Nestled at the crossroads of cultures, Marrakech opens up to the world differently. By adopting a universal language, it can tell itself and tell the Morocco otherwise, to the millions of visitors who converge from the four corners of the globe every year.
And it is in this spirit that the Marrakech English Book Festivalwhich resonates as an invitation to an intellectual hospitality which complements that, warm and usual, of the riads and gourmet tables. Additionally, the Marrakech English Book Festival allows us to “discover our own English-speaking authorswhile reaching out to writers from diverse backgrounds, who explore Morocco orOrient without giving in to orientalist clichés,” explains Yassin Adnanefounding president of the Festival and whose commitment to culture and multilingualism in Morocco is part of a long-standing approach.
Premeditated wealth
The Festival celebrates the richness and diversity of literature English-speaking by bringing together exceptional authors to Give The Bacha. Among the guests, we find Mehrdokht Believean Iranian-British illustrator known for her works for children, who brings her unique and artistic perspective. Mhani AlaouiMoroccan writer and anthropologist, whose latest novel “The House on Butterfly Street» won the Festival Prize, shares his talent for capturing fascinating and introspective stories. Khalid Bekkaoui et Hassan Hilmyeminent figures in literary research and translationoffer valuable insight into the dialogue between cultures through literature.
Casablanca by birth and heart, Abigail Essor sends a love letter to Casablancathrough his successful novel “As Rich as the King“. Other prestigious guests include Laila LalamiMoroccan novelist established in UNITED STATES and finalist of the Pulitzeras well as Jane Greenemblematic figure of the “chick lit», which brings its playful and profound look at human relationships. Jane Johnsoninspired by Morocco, presents her captivating historical novels, while Fiona Valpybest-selling author, shares her emotional stories. The academic richness of the Festival is embodied by Amira K. Bennison et Fouad Larouiwhose works explore varied themes ranging from medieval history to modernity. Finally, authors like Puneet Bhandal et Hannah Ait-Ahmed offer new perspectives on subjects as diverse as Bollywood and the art of illustration. These voices bear witness to the extraordinary plurality of experiences and stories that define the Festival.
-Stories and ideas
The Marrakech English Book Festival offers a rich and diverse program, spanning three days at the prestigious Dar El Bacha and other emblematic places in Marrakech. From the outset, on Friday January 17, Jane Green gives a conference on “The magic of Marrakech in the sixties”, followed by Mhani Alaoui which explores themes of gender, heritage and class relations in the novel. The afternoon highlights the Moroccan poetrywith figures like Hassan Hilmy, Hassan Mekouar, Hafsa Bekri et Mbarek Srifiand ends with reflections on translation as soft power, presented by Mbarek Sryfi. At the same time, workshops atESAV (Higher School of Visual Arts) of Marrakechet university visits allow a direct exchange between students and authors such as Laila Lalami et Amira K. Bennison.
On Saturday, January 18, visitors can delve into varied topics, from medieval ideas toMaghribi Islamic Empire with Amira Bennisonto the capacity of literature to create cultural bridges, explored by Fouad Laroui. The day also includes poetry sessions, presentations from finalist authors of the Costa Godex Book Award and an illustration workshop for children.
Finally, Sunday January 19 closes the Festival in style with memorable lectures, such as that of Jane Johnson on the incursions of Barbary pirates in Cornwall and their link with Morocco, as well as interactive workshops for children. Accessible for 250 dirhams, with free admission generously granted to students, this event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of literature and culture, but also a step towards a real opening to the world and a nobler cultural influence of Morocco, far from widespread stereotypes.
