Litterature and Oral Tradition

Launch and Public Reading

Portrait de David Treuer
© Vincent Bourdon
Droits cédés 4 ans 02/2007

POINTE-À-CALLIÈRE, MUSÉE D'ARCHÉOLOGIE ET D'HISTOIRE DE MONTRÉAL, FIRE STATION
173, place d'Youville
Thursday June 14, 5:30 P.M.

Public reading by David Treuer in the original English and the Huron actor Charles Bender reading the magnificent translation by Michel Lederer, who translates Sherman Alexie and James Welsh in France. This event is made possible thanks to the sponsorship of éditions Albin- Michel for the Quebec launch of Le manuscrit du Docteur Apelle.

With his latest novel, David Treuer provides ample proof of gravitas, on the edge of poetry and realism, at the heart of his strength as a writer. This Ojibway writer born on Leech Lake Reservation in Minnesota in 1972 teaches at the University of Minnesota Department of English. Little, his first book, published at the age of 26, revealed him as one of the most original voices in American literature. It was followed by The Hiawatha, which confirmed his exceptional talent.

We are happy to welcome him to the Montréal First Peoples' Festival and be partners in the launch of the French translation of his third novel: Le Manuscrit du Docteur Apelle, published by éditions Albin-Michel. The original English version, The Translation of Dr Apelles, was awarded the 2006 Washington Post Critics' Choice Award for Fiction. His novels have also been translated into Finnish, Greek and Norwegian.

The Translation of Dr Apelles plunges us into the life of an expert on ancient languages who, while translating a strange tale, realizes he has never experienced true love. Two histories are intertwined: one takes us to the depths of the mythological forest, the other beckons us into the literary labyrinth. But this novel is first and foremost a generous celebration of love, the Earth and life.

Storytelling and poetry will also have pride of place at the festival. At the Grande Bibliothèque, with stories especially for children. At café l'Utopik, tales for adults only and a poetry reading coming out of the Aimititau! / Parlonsnous! project.

POPOLH VUH

Not to be missed in the film segment : J'entends crier le ventre de la terre, about Yves Sioui- Durand's work with the Ondinnok Theatre Company, Donde acaban los caminos, feature film based on Mario Monteforte Toledo's novel, and Popolh Vuh, an animated film based on the sacred book of the Mayas.