for drinks, poems, stories, comedy, cancing and open mic! Hosted by Andre Bagoo, Cherisse & Terry Ann (Queer Corner) • Featuring: • Angelique V.... Read More

Three quarters of a century ago, Eric Williams’s groundbreaking historical and economic study changed the way we understand colonialism, the British Empire, the institution of slavery, and the rationale for... Read More

T&T’s eminent writer reads from his classic novel The Dragon Can’t Dance and discusses how its concerns and ideas have remained relevant after fifty years. Introduced by Funso Aiyejina. Bookmark

Contemporary writers are expected to be masterful performers of their own work. But what if you lack the dramatic skills to pull it off? Actor and director Janet Steel leads... Read More

T&T Carnival’s traditional Bookman character never speaks, but he carries a huge volume containing the names of condemned souls. Following our riveting tribute to the Midnight Robber at our 2018... Read More

Our signature event for new and budding writers welcomes young voices to share their stories and concerns. With guest feature writer Amanda McIntyre.  Bookmark

From his childhood in Poland to his adolescence in Nice, to his years as a student in Paris and his tough training as a pilot during World War II, this... Read More

The celebrated Kittitian-British writer reads from his new novel inspired by the life of Jean Rhys, and discusses his life in letters with Granta online editor Luke Neima. In partnership... Read More

Please note that this workshop is full and registration is now closed.  Characters who seize the reader’s imagination: that’s every author’s goal. Celebrated fiction writer and poet Marcia Douglas shows... Read More

St. Lucian writers of two generations, Kendel Hippolyte (Word Planting) and Canisia Lubrin (Voodoo Hypothesis) read from their new books of poetry, rooted in island soil but extending their branches... Read More

Writers reflect on a world where political anxieties restrict freedom of movement for all. With Diana Evans, Yuri Herrera, and Nick Makoha; chaired by Jane Bryce. In partnership with the... Read More

The expertise of T&T’s scientists is a major untapped resource, argues this incise documentary, profiling microbiologist Dr Adesh Ramsubhag, computer scientist Professor Patrick Hosein, and medical researcher Professor Paul Teelucksingh.... Read More

Muli Amaye (A House with No Angels) and Geoffrey Philp (Garvey’s Ghost) read from their novels in which momentous events and individuals from the past influence the lives of characters... Read More

The new book of essays Seepersad and Sons launches with a debate about the legacies of the Naipaul literary dynasty for contemporary Caribbean writers. Featuring editor Vijay Maharaj, scholar Kenneth... Read More

Trinidad was once the 3rd highest producer of cacao in the world and has always been known as having some of the finest flavoured beans.  Even the now concreted streets... Read More

A panel discussion on the art and science of Carnival photography, with Maria Nunes (A World of Their Own), Kevin Browne (High Mas), and Christine Norton (Minshall by Norton), chaired... Read More

This honest, insightful documentary on T&T’s late Nobel laureate profiles the man behind the mask of literary genius. Directed by Adam Low. Co-produced by Speaking Volumes and Lucy Hannah, as... Read More

Extraordinary writers of science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction imagine alternative pasts and futures. Featuring Marlon James, Nalo Hopkinson, Marcia Douglas, Danez Smith, and Karen Lord. Music by Freetown Collective.... Read More

The British author Andrea Levy, who died in early 2019, won acclaim for her novel Small Island, documenting the lives of Windrush immigrants in Britain. Editor Margaret Busby, journalist Gary... Read More

Has the decades-long project of Caribbean regionalism gone stale? A debate on the future of Caribbean unity, featuring June Soomer, secretary-general of the ACS; Adrian Saunders, president of the CCJ;... Read More

Note: This workshop is full and registration is now closed. Sometimes the most painful topics are the ones we feel most driven to write about, but how do you turn... Read More

A specially conceived tour for NGC Bocas Lit Fest patrons, facilitated by The Alliance of Rural Communities of Trinidad and Tobago. Starting with the Library collection to comprehend the complex history... Read More

The award-winning British novelist talks to Lucy Hannah about her books exploring contemporary London with all its contradictions of race and class. In partnership with the British Council Bookmark

Part two of this groundbreaking series, in which writers of today are commissioned to explore the Caribbean’s literary archives and write new creative works. Featuring Kendel Hippolyte, Celeste Mohammed, and... Read More

Enjoy some of the best talent from the First Citizens National Poetry Slam semi-final round, performing now without the pressure of competition, for the sheer love of poetry. Bookmark

Our signature event for new and budding writers. With guest feature readers Heather Barker and Sharma Taylor, both finalists for the Johnson and Amoy Achong Caribbean Writers Prize. Bookmark

As the landmark writing workshop celebrates its 20th anniversary, celebrated Cropper alumni share their work and memories. Introduced by Funso Aiyejina and Merle Hodge. Featuring readings by Andre Bagoo, Rhoda... Read More

The acclaimed Mexican writer reads from his fiction exploring the meaning of cultural and physical borders in the age of Trump, and talks to Granta online editor Luke Neima. Bookmark

Note: This workshop is full and registration is now closed. Sometimes the best stories are the most concise. But writing short-short fiction requires a particular discipline and specific skills. Jamaican... Read More

Claire Adam (Golden Child) and Alexia Arthurs (How to Love a Jamaican) read from and discuss their debut books of fiction, tackling the tricky bonds of family and individuality. Chaired... Read More

The pioneering UK director talks to Lucy Hannah about the celebrated Arena documentary series and his life in film. In partnership with the British Council Bookmark

T&T’s great writer, political philosopher, and cricket enthusiast picks his all-time ultimate cricket team, in this short documentary directed by Charlie Pattinson. Co-produced by Speaking Volumes and Lucy Hannah, as... Read More

Uganda-born British poet Nick Makoha, author of Kingdom of Gravity, and Trinidadian Danielle Boodoo-Fortuné, author of Doe Songs, read and discuss their work with Shivanee Ramlochan. Bookmark

Pioneering dub poet Linton Kwesi Johnson leaves his home in London and travels to Barbados to experience Carifesta 1981. Directed by Anthony Wall. Co-produced by Speaking Volumes and Lucy Hannah,... Read More

The two biggest names in Caribbean science fiction and fantasy share a stage. Nalo Hopkinson, author of classics like Brown Girl in the Ring and Midnight Robber, and Marlon James,... Read More

The Trinidad and Tobago Writers Union presents Folklore: the supernatural and the extraordinary, featuring dramatic readings and presentations by members of the Writers Union of T&T. Bookmark

Words meet costumes and performance in T&T’s traditional protest masquerade. Dedicated to the late old mas maestro Bunny Dieffenthaller. In partnership with the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the... Read More

This acclaimed drama charts the years of exile in the life of famous Jewish Austrian writer Stefan Zweig, his inner struggle for the “right attitude” toward the events in war-torn... Read More

The festival’s centrepiece awards ceremony recognises the past year’s best books of poetry, fiction and non-fiction, and opens with a tribute to the classic novel The Dragon Can’t Dance, by... Read More

A poker-playing restaurateur and former traveling salesman befriends a group of refugees newly arrived to Finland.  Directed by Aki Kaurismäki. In partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to... Read More

The authors of new biographical works discuss how and why we should remember those figures from the past who have shaped us, for better and worse. With Selwyn Cudjoe, author... Read More

Marcia Douglas and Geoffrey Philp read from their works inspired by Jamaican music, and discuss how the reggae spirit infuses broader Jamaican culture; chaired by Julie Harris. Bookmark

Launched in 1979, Granta has become one of the world’s most celebrated literary magazines, and a recognised champion of new authors. As the magazine celebrates its 40th anniversary, online editor... Read More

Presenting a talent-packed new anthology of some of the Caribbean’s best writers, introduced by co-editor Jacob Ross. Featuring Barbara Jenkins, Elizabeth Walcott- Hackshaw, and a reading from the late Hazel... Read More

Eminent author and critic Marina Warner gives a thrilling and insightful talk on the origins of the folk stories we call fairy tales, and why they remain vital today. Followed... Read More

A tribute in song to the late, great calypsonian The Mighty Shadow, with classic tunes performed by his son Sharlan Bailey. Bookmark

Our signature event for new and budding writers. With guest feature reader Rashad Hosein, shortlisted for the 2019 Commonwealth Short Story Prize. Bookmark

Politicians draw borders, and artists transcend them. Writers Barbara Lalla, Shivanee Ramlochan, and Arielle John share newly commissioned pieces reflecting on how their work has been shaped and inspired by... Read More

Nicole Sealey and Forward Prize winner Danez Smith read and discuss their stellar poems challenging ideas about politics and aesthetics. Chaired by Shivanee Ramlochan. Bookmark

2019 awardee Ian Randle discusses his career in publishing with Margaret Busby. Bookmark

Two extraordinary new short story collections by Breanne McIvor (Where There Are Monsters) and Anton Nimblett (Now, After) make their debut. With readings by the authors and a conversation chaired... Read More

It’s 2049 on a forsaken island off the coast of Toronto, where the survival of the islanders depends on young Ti-Jeanne to risk death by a spirit so she can... Read More

As the beloved literary scholar and calypso expert launches his most recent book, writers and calypsonians pay tribute through their words and music. Bookmark

It’s the year’s biggest night of poetry, as T&T’s top performance poets vie for the championship and the first prize of TT$50,000. Continuing with the Game of Thrones motif established... Read More