Press Releases 2008

American Center Kolkata to Console Disappointed Book Fair Lovers

January 30, 2008

NEW DELHI -- Following cancellation of the Kolkata Book Fair, disappointed West Bengal book lovers will be consoled by The American Center in Kolkata with a festival of American culture from January 29 - February 7.  Prominent American writers, poets, theatre directors and musicians will participate in lectures and seminars - and the public is cordially invited to attend. 

On Wednesday, January 30, noted American writer Paul Theroux will give two lectures at the American Center - "Time Travel: The Return Journey" and "Re-mapping Cultural Narratives in American Literature" - beginning at 10:30 A.M.  Poet Joy Harjo and Christopher Merrill, Director, International Writing Program, University of Iowa, will also speak at the seminar.

Also on Wednesday, January 30, U.S. Consul General Henry V. Jardine will present a grant from the U.S. Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation to the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for renovation of historical structures at Lalgola in Murshidabad.

On Thursday, January 31, Paul Theroux will participate in a book reading program at the Oxford Book Store in Kolkata at 10:30 A.M. Theatre director Brian Russo will read from his play "The Guys" at Starmark, Emami Market, 3, Lord Sinha Road, Kolkata at 6:30 P.M. on January 31, and at the American Center on February 1 at 6:00 P.M.

The Kolkata American Library will organize an inter-college debate on "Does American Culture have a Positive Influence on Indian Youth?" at the American Center on Sunday, February 3, and a multi-state "Spelling Bee" final on February 4.  From January 29-February 10, the American Library will offer a discount of 50% on individual annual memberships.

Other upcoming American Center programs include a talk by Peter Wonacott, South Asia Correspondent, The Wall Street Journal on Monday, February 4 at 5:00 P.M.  Flautist Steven Gorn and theatre director Steve Clorefeine will appear on Wednesday, February 6 at 5:00 P.M., and violinist Michael Braudy will perform on Thursday, February 7 at 5:00 P.M.