The absurdity of literary festivals (in the third world) in time of the pandemic and after

Literary festivals are like dog shows for the educated classes, where literary and not-so-serious minded folks turn up for high voltage conversations or just plain entertainment, or both.The writers on show, perhaps dragged out of their studies, are placed on corporate-sponsored stages because they now need to moonlight as performers. They also need to pose for selfies with apparent fans, some of whom will never read their books.

It is not known when exactly this phenomenon started, but most refer to the 1949 Cheltenham Music Festival, when John Moore, a canny book dealer, invited some of his literary friends to do a side-gig. He also got the famous actor Ralph Richardson to give a reading.

Although Moore’s model proved to be a success, “lit-fests” remained relatively small until about two decades ago, when the festival circuit had its Big Bang moment, much like the London Stock Exchange in 1986. Festivals became an essential part of the book trade: books and booze, talks and tea, conversations and coffee, all with a dash of literary gossip. What’s not to like?

Gossip is part of the fun at literary gatherings, though no one likes to admit it. Some start playing the game of Chinese whispers early on, even before...

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source https://scroll.in/article/965475/the-absurdity-of-literary-festivals-in-the-third-world-in-time-of-the-pandemic-and-after?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=public