By Paidashe Mandivengerei

ALL is set for the eighth annual international LitFest which comes to life on November 24 and will run till November 27.

The international literature carnival is a space where writers, academics, and readers discuss and critique literature.

The theme for the 2021 literature festival is ‘healing’.

LitFest director, renowned author, Chirikure Chirikure said: “The world is trying to heal. More conversations in dealing with the painful past have been opening up. Some want restitution for colonial plunder and injustice. The wrongs of historic economic and physical genocides that inflicted personal and communal wounds are being called into the light.”

“The global (Covid-19) pandemic, we are still currently grappling with has also brought into sharp focus the need for stronger institutions and common platforms for collaboration on building peace and stability in our world.

“LitFest Harare 2021 seeks to contribute to this pivotal discourse by putting healing, peace-building, and conflict transformation at the centre of this year’s edition.”

LitFest Harare 2021 will include virtual and physical performances from participants across the world with countries such as Ghana, Scotland, South Africa, Sierra Leone, and Germany taking an active part.

This year it will be dominated by online events such as book reviews, workshops, speeches, and panel discussions. The festival will wrap up with a physical gathering at Theatre in the Park, Harare Gardens characterised by poetry, theatre, and a music show.

LitFest Harare 2021 is supported by UNESCO, the University of Glasgow, and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.