TARIQ ALI, one of the leading names in political protests of the Sixties, will be discussing his life and written work at a special Henley Literary Festival evening at the Kenton Theatre next month.
The event, called Tariq Ali — Still Angry After All These Years, coincides with the publication of the fifth novel in his Islamic quintet, Night Of The Golden Butterfly.
While Ali has achieved worldwide success as a novelist — the series of books spans 20 years — his name remains synonymous with protest movements of decades ago.
He was the inspiration for the Rolling Stones’ 1968 single Street Fighting Man and John Lennon’s 1971 hit Power To The People is said to have been written after the Beatle was interviewed by Ali.
Ali was born and raised in Lahore where his strident views led to his activism and protests before going to Exeter College, Oxford. He became president of the Oxford Union in 1965, following in a line of political figures as diverse as Michael Foot, Edward Heath, Tony Benn, William Hague, Giles Brandreth and former Henley MPs Lord Heseltine and Boris Johnson.
His views remain as forceful as ever. When he was asked his views before the recent election, he replied that for the first time he would not be voting, adding: “I can’t vote for New Labour and, of course, the question of voting Conservative doesn’t arise. I’ll probably go and spoil my ballot, just so as not to be passive.”
Linda Gray, creative director of the festival, said: “Originally, we had invited him to speak at the festival in September but the dates didn’t work for him. He was keen to come and we are fortunate to have such a highly regarded novelist at the Kenton.”
The evening is on Friday, June 11. Tickers cost £8 and can be bought from the theatre box office on (01491) 575698 from Monday.
This year’s festival will be held from September 29 to October 3 and the organisers are promising the biggest and most high-profile event since the event was launched three years ago.
For more information, visit wwwhenleyliteraryfestival.co.uk
Published on 17 May 2010
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