23rd Graham Greene International Festival

Graham Greene is one of the most famous former residents of Berkhamsted, and to recognise and commemorate that, an annual festival was created, and this year is the 23rd event where all things Graham Greene are celebrated, over four days with the usual stimulating mixture of accessible talks, readings, and screenings.

The eminent speakers from the UK and abroad pose intriguing questions about Greene and his life. Just four months after the Cuban Revolution in 1959, how did the locals react nervously to the arrival of Carol Reed’s production team to shoot Our Man in Havana? Did rivals Ian Fleming and Graham Greene include common character types, plot directions and recurring symbols across their works? How would Greene have responded to the Cyber Age of criminal hackers, social media and cyber warfare? Do wicked characters like Pinkie in the novel and films of Brighton Rock have a resonance to the understanding of current-day murderers? Were Greene’s many drinking trips around Spain with his great friend Father Duran really just a cover for his espionage activities?

Other highlights include a talk on Graham Greene plays, a repeat showing of a BBC Arena special on his early life, and a screening of the film Monsignor Quixote starring Alec Guinness and Leo McKern.

The Festival is held over four days mainly in Berkhamsted School where Greene grew up under his Father, the Headmaster. It is directed by Dr Christopher Hull.

Giles Clark, Chairman of the Graham Greene Trust says: ‘I am really excited about this year’s event as there is an excellent eclectic blend of sessions attractive for all who have any interest in one of England’s greatest and influential authors.’

The Festival is sponsored by Greene King, and supported by Berkhamsted School and Berkhamsted Town Council.

For further information including ticket pricing for individual events and the purchase of tickets visit www.grahamgreenebt.org.