Reading Rhythms Club - Anansi the spider

Anansi the spider. An Akan folk figure, hailing from the Ashanti people. A god, a man, a spider, or a hybrid, he finds his way through stories with these forms in mind. At heart, he’s a trickster, and fills in that archetype in every story he’s in. In most stories he gets what he wants through wisdom and cunning, though their endings are not always happy.

Join us on February 25th from 14.00 to 17.30 hrs at Gemaal op Zuid for an afternoon of performative storytelling, conversations on the trickster archetype and Caribbean heritage, and Creole food together with Julian Crestian and Leomar Imperator. The two artists will give an introduction to the Anansi lore, its history, and symbolism accompanied by a shared lunch. Later, we will memorise, transform, and perform Ananzi stories in small groups and have space for conversation.

Two children of Curaçao, Leomar Imperator and Julian Crestian are artists who often work as a duo and shake the legs of their ancestral spider god. They have a radio show called Kwen ta kwe ku aNanzi where Leomar, Julian and guests analyse the Anansi stories openly, engaging with the complicated character of Anansi himself and what the stories might be telling under the text.

Hope to see you!