Turning the Pages of the 2009 Frye Festival Event, Moncton NB

by Joanna Manning

Opening the book - Let’s first explore, and explode, some myths about literary festivals. This year the Frye Literary Festival celebrates ten exceptional years of bringing the written word to the streets and waterways of Moncton. In those years more than 80,000 people have attended. Authors and organisers must be doing something right.

First – it’s fun, a whole lot of fun. There’s the Night Howls and the Frye Jam events. These are easy–going late evenings where poetry and music mix, where you can sit back with a beer and enjoy, or get up and read your own poems.

Then you should know you don’t even have to read any of the books. Of course it might be exciting to have read one or skimmed through a couple. It’s more about being face-to- face with recognised and up-and-coming authors, of being part of a gathering, of ‘listening in’ on authors’ dialogues, of getting to ask questions. Haven’t you wondered what inspires a writer, what they do between books, how they create characters, how they fit in pages of writing with grocery shopping, laundry, taking the kids to hockey? The Frye Literary Festival gives you just that opportunity.

More good news; there’s no exam so it’s worth taking a chance and with a doubt, you’ll be back for second helpings.

This year the Festival is expanded appropriately to ten days, from April 17 to 26. Every year the Festival organisers invite visitors from Moncton and afar to “feed your imagination”.  And there’s always lots of variety on the menu. So let’s take a big bite.

The seed from which the Festival grew was a chance remark by John Ralston Saul when he visited the Aberdeen Cultural Centre during the Francophone Summit in 1999. Renovated into an artists’ centre it was formerly the school attended by the famous writer and literary critic Northrop Frye who grew up on Moncton. Saul suggested a festival to recognise his achievements might be appropriate. Saul returns to open the celebrations, in the company of renowned Acadian writer Antonine Maillet, on Friday April 17.

One of the must-be-at events features three of the best writers in Canadian literature today, set to music. How does this happen? A three-piece band will improvise musical accompaniment that reflects and underscores the meaning and emotions while the authors read from their novels. The writers; Jane Urquhart, known for her award winning books, including The Underpainter, the Stone Carvers and A Map of Glass. Miriam Toews, whose latest book The Flying Troutmans is receiving much critical acclaim. Wayne Johnston, author of the celebrated Colony of Unrequited Dreams, and its welcomed sequel, Custodian of Paradise.

Following the ‘performance’ Martin Levin of the Globe and Mail, will host a discussion between the authors as they talk about their books and writing inspirations. This takes place Friday, April 24; 8 pm at the Empress Theatre.

“We are definitely increasing the ‘entertainment’ quota,” says Festival president Dawn Arnold, who has been actively involved since the first year. “We’re finding music adds value to the written word and over the years this aspect has increased our professionalism and widened the Festival’s appeal.” Music is also on the bill at the Soiree Frye (April 23) and the Frye Jam, wrapping up ten celebratory days on the evening of Friday, April 25.

If you’ve attended the festival in the past couple of years, you’ll be familiar with the talented, eccentric Poet Flyé, local writer Paul Bossé. If you haven’t encountered Paul, you are in for a treat.  This extrovert guy pops up everywhere, gathering material for his epic poem, which he reveals at the Festival’s conclusion. This year he promises to include a sonnet and a haiku, collaborating with one of the authors and actors. The final surprise, it will all be visual! Head to Greater Moncton International Airport on Sunday April 26, to discover a great theatrical experience.

Want a head start on Festival reading? Join the Community Read – an innovation this year. The festival has selected a short story; put it on the website in both French and English, adding reading guidelines and questions. Continuing the Frye Festival’s commitment to discovering new authors, the story is by Montreal writer Neil Smith, regarded as ‘the next Yann Martel’, who will be at the Festival. The organisers are also very excited about the appearance of Robert J. Sawyer, one of Canada’s best Sci-Fi writers, Sawyer will lead a workshop filed with tips on successfully writing science fiction.

One aspect setting apart this festival from most others is the dialogue sessions between authors “We’ve moved from just readings to these. Dialogues give background to books, creating an intimacy, making the author’s work more meaningful to the audience,” says Festival Executive director Stéfanie Wheaton. “Our authors love these discussions too.

Audiences will love the Gallic atmosphere, directly from Paris, France with Alexandre Jardin. His latest book Chaque femme est un roman continues his theme of women and love. The reception following his Book Club appearance promises mouth-watering continental pastries to complement sweet words.

Since the beginning one big motivating focus of the Frye Festival has been to encourage young people to be passionate about words, books and writing. Last year alone more than 10,000 students met a ‘word expert’, and gained much from the encounter. Authors take part in schoolroom visits. There are writing contests. Workshops and the traditional KidsFest day.

Proof of young people’s abilities and talents can be heard at events such as Café Underground. In previous years I have been totally blown away, awed and humbled by the poetry and prose I’ve heard at this event.

Frye Festival events take place at many locations throughout the city of Moncton, giving visitors an opportunity to see heritage theatre and new places

If you are visiting for the Festival do plan some time to explore the area. A drive down the Fundy coast towards Cape Enrage reveals artists’ studios and Waterside Winery. Magnetic Hill Winery is located in an historic homestead. Choose from internationally flavoured cuisine or visit a local bistro for a latte. Seek out local art galleries, antique shops and Sunday Flea Markets.   

Find the complete calendar of events at www.frye.ca or contact the Festival office at info@frye.ca. Phone numbers are: 506.859.4389 or 1.877.892.8400.

Many events are free, some require admission. Tickets for selected events are available ONLINE NOW. Tickets may also be available at the door.