A communist in the family: searching for Rewi Alley
Elspeth Sandys talks about her recent book in which she tells the story of her “Uncle Rewi” Alley’s life and work in the context of his time. This is a multi-layered narrative that is part biography, part travel journal, and part literary commentary.
Date: Wednesday 8 July 2020
Time: 5:30pm
Cost: No charge. Koha from non-members appreciated
Venue: Taiwhanga Kahau — Auditorium (lower ground floor), Corner Molesworth and Aitken Streets. Entrance on Aitken Street.
A Communist in the Family: Searching for Rewi Alley is a beautifully written multi-layered narrative, part-biography, part-travel journal, part-literary commentary. Sandys travelled to China with other family members to mark the ninetieth anniversary of Rewi's arrival in Shanghai in 1927. One strand of the book follows this journey and she tells the story of her “Uncle Rewi’s” early life in an insightful meditation on the complex and always elusive relationship between memory and writing. By placing the man, Rewi Alley, and his work in the context of his time and place, Elspeth is able to illuminate the life of this extraordinary New Zealander in a way that is both historically vivid and relevant to the world of today. The Alexander Turnbull Library holds extensive collections of material relating to Rewi Alley from his archives and from those of biographers, friends and colleagues.
Speaker biography: Wellington novelist Elspeth Sandys has published nine novels, two collections of short stories and two memoirs. She has written extensively for the BBC and for RNZ as well as for TV and film. A Communist in the Family: Searching for Rewi Alley was published by Otago University Press in 2019
Image: Rewi Alley with his Chinese family. Alley, Rewi, 1897-1987 :Photographs. Ref: PA1-q-655-07-1. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23185435
Poll: How do you feel about dogs being allowed indoors in cafes?
For most of us, seeing a friendly doggo while out and about instantly brings a smile to our faces. But how do you feel about cafes welcoming pups inside?
Cast a vote and share your thoughts below.
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27.6% I love it!
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31.4% Only in designated areas
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41% No, it should be outdoors only.
Kintsugi Workshop this October in Wellington
Re-use, Re-Purpose, Beautify with Gold!!
Hello Lovely locals. Come along and learn this wonderful technique.
Ema Frost will be holding a KINTSUGI WORKSHOP on Sat & Sun 5th & 6th Oct here in Wellington again at Toi Poneke and Whirinaki Whare Taonga and she has limited spots available so make sure to book in early.
Have you ever wanted to try Kintsugi.... It's an ancient Japanese art form where you fix broken pottery with gold - making its imperfections its beauty. - A truly wonderful philosophy to live by. If you are interested please go to: emafrost.com...
I'm sure there's a few of you out there that have been saving a broken piece not knowing quite what to do with it, and if not Ema has plenty of back ups. So just bring yourselves and have some fun. Bring a friend and make some Kintsugi magic together.
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