Margaret Atwood's speech at the 2014 Writers' Trust Gala скачать в хорошем качестве

Margaret Atwood's speech at the 2014 Writers' Trust Gala

"Well that was amazing. What a great, wonderful — what would you call it, an orchestra? What a wonderful orchestra that was. (See the ukulele orchestra here: http://bit.ly/1ws6I4a) And how surprised I was. I was, I was surprised. It's hard to surprise me, but I was in fact very surprised. And I loved the filmic tribute with some surprise appearances — I'll talk to you later Joseph. (Watch the video tribute here: http://bit.ly/1ws6Z7o) Thank you very much for all of this, it's quite wonderful. I have indeed been very celebrated on my birthday — it's gone on quite long. I've been festooned with flowers, I've been stuffed full of cake; it’s a great encouragement to me to turn 75 as often as possible, and I fully intend to do it again next year. Of course I felt the same about 39, but somehow that didn't happen. Five writers began the Writers’ Trust in 1976 (what were we thinking?): Graeme Gibson — whose idea it was, he gets me into all kinds of trouble — Margaret Laurence, Pierre Berton, and David Young, and myself. (Did I get them all? David, you're here somewhere.) What we had in mind was a non-governmental organization that would be of financial help to writers; we did this because we knew the need. That was then, and that need is greater now, as cultural creators are under increased threat: a worried publishing industry, and a university sector that under a badly-written copyright law feels entitled to help itself to creators’ content have not improved the lives of writers. How many millions of dollars have been removed from authors through universities’ misuse of their copyright? And often by the same universities that charge 18 thousand dollars for an MFA in 'Creative Writing.' There's a disjunct there. Sort of like saying okay, we'll teach you to be a doctor but by the way you've got to doctor for us for nothing. On the plus side, we five founders did not anticipate the success that the Trust has achieved today, with the help of so many – including the Woodcocks, who set up the thoughtful Woodcock Fund, and those who organize the must-have ticket dinner in Ottawa, Politics and the Pen. (Did I hear a hear, hear? Hear, Hear.) And of course the many generous donors who recognize the immense contribution writers and writing have made to the weaving of the ever-varying cultural fabric that is Canada. So, on behalf of all who have worked so hard, and all who have been helped by the Trust: thank you. And thank you for this unforgettable birthday celebration." jumps off the stage