William S. Burroughs Centenary at Anthony Burgess Foundation

Burroughs (pictured) was one of the original crop of Beat Writers, and with books such as The Naked Lunch and Junky he helped push American literature into strange and provocative areas. He also shot his wife whilst playing a game of William Tell. Despite this latter transgression, this weekend the International Anthony Burgess Foundation celebrates the centenary of Burroughs’ birth. On Saturday evening, there will be prose and poetry readings and live experimental music. Michael Horovitz, a long-time friend of the author, will perform specially-created musical scores based on Burroughs’ texts along with acoustic poet Vanessa Vie . Sunday’s event, taking place in the afternoon, will feature film screenings and talks. One speaker is renowned expert on Burroughs Professor Oliver Harris, who will be discussing his ‘cut-up’ writing technique.

Sat 13 – Sun 14 Dec, International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Chorlton Mill, 3 Cambridge St., Manchester, M1 5BY, 6pm – 10.30pm (Sat), 12pm – 6pm (Sun), £6 per day, www.skiddle.com