20/03/2025
Mac Donald Dixon (b. October 1, 1944) is a distinguished Saint Lucian artist whose multifaceted contributions to literature, theatre, and the visual arts have left an indelible mark on the Caribbean cultural landscape. A prolific playwright, poet, novelist, painter, and photographer, Dixon has spent decades shaping Saint Lucia’s artistic identity through his storytelling and creative pursuits.
His literary career was profoundly influenced by Nobel laureate Derek Walcott, whom he encountered early in his journey. At sixteen, Dixon stumbled upon Walcott’s Twenty-Five Poems in the St. Mary’s College library—an experience that ignited his passion for writing. Later, as a member of the Saint Lucia Arts Guild, he became close friends with Roderick Walcott, Derek’s twin brother. In 1967, while directing a production of Derek Walcott’s short play Joumard for Castries’ transition from town to city, Dixon had a defining moment when Walcott personally intervened in a rehearsal, offering direct mentorship. This encounter cemented Dixon’s theatrical education and deepened his artistic aspirations.
Dixon’s works span multiple genres, reflecting his versatility as a writer. His novels include Season of Mist, Misbegotten, Saints of Little Paradise: Book One ‘Eden Defiled’, and A Scream in the Shadows (2022), a crime story set in rural Saint Lucia that explores themes of domestic violence and justice. His poetry collections—including Pebbles (1973), The Poet Speaks (1980), and Beloved Country and Other Poems (2013)—capture the rhythms and realities of Caribbean life with evocative imagery and profound introspection. His contributions to theatre are equally significant, with nationally acclaimed plays such as Kesnoh cementing his reputation as a leading dramatist.
Beyond literature, Dixon is an accomplished painter and photographer, with his visual art serving as a complementary extension of his storytelling. His dedication to the arts has earned him prestigious accolades, including the Saint Lucia Medal of Merit (1994) for literature and photography, and a lifetime achievement award from Saint Lucia’s Cultural Development Foundation (2006).
Dixon’s work remains deeply intertwined with the landscapes, history, and people of Saint Lucia, capturing the essence of Caribbean life while exploring universal themes of identity, justice, and belonging. Active in creative pursuits since 1964, he continues to shape the region’s artistic and literary traditions, securing his place as one of Saint Lucia’s most influential cultural figures.
