In July 2016, Sharon won the prestigious Ingeborg Bachmann prize (€25,000) with short story Herr Gröttrup Sits Down, which she wrote in German and tells the story about the rocket scientist who worked for the Nazis, then the USSR.
Writing Our Legacy are delighted to be presenting British Black author and former Brightonian Sharon Otoo at a special event on Friday, February 24 at the Old Market, Hove.
In July 2016, Sharon won the prestigious Ingeborg Bachmann prize (€25,000) with short story Herr Gröttrup Sits Down, which she wrote in German and tells the story about the rocket scientist who worked for the Nazis, then the USSR.
Sharon will be joined by Sussex authors, historian Colin Grant (A Smell of Burning, Vintage, 2016) and novelist Umi Sinha (Belonging, Myriad Editions. 2015).
This is Sharon’s first reading in the UK since winning the Ingeborg Bachmann prize.
Sharon has long ties with Brighton as a former resident – she was previously an organiser for Brighton & Hove Black History Month and was the Chair of the Racial Harassment Forum. She now lives in Berlin, raising her sons as well as being a writer, editor and activist.
Writing Our Legacy is an organisation whose aim is to raise awareness of the contributions of Black and Ethnic Minority (BME) writers, poets, playwrights and authors born, living or connected to Sussex and the South East.
The evening will include readings from Sharon and Umi and a discussion chaired by Colin Grant, followed by an after party social by African Night Fever. Food from Benjie’s Caribbean Kitchen and author books will be on sale.
Sharon will also be reading in London on February 25 at Waterstones Piccadilly. Her UK tour has been organised by Brighton-based Writing Our Legacy, in association with Word Factory and Spread the Word.
Bert Williams MBE, Committee Member on Writing Our Legacy, says: “We are so pleased to bring Sharon back to Brighton to personally celebrate her achievements and her hard work as a writer.”
Amy Zamarripa Solis, Programme Director, Writing Our Legacy, added: “Sharon has worked tirelessly for decades to promote diversity and equality in both the UK and in Germany, as well as being an excellent editor who tries to give other voices a chance to be heard. We are pleased that her own literary talents and huge intelligence have been recognised through this literary award. We are honoured to have her return to Brighton to read her award-winning story and discuss with us the current political landscape in Germany.”
The Sharon Otoo tour has been supported by Arts Council England and Brighton & Hove City Council.
Event: Sharon Otoo UK Tour
Where: Old Market, Hove
When: Friday, February 25
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £12/£10
To book tickets online, click here:
