The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) is set to host the 2025 Sir Derek Walcott Memorial Lecture, honoring the life and literary legacy of Saint Lucia’s Nobel Laureate for Literature.
This year’s lecture, titled “Portrait of the Prodigal in Autumn,” will be presented by renowned poet and lecturer Ishion Hutchinson. The event will take place on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the Finance Administrative Centre in Seraphine, starting at 7:30 PM.
Hutchinson, an internationally recognized poet, is known for his lyrical writing and exploration of cultural and historical themes. His work has been influenced by Derek Walcott’s profound impact on Caribbean and global literature.
In his lecture, Hutchinson will explore the recurring theme of autumn in Walcott’s poetry. This motif reflects Walcott’s deep connections to his cultural roots and the complexities of grief, loss, and human emotion. Hutchinson will offer a detailed examination of autumn in Walcott’s work, describing it as a metaphor for “negative capability” that invites ongoing interpretation.
The lecture will also include personal anecdotes from Hutchinson’s experiences with Walcott, both in Saint Lucia and abroad. The combination of critical analysis and personal reflection promises to provide a rich and intimate understanding of Walcott’s artistic vision.
The Sir Derek Walcott Memorial Lecture is a key event for the Cultural Development Foundation, celebrating Walcott’s lasting influence on literature and the arts.
Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend this evening of literary reflection and inspiration.
