Booked for life

Shruti I L
Always wanted to know how to word it right? Then who better than your favourite author to help you do just that! Lekhana, a literary weekend that the city is playing host to, presents all those of you with a flair for writing, the chance to interact with some of the best in the literature world.
The event, which is in its second edition, is in fact the perfect platform for authors, avid readers and aspiring writers to come together. While last year’s theme was ‘Our City,’ this year Lekhana will focus on the topic ‘Writing for the spoken word.’ “The event looks to go beyond the traditional boundaries of literature and explore writing possibilities with respect to movies, songs and plays,” says Arshia Sattar, an organiser.
Workshops, performances, readings and discussions will be a part of the event that emphasises on poetry, drama and oral histories. An exhibition that will feature the books of participating authors is the other highlight. “From informal conversations under an umbrella to performances by acclaimed artists from India and abroad...Lekhana, this year has something for everyone,” say the organisers.
The launch of Wild Girls, Wicked Words, a collection of selected poems by Tamil women writers; a writing workshop by actor Yuki Ellias; staging of The Dog Log, a play directed by Arundhati Raja ; a panel discussion on poetry translation by Lakshmi Holmstrom; discussions on writing for the screen, songs and plays, influence of language on dialogues and on reporting in India; screening of the film I am Micro and interactive writing and reading workshops for kids are all part of the programme.
The participant list includes the names of Anita Nair, Gita Dasupta, Vanamala Vishwanath, Shankar Rajarama, Abhishek Majumdar, Gautam Raja, Suresh Menon, Asiya Siddique, Prakash Belawadi, Pawan Kumar, Pratibha Nandakumar, Bruce Lee Mani and Vasu Dixit. “I will be initiating a debate on writing for the screen. It is good to know that the writing community is taking cinema as a serious medium. Also events such as these put Bangalore in the spotlight. Given that the city is home to some of the best Indian playwrights and writers, what better place than Bangalore to host such an event. Lekhana is doing good by bringing creators and thinkers together,” says Kannada film director Chaitanya, conveying the spirit of the festival.
Curtains go up on Lekhana today. It will go on till January 20 at Jagriti Theatre, Whitefield. Entry to all the events are free.
shruti.l@dnaindia.net