Politics and poetry don’t always mix even though the art of politics depends upon the keen oratory skills of the poet. Under threat of death from the Mugabe government, Zimbabwean author Chenjerai Hove is coming to Miami Beach to speak at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6th at ArtCenter/SouthFlorida on Lincoln Road.

Chenjerai Hove.

Hove is a leading figure in post-colonial literature and he is the author of several books, including Bones, Shadows, and Ancestors. His body of work is also, in part, a political critique of Robert Gabriel Mugabe, the seven time (supposedly) democratically elected leader of his Zimbabwe. This is what got Hove into political hot water.

Hove returns to South Florida courtesy of The Writer’s Room at The Betsy, Florida International University and ArtCenter/SouthFlorida to share his work and his experiences living in exile. In 2009, Hove spent time as a guest writer in Miami through the International Cities of Refuge Network. During his visit, Hove has been in residence in the Writer’s Room at The Betsy-South Beach from October 13 to November 9. The event Wednesday evening will be followed by a bon voyage reception for Hove in the Lobby Salon at The Betsy-South Beach.

The Literary Arts Salon with award-winning poet, novelist, playwright and human rights advocate Chenjerai Hove will take place on Wednesday, November 6 at 7 p.m. at Project 924, 924 Lincoln Rd. (second floor), Miami Beach. RSVP to [email protected]. Event is free and open to the public.