How Do You Live With a Fatwah?

You Don’t Look Scary

Salman Rushdie greeted the audience on Thursday night at Westport Library’s 13th Annual Malloy Lecture in the Arts by saying, “I’m sorry you’ve had a bit of a fuss about my arriving.” He continued, “You don’t look scary to me.”

He entertained us with comments about writing – his and others’ – and the value of having the freedom to express one’s opinion. You can read more in Norwalk Hour which had a front page article about the event, or in WestportNow‘s report by James Lomuscio.

The event took place at Staples High School which has the largest auditorium in the town. A few parents were upset about the security at the school, but the students were unfazed. Rushdie met with about 60 of them who are in an advanced class before his talk.

Tickets were definitely a hot item! I spoke to several people who couldn’t get in to the free event.

I almost didn’t! The day the announcement came out from the library, I hesitated, not sure if my husband would like to go or whether I should just get a ticket for myself. The next day when I tried to sign up, I was put on the waiting list! Four days ago I got an email saying that tickets were available but I had to claim them within a few hours or they would be given to someone else. So I moved fast.

Rushdie was witty and engrossing. One friend said she found his talk and answers to questions inspirational. He made clear that he doesn’t live his life in fear because of the fatwah asking for his assassination. He continues to be the author he wants to be.

Susan Malloy who endowed the lecture series was a wonderful patron of arts and culture in Westport. I spoke with her during the Westport Library’s capital campaign in 1996 when I was president of library board. She died a few months ago, at the age of 91.

I read Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children a year or so ago and found it a little heavy going. But I loved what he read last night from his new novel, Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights, so I am adding that to my ever-growing list of books to read.

Have you read any of Rushdie’s novels or non-fiction? What did you think?

Morningside 

I spoke at Morningside Recreation and Health Services in New York City on Wednesday evening. One of the first people to arrive greeted me warmly. “I’m also an alum of Mount Holyoke, and I was also a Peace Corps volunteer,” she said.

Turns out she was just two years behind me at college. She was in the Peace Corps in Thailand.

And two other women in the audience had been to Nigeria in the ’60’s.  One had gone for the Independence ceremonies on October 1 of that year, and the other had visited several years later with her husband’s singing group.

I always explain the pronunciation and meaning of my name ‘Onyemelukwe.’ They were not shy about trying it. And they loved the story of the Dibia from Chapter 21.

Conversation with several members of the audience continued for quite a while after the talk. Finally I had to break away since I still had to drive back home to Connecticut.

Next Appearances

When the media specialist at Greenwich High School told me they start at 7:30 in the morning, I asked, “Are the students really awake?”

She said it’s sometimes a struggle! But she thinks they will certainly be alert by the time my talk starts at 8:30 on Monday morning. I hope so!

In my presentation I’ll mention Mansa Musa, emperor of Mali in the 14th century. I told you about him recently.

I also added a photo of Major General Yakubu Gowon, the military head of state before, during, and after the Biafran War, to the slide presentation. He’s the leader who famously declared, “No Victor, No Vanquished” after Biafra’s defeat.

On Thursday October 29 I will speak about Americanah and Nigeria at the Greenwich Arts Council, at 7 pm.

Israel in Egypt

Tonight we had the dress rehearsal for our performance on Saturday evening of Handel’s Israel in Egypt. The soloists and baroque orchestra were every bit as thrilling as our conductor Dr. Edward Thompson had told us they would be.

Come if you’re nearby. The concert is free, and I’m sure there will be seats available. It’s at 8 pm at Norwalk CT Concert Hall.

I’ve been listening to one of the recordings on YouTube to help me practice. I recommend it for your listening pleasure!

But listening is never as much fun as singing!