The Baobab Times

ANGELA ROBINSON

Angela Robinson (she writes from her perspective and experiences in life. Born in Harare Zimbabwe, African infusions flavour and give colour to the writings. Angela shares her poetic reflections of reality and dreams, her love of literature with the reader, inspiring an optimistic view of life.

Question: Whose idea was it to call the book Through the Baobab, and why?

'It was mine. I chose the title for our book Through the Baobab firstly because I wanted people to know that the origins of this manuscript are from Africa. Secondly, Africa has a history of ancient civilizations and the baobab has been witness to all the events right down to this modern day. Thirdly, because it's a mother and daughter piece - the branches of the tree denote our family history.'

Question: And why the title Kalieiscope of Words and Dreams?

'I chose the title of Kaleidoscope of Words and Dreams to encompass my poetry not only because the world is not created in black and white but an uplifting collection of words especially in the stressful times we are living.

My section of the book is a cross section of situations, some real, some imagined, some happy some sad, and sayings to introduce a mood.'

Question: When do you think you started writing seriously?

'I started writing when I worked in the Town Hall in Bulawayo 1984. I found that life's difficulties make me more determined to succeed and that I can find optimism in any situation. I'm not a defeatist, I may go into the corner to cry but I'll always come out fighting.

This particular manuscript began early 1994 in March.

It was finally completed in March 2006. In the beginning of February of 2006 my daughter brought a publisher's brochure to me as she had been enquiring to publish her art work and illustrated poetry. She asked why don't I also published the poetry I had had written in Africa. The pieces were chosen out of the two manuscripts and it was finally sent to the Publishers in June 2006. The final corrections were done in December 2006.' 

Question: Where does your inspiration to write come from?

'The inspiration to write comes from my desire to share my thoughts and insight with others. Life is not only what we see on the surface, and life is not only mundane but exciting and filled with hope.

After the untimely death of my second husband, meditating on the positive things that surrounded me, the love of my family and the serene view of natures beauty from my garden in Zimbabwe, gave me a certain peace which I expressed through my writing.

In the entire world my favourite book is the Bible and I love to read the Psalms and the book of Revelation.

The poets I like are Emily Dickinson and Anna Akhmatova.

My favourite authors are Wilbur Smith and Stephen King'

Question: What are your future goals?

'I have some interest in writing novels in the future - however I love writing poetry and will carry doing so.'

The Baobab Times

FALKO

Voiced straight from the heart, Falko the Expressionist (writer, actress & artist) bears all, using a flare of vivid imagination and sincere honesty. Her ambition and personal melee blazes bright in the works.

Question:   How long have you been writing?

'Ever since my school days I have always used writing as a distraction, writing songs, poetry and short stories. I use to give gifts of my art work and poetry to my friends. Coming to the UK from Zimbabwe for the second time at the age of 21, alone, writing became my companion. I started writing an autobiography but abandoned it after some of the material became too painful to deal with and also I was still to live!

More interesting times still to come! I attended acting school, and would often write short monologues to perform, even using them as audition pieces. The next manuscript released includes two short plays.

I am very inspired by the acting projects I get involved with - and my writings can be reflective of that. I was pleased to do the play After Mrs Rochester by Polly Teal for my graduation at drama school, which was a fascinating insight into the 'life' of Jean Rhys.

However to say how long I have been writing seriously with a manuscript for publication in mind - the last two years with my mom, although having said that I had been collecting pieces for the last seven years, not all the pieces have survived...'

Question:You have mentioned your inspiration - what are some of your influences and motivations that keep you writing? 

'Playwrights (and poet) Brendan Kennelly, Bertolt Brecht and the great classics, most influence me. Also watching sitcoms such as 'Fraser' and 'Two and a half men' - the dialogue is funny and really makes me want to sit down and write.

At the moment I am enjoying a writing partnership. I find this very motivating; constantly bouncing ideas off each other, friendly competition, and complete trust especially as it is my mother! Both my mother and myself are extremely passionate about writing and are working on two other manuscripts - both are almost complete.

The manuscript almost ready for release is very much like the first book we did together. Title: Crimson Echoes

The other manuscript is completely different - the illustrations hold the key. Title: Escape

This is based on an art exhibition I did - the art work is bright, vivid and imaginative. The concept: ESCAPE

'...to sleep... perchance to dream...' Shakespeare. The luxury of time in reflective thought and dreams is echoed in my works. I allow exploration of the mind, to develop and enhance a visual scene, using poetry and the vivid application of oils and pastels to create a desired effect. I would like to evoke a contemplative reaction from my audience.

Coming from Zimbabwe I am culturally attracted to and mesmerised by the safari experience. Although the harsh wilds of Africa are beautiful as they are, I work to bring an element of fantasy and the surreal to related subjects. In drama classes (body linguistics) I learnt the art of enhancement, 'exaggerating' a chosen feature within a performance. I have adapted this technique and depict it within visual art.

This cultivated the concept Escape.

The works include:

'Poetic Illustration' - Working with oils on glass gives me an incredible freedom to manipulate colour, in texture and in depth of colour (as the oils glide smoothly over the glass surface). I feel an element of risk and excitement whilst engaged in this poetic illustration (poetry is written on fabric or paper illustrated with oil on glass overlay).

Documented exhibition of artwork by Falko

It was held at The Questors Theatre, Mattock Lane, Ealing, London, W5 5BQ.

Exhibition date: Grapevine Bar from 29th May - 12th June 2004.

This book will be a work of collaboration between Falko and Angela Robinson

Art and some poetry and commentary by Falko,

Some Poetry by Angela Robinson'

Question:   What are your goals as a writer?

'My future goals include writing full length plays, continuing with poetry and songs - people have suggested I write a novel, but at the moment as I an actress my focus is play writing - novels can come later...'