Nelson Mandela's unseen prison letters to be read at the Union Chapel

Marking the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth on July 18, human rights and freedom of expression charity English PEN is holding an evening of readings of Mandela’s letters from prison.

The event on July 17 at the Union Chapel brings together a number of special guests across literature, politics, activism, journalism and the arts, directed and produced by acclaimed actor and director Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE.

Actor and artistic director of the Young Vic Kwame Kwei-Armah, journalist Gary Younge, poet and novelist Jackie Kay, author Zoe Wicomb, composer Errollyn Wallen and Ted Hughes Award winner Jay Bernard are performing the letters, many of which have remained unpublished until now.

The evening is also celebrating the release of a new book, The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela (published on July 10), collating his correspondence when he was incarcerated. The performers are joined by the book’s editor Sahm Venter and Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandela, granddaughter of Nelson Mandela.

Venter said: “Madiba’s letters are each, on their own, so rich and each one adds to the existing body of knowledge about his life in prison and at times, before he went in. Every piece of writing by Madiba adds a new thread to the existing body of knowledge we have of him and his life and times.”

The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela chronicles his period of imprisonment from 1962 to 1990 through letters he sent to his family and loved ones, compatriots, prison authorities and government officials. Both the book and the performance, paint a picture of Mandela as a devoted father, loyal friend and hardworking student.

Director of English PEN Antonia Byatt said: “Today hundreds of writers languish in prison for speaking out, as Mandela did. At PEN we know communication with the outside world for prisoners is crucial. Through PEN thousands of people around the world have sent letters to writers in prison to bolster their spirit and to support freedom of expression.”

July 17, Union Chapel, N1, tickets are available from unionchapel.org.uk