I had many fears on my way to South Africa. How would I get along with women writers from this continent, where I was already so bad at English at school. How would six such different people get along for almost four weeks, with their stories, their own sad experiences, their happiness and unhappiness, their successes, and failures.
In the end, there were even eight of us – up to ten people who had found a home at Paulet House. Nash met me at the airport, an almost shy young man of 21, so lucid and approachable, the son of G. We had almost missed T. in the airport, waiting quietly on a bench- and my God came from Malawi. He laughed so beautifully and the three of us drove in the pick-up through the early night.
As soon as we got inside, I heard the laughter and unmistakable voice of a young colleague. She was funny and provocative, almost one disappeared behind her, a man from the big city, clever and sensitive and always ready to explain something to me about the digital and the world of South Africa, a playwright, one who has a sense of prison, who is there when you need him. Another watched over us, provided for us, was a storyteller from the beginning.
It was impossible that we would understand each other: Muslim women, Euro-Protestants, Malawi Catholic, South African Baptists, and Germany: one from the land of racists and intellectual barbarians. But also, a journalist, fighter, and protagonist. Three writing women patient, impatient, writers who speak and listen, two who do not stop trying to explain the crazy world.
Whoever comes from Malawi comes from a poor country, whoever comes from Germany comes from the land of winners. No, I don’t want to be served – thank you S. and C. for taking care of us in the house.
If we ask why we got on so well, one could say because it was love, more modestly, because we have a philosophy that man can be a helper to man, that would be something, less than socialism, but still in the spirit of Nelson Mandela: I will miss you. Even the loud phone calls from my young colleagues: End of the Somerset East commune. In memory of the Commune of Paris.
Christoph’s Bio:
Christoph Nix (PEN Germany) obtained a PhD in both Law and Theatre Studies. He has published several novels and a series of crime novels set in African countries such as Uganda, Togo, Burundi and Malawi. In addition to his works of fiction, Christoph Nix has numerous publications in law and theatre studies.
Christoph Nix (PEN Germany) obtained a PhD in both Law and Theatre Studies. He has published several novels and a series of crime novels set in African countries such as Uganda, Togo, Burundi and Malawi. In addition to his works of fiction, Christoph Nix has numerous publications in law and theatre studies.
