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Walberberg 2005: Whose English? |
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What a wonderful experience!
I was delighted, enthralled, entertained, and moved. Moved not only in an emotional sense, but taken from one place in writing to another, transported into other realms.
Like all great events, the formula for Walberberg is simple: take someone you trust to pick a bunch of writers, and mix them with a sympathetic audience in a space which allows for formal debate and presentation, and informal exchange of ideas. The resultant brew was a fine champagne full of bubble and fizz, edge, bite, and depth. A heady mix.
The trust was there from the very beginning, and I think all the writers were immediately struck by the warmth, responsiveness and intelligence of the audience. The writers were thus empowered to speak honestly about their experience of writing, about their doubts and anxieties as well as the joy of writing.
The writers all learned something from each other, and from the audience. Everyone learned from everyone, and I can think of no better example of fostering communications between cultures. Britain and Ireland learned from Germany , and vice versa.
The Walberberg Seminar is a model of its kind. I say “its kind”; but it must be unique. This is a space in which cultural transformation and empowerment to the highest degree takes place. It is the small back room in which art is made and extends to the greater world. Its intimacy is important, because the writer is enabled to be intimate with his or her audience.
I had some great conversations. I met some great people. I heard great writing being read.
I very much hope that Walberberg is able to continue this brilliant work for at least another twenty years, and I thank from the bottom of my heart all those who made it possible. I have long thought that the British Council was a great organisation. Any event which I have attended under its aegis has been intelligently and gracefully organised, and I have been made welcome in many countries through the good offices of the Council's representatives. Its influence is out of all proportion to its modest budget. Long may it flourish, and may the powers that be recognise its achievements, and properly reward them.
Walberberg über alles.
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