The Triangular Trade and the Trickster Spider

Black History Month event

According to legend, Anansi, the trickster spider, was half god and half human but has since evolved into a multifaceted being who is not quite animal and not quite man. This change in Anansi’s fortunes reflects the changes experienced by African enslaved people who used this oral tradition of story-telling to maintain a connection with their history and culture in a time of rupture.

During the Triangular Trade, or transatlantic slave trade (circa 1526-1867), enslaved people were forcibly carried between Africa and the Caribbean. The stories travelled with enslaved people, spreading this story-telling from Africa to the Caribbean, Americas and Europe, through people of African ancestry and evolving across generations.

This talk includes an exploration of the historical and social context of Anansi stories and their journey across the globe, followed by a 20 minute interactive story-telling performance of “Why all stories are spider stories” which is an introduction to a performance project happening later this year.

'So, here's the thing...' gives people an opportunity to talk to an audience about something they are passionate or knowledgeable about. Hosted by Library and Learning Services at the University of Northampton, students, staff and members of the public are all welcome.

Members of the public will need to request a Visitor Pass in advance to access the venue.

Please contact [email protected] if you have any queries about this event, need a Visitor Pass, or would like to be a future speaker.

Host or Publisher Jenny Townend