A lively crowd welcomed the arrival of a new book by Addena Sumter-Freitag at the colourful and friendly Rhizome Café, 317 East Broadway, 7 pm on July 23rd.
Back in the Days, 2009, published by Wattle and Duab Books and North End Girl Productions is a collection of exquisite poems and stories from different generations reaching back into the thirties and continuing on to the present. A major theme was the great love and pride that Addena has for her family. Here is an excerpt from a poem the new book, Back in the Days entitled Elegy to Dad:
“And know how it feels
To love you so much
Just a thought of you
Makes my chest quiver,
Makes my heart
Fluttery warm.”
Friends, fans and supporters were an appreciative audience, cheering and clapping as she read. She was accompanied by the amazing musician and drummer Carlos Jose Costa which gave additional meaning to her work. As Costa said “Addena was theatrically moving and her superb storytelling captured us all.”
Sumter-Freitag is an incomparable poet with years of acting experience and community service. She presented a riveting performance as she brought her book to life.
Wade Compton, author of Performance Bound describes her new book:
“…bold faced, broad based and takes up space in a Canada that needs to be re-raced. Back in the days is a book that will change your sense of here, and will electrify your sense of self, wherever and whoever you are. You’ll love going back with Sumter-Freitag, whether or not you were there the first time around, because you’re here and now in her glorious storytelling.”
Freitag, World Poetry Life Time Achievement Award Winner and World Poetry Ambassador to Jamaica is the author of Black, Brown and Still Blue and Stay Black and Die as well as being published in various anthologies. She says that writing means everything to her –“it is like breathing. If I don’t write, I feel like I will expire…” Her goal for the new book is to get people to identify with the memories and to enjoy it.
Her message to all readers, supporters and book buyers out there: “I have worked in theatre for 25 years and also worked with Michelle Lee in Junior Black Achievement and now I would like to ask you, my black community to support me by buying my book and the bonus is that you are going to love it.” To purchase the book and check on upcoming events and performances: www.addenasumterfreitag.com
