Press Releases

U.S. CONSULATE ORGANIZES PROGRAMS TO COMMEMORATE AMERICAN CULTURE

January 29, 2008

KOLKATA -- The U.S. Consulate General, Kolkata, is organizing programs, formerly scheduled to be held at the Kolkata Book Fair ground, in the Lincoln Room at the American Center to commemorate American culture from January 29-February 7, 2008. Prominent American writers, poets, theatre directors and musicians will participate in lectures and seminars.  The American Library will also organize a series of programs.

Famous American writer Paul Theroux will address two seminars - "Time Travel: The Return Journey" and "Re-mapping Cultural Narratives in American Literature" – at the American Center on Wednesday, January 30 beginning 10:30 A.M.  Poet Joy Harjo and Christopher Merrill, Director, International Writing Program, University of Iowa, will also speak at the seminar.  Later on the same day at 4:30 P.M in the Lincoln Room, U.S. Consul General Henry V. Jardine will present the U.S. Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation grant to the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to renovate historical structures at Lalgola in Murshidabad and provide vocational training to the inmates of the Lalgola Correctional Home.

On Thursday, January 31, Paul Theroux will participate in a book reading program at the Oxford Book Store at 10:30 A.M. Theatre director Brian Russo will read from his play "The Guys" at Starmark, Emami Market, 3, Lord Sinha Road, Kolkata at 6:30 P.M. on January 31, and at the Lincoln Room, American Center at 6:00 P.M. on February 1.

The American Library will organize an Inter College debate on "American Culture has Positive Influence on Indian Youth" at the American Center on Sunday, February 3, and the "Spelling Bee" final on February 4.  From January 29-February 10, the American Library will offer a discount of 50% on individual annual membership.

Other important programs to be held in the American Center include a talk on "Free Press" by Peter Wonacott, South Asia Correspondent, The Wall Street Journal on Monday, February 4 at 5:00 P.M., performance by flautist Steven Gorn and theatre director Steve Clorefeine on Wednesday, February 6 at 5:00 P.M., and music performance by violinist Michael Braudy on Thursday, February 7 at 5:00 P.M.