91Èȱ¬

Ishmael Reed is a true polymath - a writer, public intellectual, publisher, musician and activist. In this Sunday Feature, Lindsay Johns travels to Oakland, California to meet this American polymath in the place which has shaped his thinking, as the two discuss Reed's work, and his ideas.

As they move around the city, Lindsay discovers the roots of Reed's iconoclasm, which has led him to challenge positions across the political spectrum; his extraordinary work ethic; and his wish to broaden the range of writers who get to tell their own stories. They'll discuss Reed's literary activism, the impact of meeting Malcolm X on his own life, and why being a famous writer may have saved him being harmed by the local crack dealers.

Lindsay will speak to those closest to Reed, and join him as he records new music - aged 86. What he finds is that Reed is the true American Trickster - always on the move, always challenging, always fascinating.

Producer: Giles Edwards
Readings: Nuhazet Diaz Cano