Joining the Trinational Literature-Festival for the first time, The English Stage! Representing the diverse English speaking community there will be authors, poets, theatre and music for your enjoyment. Stories for all ages including children's authors, accomplished poets, professional musicians and award winning theatre – all are welcome to celebrate the English Stage in the Garden at Muhlebachweg, Allschwil.
The Location address is: The Garden of Suzi Lyon, Muhlebachweg 14, 4123 Allschwil (In case of bad weather, the location will remain the same, but may move inside – in that case, space is limited).
Please note about the garden location: there is a pond, all parents should supervise their children at all times.
Toilet facilities available.
10:30 – TAK Erzinger, Poet
TAK Erzinger will be reading two nature poems from her assorted poetry collections. She also welcomes adults and children alike for the reading of her children's book Queen of the Mountain, a historical fiction that links Switzerland to England: Queen of the Mountain is a heartwarming tale for children inspired by the true events against the beauty of Switzerland’s landscapes. The story shows how friendships can form beautifully across generations and backgrounds through empathy and understanding. This book nurtures these skills for a happy and peaceful life in our young readers, modelling a way to relate and to love.
Poems and books available for purchase on the day.
11:00 – Jeanne Darling
Oral Swiss Legends"
Based on her books “Basel’s Hidden Stories” and “The Monster Book of Switzerland” and “Basel, The Graphic Novel,” Jeanne Darling will be telling Swiss legends – all children (and children at heart) are welcome.
11:30 – Rylla Resler
The Invisible Power
Rylla Resler is a co-author of a book (The Invisible Power) published in 2018 about what it is like to move abroad with or for a loved one. Along with Adriana Quarck and Francesca Incocciati, she interviewed people all over Switzerland who had made such a move. From these interviews came the stories about “the invisible power.” Moving abroad for loved ones is not easy but we discovered that we did have the resources within us. The stories are touching and inspiring.
Rylla will read from the book and looks forward to questions and a discussion about what it is to let go of the life you know and begin again on another spot on the planet.
Books and courses available to purchase on the day.
LUNCH
1:00 – John Skinner (aka A.B. Decker)
Flowers from the Black Sea
A.B. Decker reads from his latest mystery/thriller Flowers from the Black Sea.
When Matt is tasked by an old friend to locate a man in Turkey for reasons unexplained, he is pointed in the direction of an end-of-season resort on the Mediterranean coast. Before his arrival, he becomes entangled in a separate mystery when a stranger entrusts him with a flash drive just moments before the man is arrested.
The conjunction of these two worlds – his friend’s assignment and the mysterious flash drive – puts Matt on a perilous course. And confronted with a cast of characters many of whom seem to be running from something or getting up to no good, Matt is left wondering who he can trust.
A few copies of this and other books available for purchase on the day. Otherwise through Bider & Tanner in Basel or Amazon.
1:30 – Sabine Adler
The thieves in the ghost train
Sabine Adler presents her adventure-fantasy story for 8-10 year-olds, "The Thieves in the Ghost Train."
Raphael of Ravenstone, a young wizard, faces a persistent magic block - but when his best friend, mini pig Windfried, disappears without a trace, he doesn't let weak magic skills stop him! Together with the courageous Isabo of Puddingstone, he embarks on an adventurous quest. Finally arriving at a non-magical’s fair, the two have no clue how many surprises and twists await them!
Don't miss out on this magical journey full of friendship, secrets, and excitement. This powerful adventure will captivate young minds and adults alike.
Books available to purchase on the day
2:00 – Charlotte Roth
Something is ever so slightly off
Is there another reality in another solar system? A slightly wild Grandma is looking for her shawl, a carefree teenager plays with a Frida Kahlo picture, and a mother desperately tries to keep some order: it is Tucson, not Two Suns. But what about when the toilet flushes four times in Grandma’s apartment? Like solar systems, family constellations grow old and become disrupted throughout their lifetime.
Play reading with Charlotte, “Something is ever so slightly off” written and directed by Charlotte Roth.
2:20 – Lia Segre
The Concert
In the dressing room of Carnegie Hall, a young pianist has to be on stage in 15 minutes, but thinks he's not ready and refuses to play the concert. His manager has very little time to convince him. Different characters get involved and try to help out, while the tension gets higher. A comedy about stage fright, self-esteem and Primadonnas.
Play Reading with Lia: “The Concert” written and directed by Lia Segre
2:40 – Q&A with Semi Circle facilitated by Alison Bolton
Semi Circle 2025 is the club’s 50th Anniversary! More information about joining Semi Circle available on the day.
3:30 – Welsh Kates
Acoustic session from singer/guitar duo from Wales and Australia. Grace and Lauren live locally in Allschwil and will sing songs you know well and can join in with. Collection.