KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Fans of good writing can explore a roster of literary and theatrical events during Hemingway Days 2010, set for Tuesday through Sunday, July 20-25. The festival celebrates the literary accomplishments and exuberant Key West lifestyle of legendary writer Ernest Hemingway, who lived on the island throughout the 1930s.
The schedule includes readings and presentations, a one-man theatrical performance and the announcement of the winners of the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition.
Lorian Hemingway, critically acclaimed author of “Walking Into the River,” “Walk on Water” and “A World Turned Over,” also is a journalist whose work has appeared in publications including “GQ,” “Rolling Stone” and “Esquire” magazines.
A granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, she has directed the short story competition since its inception in 1981. The literary contest was created to recognize and support the talents of emerging writers.
The winners of the 2010 competition are to be announced at 8 p.m. Friday, July 23. The first-place writer is to receive $1,000 and publication, while second- and third-place winners are awarded $500 each and others receive honorable mentions.
The awards announcement and reception traditionally take place at Ernest Hemingway’s first Key West residence, Casa Antigua, 314 Simonton St. Completely restored since Hemingway’s era, the property is a showplace with a soaring central atrium garden open to the sky.
The awards reception is to include a reading of the winning entry, a discussion of Casa Antigua’s unique history by owner Tom Oosterhoudt and tours of the property. Admission is free.
Writers whose work has been influenced by Key West are to star at an evening of readings and presentations Wednesday, July 21. Scheduled for 8 p.m., the literary gathering is hosted by Wyland Galleries of Key West at 623 Duval St.
Notable participants are to include photographer and expert angler Jeffrey Cardenas, author of “Sea Level” and “Marquesa: A Time & Place with Fish”; author, editor and poet George Murphy; Mark Howell, the critically acclaimed editor of Key West’s “Solares Hill,” and Wendy Tucker, who brought many Key West stories to national prominence during her long tenure with the island’s daily newspaper.
“Voices, Places, Inspirations” also features a reception where attendees can view paintings and sculptures by Wyland Galleries artists. Admission is free.
In addition, Hemingway Days attendees can enjoy a one-man dramatic production written and performed by Brian Gordon Sinclair. Sinclair, who has showcased segments of his planned six-play cycle on Hemingway at past festivals, has done extensive research into the author’s life, work and motivations.
Sinclair is to re-create Ernest Hemingway’s personality and adventures during a thought-provoking storytelling presentation titled “Hemingway’s Hot Havana.” The curtain is to go up at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 22, at the Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St.
Sinclair plans a second performance at 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 23, as a memorial to the late Jean Klausing of Sloppy Joe’s Bar, who helped guide Hemingway Days for many years.
For ticketing and other information about Sinclair’s performances, visit www.kwahs.com. For information about the short story awards, visit www.shortstorycompetition.com. Additional Hemingway Days details can be found at www.hemingwaydays.net.
For lodging information in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539), or visit the Keys website at www.fla-keys.com.
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