The Classic in Tooting will host Stories, Poetry & Fables of Guyana on Sunday, 28th January 2018, with the following guests.

John Agard, acclaimed poet, playwright, performer and children’s writer, is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry (2012). Born in Guyana, he later moved to Britain in 1977 with his partner, Grace Nichols. His poems cover a wide range of subjects that include ancient mythology, history, Caribbean folktales, politics and environmental issues.

Keith Waithe, award-winning Guyanese flautist, composer, teacher and expert proponent of vocal gymnastics, has also been based in Britain since 1977. Best known as the founder of the Macusi Players, Keith will collaborate with John Agard to produce creative fusions of spoken word, poetry and music.

Rosie McAndrew lived in Guyana from 1968-1973 and worked for Broadcasts to Schools through Voluntary Services Overseas, later teaching at St Joseph’s High School and studying Education at University of Guyana. In 1970, Rosie married Guyana’s celebrated folklorist, broadcaster, journalist and poet, Wordsworth McAndrew, and through him became fully absorbed into Guyanese life and culture. Her memoir, Wordsworth’s White Wife tells the story of her life in Guyana in the momentous years just after independence. Her talk will focus on Wordsworth’s life and works.

Marc Matthews is an award winning Guyanese writer, actor, broadcaster and producer. As a freelance reporter living in 1960s London, Marc was also closely involved with the Black Power Movement and Caribbean Artists Movement. He is a pioneer of nation language performance poetry and will be performing pieces from his own repertoire as well as Wordsworth McAndrew’s, Ol’ Higue.

Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start, running until 5pm. Admission is £5.00 (inc. beverage) Tickets also available via Eventbrite. Guyanese food & snacks will be on sale.

The Classic is at 28 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7PG (on the corner of Fircroft Road) Tel: 020 8767 8372 .

For further details contact:
Rod Westmaas 07848 41134
Juanita Cox Westmaas 07932 222915
Tafawa Ntune 07956 425916