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Do you find yourself thinking about people or places that are no longer part of your everyday life? Or lingering in that space between geographies, cultures, religions, ideas, identities?
The Portuguese have the word ‘saudade’ to capture this feeling of inexplicable missing or longing. The Latin word ‘liminal’ references the ‘threshold’ between known and unknown spaces. Deep creativity manifests when the ache of missing meets the impulse to discover. Join us in Bwejuu, Zanzibar this January 2018 for a women writers workshop exploring that rich space within where saudade thrives and liminality is embraced. Over three nights and two and a half days, we’ll generate and share creative nonfiction and poetry inspired by real or imagined relationships between people and places. Wake up steps from the Indian Ocean to the sounds of tropical birds and go to sleep to the crackle of a communal fire. In between, we'll meet twice daily for two-hour workshops, exploring performance-based and generative, experimental writing exercises that takes us out of our 'comfort-zones' and into new territories as writers and storytellers. There will also be plenty of time for sharing delicious buffet meals featuring locally-sourced and home-grown fruits, veggies, seafood, meats, fresh juices and smoothies. The nearby beach is ideal for long walks, runs or self-directed meditations. Bwejuu is a small, quiet fishing village located along the shores of the Indian Ocean on the East Coast of Zanzibar. Led by Amanda Leigh Lichtenstein (Zanzibar / USA) and Carolyn Defrin (UK / USA), this writing retreat will focus on generating new creative writing and sharing it in a supportive, relaxed community of writers. Together, Amanda and Carolyn bring over 40+ years of experience teaching and producing creative writing, performance and devised theater in a wide range of diverse communities in the US, UK, and East Africa. Language of Instruction: English SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE: (Flexible)
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When: Thursday-Sunday, January 18-21, 2018
Where: Mustapha's Place, Bwejuu, Zanzibar, East Coast Who: Open to up to 10 women-identified writers of all levels of experience and ages (21+) Languages: English Materials: notebook, your favorite pen/pencil (or a laptop) & a desire to write ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED: Please inquire within for limited last-minute spots! Full payment required. FEES600 USD (Private Room w/ ENSUITE bathroom/hot water)*
520 USD (Shared Room w/ COMMUNAL bathroom/hot water)* DEADLINE EXTENDED: DECEMBER 18, 2017 *50 USD off for East African citizens WHAT'S INCLUDEDPick up / Drop Off (ferry or airport)
Unique Artist-Built Accommodations (3 nights) + Mosquito Net / Fan Access to Public Pool / Lounge Chairs Wifi / Internet in the Lounge Delicious, Locally-Sourced Meals: 3 dinners, 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches (lunch & dinner buffet style) 10 Hours of Writing Workshops (filtered water & coffee/tea) Curated & Diverse Reading Pack One-Hour Mentor Meeting Follow-Up Online (within 2 months, optional) FAQ'SWhy Zanzibar?
The islands of Zanzibar offer aspiring writers and thinkers the space and time to unwind, detach from the grind, and focus inward on the stories we’re meant to tell. Situated off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar’s breathtaking views, healing waters, and ancient histories transport travelers and seekers who find their way to these shores. The main language in Zanzibar is Swahili and the dominant religion and culture is Islam. Please note that modest dress is encouraged while walking through villages or in Stone Town, the main cultural capital and World Heritage Site. Why Mustapha’s Place? Mustapha’s Place is about the luxury of nature. Wake up in a coral-walled bungalow surrounded by vibrant bougainvillea and fragrant frangipani in this sanctuary of calm. Walk down to the breathtaking turquoise ocean and soft white sands of Bwejuu beach, just steps away. Swing in a hammock, listen to the birds, commune with the chameleons, take a dip in the pool. This is one of the oldest locally-owned lodges on the East Coast where peace, love and unity reign supreme. This place offers the perfect solace and soul a writer needs to think, reflect, focus and write. Why Write? Whether you’re an aspiring or seasoned writer, you know that writing is a way of thinking and feeling our way through ideas, stories, and memories. Writing is a release and a question, a promise and a polemic. Writing invites us into ourselves to take a look around and stay a while. Consider what happens when you devote 10 full hours of writing and creating in the company of women just as eager as you are to write and think with depth and produce creative work full of possibilities. |
