Barbara Grenfell Fairhead

Barbara Elizabeth Julia Fairhead (née Grenfell) (born 30 August 1939) is a South African based multi-disciplinary artist, poet, writer, and therapist.

Known for her pioneering work in art therapy and personal transformation, she has made significant contributions to South African arts through her poetry, sculpture, music, and therapeutic practices. She is particularly noted for developing The LifeSpaceGame, an innovative art therapy workshop, and for pioneering Sand Play in Cape Town.

Poems will be read from her upcoming volume “Wind”.

Host: Stuart Payne

Zoom Room: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/89955065083...

Meeting ID: 899 5506 5083

Passcode: 4ucS3b

Thando Fuze

Thando Fuze is a multifaceted creative force, known for her evocative spoken word

performances, thought-provoking writings, and innovative curation. Born and raised in Durban, South Africa, Fuze has established herself as a prominent voice in the literary and performance art scenes.

Founder and Director of Fuze Art, a company dedicated to promoting works by female artists, Fuze's own creative output explores themes of identity, individualism, sexuality, gender equality, and politics, all woven together by threads of love.

Fuze's writing journey began as a means of escapism, evolving into a therapeutic outlet for self-discovery, healing, and linguistic exploration. Her self-published chapbook, Conversations with The Human (2018), marked a significant milestone in her literary career.

A passionate advocate for women's empowerment and youth development, Fuze initiated the SHEfted Minds project in 2016, providing a platform for female artists to showcase their work.

She has also worked extensively with schools and colleges, establishing poetry platforms as safe spaces for young people to discuss social issues.

Fuze's performances have captivated audiences at numerous festivals, including the Goteborg Book Fair (Sweden), Queer Art Festival (Sweden), Poetry Africa (South Africa), and Essence Festival: Articulate Africa (South Africa). Her work has been featured in various publications, such as Home Is Where The Mic Is Anthology, Conversations with The Human, and #Hashtag.

Social Media Handles:

Facebook: Thando Fuze Poet & Thando Fuze

Instagram: @thando_fuze

X: @Thando_Fuze

TikTok: @thando_fuze

Host: Zizipho Bam

Zoom Room: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/89955065083...

Meeting ID: 899 5506 5083

Passcode: 4ucS3b

Archie Swanson

Monday 14 April, 19:30: Archie Swanson is an awarded and widely published South African poet with five collections of poetry, and a sixth entitled winnowings, being published later this year. He is a past chair of the South African Literary Journal which publishes New Contrast, and with Bruce Jack was the originator of the National Poetry Prize. Archie will be in conversation with Douglas Reid Skinner about his recently released fifth collection, at the estuary. www.instagram.com/poetarchie

Host: Stuart Payne

Zoom Room: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/89955065083...

Meeting ID: 899 5506 5083

Passcode: 4ucS3b