Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 10 November 2000 — Page 22

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THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2000

The 43rd Annual Ebony Fashion Fair The 43rd Annual Ebony Fashion Fair for 2000/2001 presents the theme: Fashion Sensation at the Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome on Nov. 25 at 8:00 p.m. This event is sponsored by Delta Chi Delta chapter of Alpha Chi Pi Omega Sorority and Fraternity. Tickets are $25. Vying for king and queen are: Brooke Turner, Amari Cox McKinsey Sharp, Syrthra Shirley, Markus Cowan, Marissa Webb, Essence Bynam, Jalen McIntyre, Kenyatta Tyler and Tiara Hampton.

Writers flock to birthday of influential African author

By ROBIN McDOWELL ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N. Y (AP) — Authors, scholars and political activists flocked to this sleepy college town for a weekend celebration of the 70th birthday of the man widely regarded as the patriarch of the modem African novel. From his wheelchair, Chinua Achebe nodded and smiled as Nobel laureates in literature Toni Morrison and Wole Soyinka joined dozens of others in exploring the Nigerian writer’s literary and political influence over four decades. Author of five novels _ including “No Longer at Ease,” “Arrow of God,” and his most recent “Home and Exile” _ he also has published two volumes of poetry, five children’s books and numerous short stories and critical essays. Some came from Africa and Europe for the two-day conference at Bard College, on the Hudson River 90 miles north of New York City. “He is one who has brought Africa to the world,” former South African president Nelson Mandela said in a videotaped message. Mandela said that while he was a political prisoner he often sought out Achebe’s works describing Nigeria before and after its encounter with European colonialism. The books’ characters were like brothers, sisters and neighbors, Mandela said, who “embodied the spirit of our people, their ability to withstand frustration and defy domination, to love life.” Through Achebe, Mandela said, “the prison walls fell down.” Achebe came to the United States in 1990 after he was paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident in Lagos. He would like to return home, but inadequate health care in Nigeria prevents him from doing so. His stories still are about Nigeria, and the dusty road in his town where “every villager, dead or alive has walked.” “If I made a different choice I probably would be just as happy. But what I like to write about isn’t really around here,” he said.

Achebe left Nigeria several times during the military dictatorship of Gen. Sani Abacha, when many writers fled persecution. But he says elections in 1999 that ushered in the nation’s first civilian leader in 15 years offer a new chance for peace. “I think we are coming to the end of our worst patch in our trouble,” he said. “It’s not the end, but there’s an opening.” He feels fortunate to have found a home in New York. For the past decade Achebe has been a faculty member at Bard, a liberal arts school . with just 1,500 students, teaching literature to undergraduates. “You communicate with people, you communicate with ydung people, that’s very, very, very enriching,” he said during a questionanswer sessions with Morrison. The book that ignited the most discussion at the weekend conference was “Things Fall Apart,” which tells the story of the Igbo people of eastern Nigeria just before British arrival. 1 . i Published in 1958, it was the first African novel to enjoy a wide international audience, selling over 10 million copies and being translated into more than 50 languages. The book was successful because it “transcended the arrogance of colonialism,” said Leon Botstein, the president of Bard. “As a young student I read some appalling novels about Africa and decided the story we had to tell couldn’t be told by anyone else no matter how gifted or talented,” said Ngugi wa Thiong’o, a novelist, playwright and essayist from Kenya. “Achebe challenged us to become messengers of Africa.” ' While Achebe harshly judges European colonization, he does not shy away from criticizing postcolonial leaders who have pillaged economies, depleted resources and abused human rights. “He is very politically principled,” said Nigerian Wole Soyinka, who in 1986 became the first African to win the Nobel prize in literature. “Achebe never hesitates to lay the blame for the woes of the African continent squarely where it belongs.”

Welcomes

#5 on Indianapolis Monthly's list ol Best Bets tor the 2000-01 Season.

TICKER on Sale How! Two Performances:

Friday, November 17, at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, November 19, at 2:30 p.m.

A true story ripped from the pages of history, Ballad of Baby Doe transports you back to the American West of the 1800 s. The pioneer spirit, a booming silver trade, high society and politics combine to provide a juicy scandal. Visit the Clowes Memorial Hall Box Office, the Indianapolis Artsgarden, any Ticketmaster ticket center or charge by phone at 317-239-1000.

Eji (ALL Ntw 239-UOO indmwTisopkha Fkwortkrfw—Hwcol317-283-3470trvbftwwwJMyyruri

Time Warner cable to bring travel channel’s Great American Road Ttip talent search to Indianapolis residents at Circle Centre

What: Time Warner Cable. Travel Channel and Volkswagen have teamed-up to hit the road with Great American Road Trjp, a national mall-based talent search. The Great Road Trip Talent Search will choose the most entertaining talent from the auditions held at Circle Centre. These select few will be featured in a 30-second promotional spot to air locally on Time Warner Cable. Event attendees are invited to enter on-site to win a Panasonic camcorder from Time Warner Cable. Individuals who enter will receive a Travel Channel stadium cup as a gift. Attendees are also invited to sign up for the' ‘ Indy Choice Package from Time Warner Cable and receive a Travel Channel Great American Road Trip t-shirt. At the end of the tour, Travel Channel viewers everywhere will get in on the action, as they go on-line at the Travel Channel web site at Discovery.com to cast their vote for the national talent search grand prize winner. The

grand-prizewinner of that on-line vote, which takes place from November 23rd through December 4th, will be featured in a national appearance on the Travel Channel. Who: Time Warner Cable, Travel Channel and Volkswagen Who: Saturday, November 11th, 12:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. Where: Circle Centre 49 West Maryland Street 4th Floor, North End Indianapolis, IN. 46204 Why: To promote adventurous travel!!!!! Contacts: Danielle Bordwin, Travel Channel (212) 715-0696 Angela Rose, Time Warner Cable (317) 632-9077x392 Leslie Swanson, Circle Centre (317) 6815630

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m IRT INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE

by Lynn Nottage Nov 1 to Dec 16 “A heart-felt comedy packed with hopes and dreams." ASSOCIATE SPONSORS 41 Dow AgroSdences National City call 635-5252 or www.indianarep.com SEASON SPONSOR MIL. AimrtatM IMHO Lift humnma Camfimy

Anthem. •• presents

by Charles Dichens Adapted for the stage by Tom Haas

Nov 18 to Dec 24 UASONWONSOM MEljER. MIL FAMSY SUNDAY VONSOt call 635-5252 or w www.indianarep.com YSKm

The Holidays Are Right Around The Circle. Okay, so maybe the Holiday season isn’t here just yet.' But the annual festivities surrounding the Circle of Lights SM Presented by Methodist Group are well under way. Don’t miss the spectacular sight as we flip the switch on November 24th at Monument Circle. And be sure to take parr in the fun leading up to the big day.

COLORING CONTEST Oct 29 - Nov. 18 Kids 12 and under can submit coloring sheets and compete chance to ‘flip the switch"

at the DtiWntown lighting event.

Downtown Indianapolis

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Presented by

♦ Methodist Medical Group *

COMMEMORATIVE ORNAMENTS SALE Nov. 11 Take home of piece of Indianapolis history by purchasing a commemorative

ornament.

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UGHTING INSTALLATION Nov. 4 Watch as the men and women of the

OFFICIAL LIGHTING CEREMONY Nov. 24

Join the nearly 100,000 spectators for the pageantry and festivities of Circle of Lights Presented by Methodist Medical Group.

1BEW install the nearly 5,000 lights required to light the Monument.

For more information on Cilde of Lights ,M Presented by Methodist Medical Group, log on to www.clarian.com/mmg.