You are cordially invited
for a poetry reading by Amitabh Mitra followed by dinner
on the 22 February Coach House Ann Bryant Art Gallery,
5:30 in the evening.
Amitabh Mitra is a
Medical Doctor in a busy hospital in East London, South
Africa. A widely published poet in the web and print,
Amitabh has been hailed as one of the most popular South
African poet writing in English today by the Skyline
Literary Review, New York.
Amitabh, now settled
in South Africa uses his experience of social
interaction and cultural impact from countries like
India, Bhutan and Zimbabwe where he worked under varying
conditions, in his art and poetry.
A powerful voice
dispersing a reverie of time and heritage, his love
poems with a backdrop of feudal Gwalior and Delhi takes
you on a sentimental journey to old family homes, forts,
palaces and places where he grew up.
His unique style of
fusing words into almost lyrical dream like images,
exploring muted corners of life taken over a
suddenrushhourtime, Amitabh brings forth poetry that
seems to peep from behind veils and shadows, waylaid in
a mind state in Johannesburg and New York, all merging
in an unforgettable ecstatic experience.
Amitabh figures in
the international roster of physician poets, a massive
roster of ancient and contemporary poets / writers
maintained by Dr. Daniel Bryant and assisted by Dr.
Suzanne Poirer, Professor of Literature and Medical
Education, University of Illinois, U.S.A.
His first book of
poems was published in 1980 under the title of ‘Ritual
Silences’.
‘A Slow Train to
Gwalior’ is a CD of his ten most popular poems recited
against a background of African and Indian traditional
music. Brought out by Harp Records, South Africa, this
poetry CD weaves a desire into a steady pattering of
rain, a voice that would almost allure you to yet
another stealth of a strangertime. The CD was released
by Mrs Nosimo Balindlela, Premier of the Eastern Cape in
East London.
His first show of
poems, drawings, visuals and prints, juxtaposition of
words, lines and colors was on show at The Ann Bryant
Art Gallery, St. Marks Road, East London from 12 July to
28 July 2005.
Dr. Mitra edits ‘The
Hudson View’ an international print poetry journal
published from New York, USA
He is the Chairperson
of the East London Fine Arts Society.
