GTLF 2021 presents Mikro-cosmos, a literary festival on reaching out during a pandemic

GEORGE TOWN – After observing how the pandemic has driven individuals to isolation, the organisers of the George Town Literary Festival (GTLF) felt it was apt to create conversations about how people, isolated into their cocoons of self-isolation can still, via literature, connect with the larger cosmopolitan area that is Penang. 

GTLF 2021, entitled Mikro-cosmos, will explore how the wilderness and freedom of shared creativity are encapsulated and expressed in the diverse works of literature from the region and beyond. It will also touch on darker, international topics such as colonialism, imperialism, and extremism.

Directed by Pauline Fan, curated by Izzuddin Ramli, produced by Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) and supported by the Penang state government, Mikro-cosmos will feature a total of 71 artists, poets, translators and thinkers from 12 countries.

Notable Malaysian guests for this edition include writer and social activist Marina Mahathir, Sabahan writer Ruhaini Matdarin, Malaysian-Tamil writer M. Navin, and iconic actor Wan Hanafi Su. 

Guests from other Asian countries include Indonesian novelist Eka Kurniawan, Indian writer Meena Kandasamy and Japanese writer Minae Mizumura. Speakers coming from further afield include German poet Jan Wagner, Canadian writer Souvankham Thammavongsa, New Zealand novelist Tina Makereti and Kenyan-US writer Mukoma Wa Ngugi.

Perhaps, the two events that will be the focus of public attention at this festival would be the tribute to the great Italian poet and philosopher Dante Alighieri, and the launch of the fest’s very first publication, Muara. 

In conjunction with the 700th anniversary of Dante's death, GTLF is celebrating his life and work. Also known as ‘The Supreme Poet’ he wrote The Divine Comedy, a literary masterpiece that has been read and studied for centuries.

In collaboration with the Embassy of Italy, GTLF is featuring a discussion on Dante with Italian literature scholar Prof Giuliana Nuvoli and Italy-based Malaysian writer Masturah Alatas, as well as a conversation with acclaimed British-Italian author and translator Tim Parks.

As for Muara, information is still being kept under wraps, and more will be unveiled at the launch during the GTLF weekend.

According to Fan, it is not often that a literary festival publishes a book, but the festival found it suitable to mark its 10th anniversary –  that was originally supposed to be celebrated in 2020. 

Thirty-five writers will be featured in the book, many of whom have been part of GTLF over the years. Once launched, the book will be available at major bookstores across the country. 

Taking its name from the Malay word for estuary, Muara is a passage of fluidity and connection, where the river meets the open sea. In these pages, writers will engage in ideas and imaginings, interpreting the shifting shoreline of our realities. Featuring essays, lectures, short stories, poetry, book reviews, and translations, Muara gathers established and emerging writers from Malaysia, the region, and the world. 

Fan hopes that as Malaysia goes into the pandemic recovery phase, hybrid events can be held during GTLF come November.

Mikro-cosmos will be presented through podcasts on Spotify, similar to what was done in 2020.

According to Penang state executive councillor for tourism and creative economy (Petace), Yeoh Soon Hin, GTLF 2020, held over four days, recorded 11,513 online attendees from 21 countries.

"It proves that no matter physical or virtual, GTLF is an event that cannot be missed.

"With another year of online conversations due to the international border closure, GLTF 2021 will offer a vast and engaging programme which includes a series of specially curated podcasts and videos in English and Bahasa Malaysia," he said. 

The festival is grateful for the continued support from the Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur, High Commission of Canada, Goethe-Institut Malaysia, Embassy of France, Embassy of Italy, New Zealand High Commission, Epigram, Nusantara Audiobooks, Tidal61 and other cultural organisations who identify with the festival’s objectives and vision.

Kinokuniya continues to be the festival's official bookstore. Books by writers featured by the festival will be available there, depending on availability. GTLF remains free for all members of the public. – The Vibes, October 30, 2021