Join us for an event exploring Samoa's past and present relationship with Scotland's famous writer Robert Louis Stevenson.
Robert Louis Stevenson lived in Samoa from 1890 until his death in 1894. This event brings together Pacific researchers and artists in a panel discussion to explore the life and legacy of Stevenson in Samoa. This will include a special screening of a documentary film made by young Samoan filmmakers.
This event is part of Robert Louis Stevenson Day (#RLSDay), an annual date marking the birthday of one of Edinburgh’s most famous writers. The event has been produced by the National Library of Scotland in partnership with the University of Edinburgh as part of the Remediating Stevenson project. It coincides with the display 'Tusitala: Pacific Perspectives on Robert Louis Stevenson' which is on at George IV Bridge from Friday 8 November.
About the speakers
Michelle Keown is Professor of Pacific and Postcolonial Literature at the University of Edinburgh. She is author/editor of various books focused on imperialism and indigeneity in the Pacific. Keown is the Principal Investigator for the Remediating Stevenson project.
James Nokise is a New Zealand comedian, writer and podcaster of Samoan and Welsh heritage now based in Edinburgh. James has recently toured UK Museums with a poetry hip-hop counter-narrative to Captain Cook's voyages called 'Faovale Imperium'.
Dr Keao NeSmith is of Native Hawaiian and Scottish descent, born on the island of Kaua'i in the Hawaiian Kingdom. He has translated several books into Hawaiian. As part of the Remediating Stevenson project, NeSmith has written new poetry and has translated works from English into Samoan.
Solomon Enos is a Native Hawaiian artist from Makaha Valley, O'ahu. He works across a range of media including oil painting, book illustration, murals and game design. As part of the Remediating Stevenson project, Enos has produced graphic adaptations of Stevenson's works.
Dan Lin is a visual storyteller with extensive experience working in film and photography across the Pacific Islands region. He and editor Nick Stone mentored National University of Sāmoa student interns during the filming and post-production editing of the Remediating Stevenson project documentary film, 'Tales of Tusitala'.
