"Situation for the young is dire."

The situation for younger generations is "dire" according to critically acclaimed American author and playwright Bonnie Greer.

Ms Greer arrived in Lincoln yesterday in support of her latest novel, Entropy, and appeared at the Bishop Greaves Theatre on the Bishop Grosseteste University College campus.

The event included a book signing, readings of excerpts from her latest novel and a structured question and answer session which also included Lincoln-based actor/director Colin McFarlane.

Ms Greer says she believes that older generations need to apologise for the mess that has been made in terms of debt, the credit crisis and the economy in general.

"The younger generations have now got to face huge debts, while taking on the debts of my generation," she explained.

"There are a lot more constraints on people now who are in their 20s than there ever has been.

"The situation is dire and it's about time the younger generation started being allowed to sit at the top table and let their voices be heard."

Ms Greer was born in Chicago in 1948 and studied theatre in both Chicago and New York. She moved to the United Kingdom in 1986, which she describes as "the real first day of her life". She has worked in theatre here for the last 22 years, mainly with women and ethnic minorities.

She explained that she was attracted by the innovation and diversity of the British theatre.

"It was something that didn't exist in America at the time.

"I wanted to be part of the British theatre scene because, well, it's the best in the world. I wanted to be a part of something much more vibrant than what I had been before. I only intended on coming her for six months, but am still here after 22years."

Ms Greer believes the progress that has been made within black theatre has not yet gone as far as it should have done.

"When I came here in 1986 there were a great deal more theatre companies and directors," she explained.

"I guess following the recession in 1991, and with the changes in the arts consul, black theatre got hit in the neck first. We lost a great deal of editorial and artistic talent.

"I think black directors and writers are still struggling to find ways to be a part of the mainstream, while still maintaining their own expression on the outside.

"Theatre is not as accessible as one might think," she added.

This was Ms Greer's first visit to the city of Lincoln.

"It only took less than an hour for me to adore it," she said.

Greer regularly contributes articles to the Guardian, the Telegraph, the Independent and Marie Claire, as well as appearing for comment on TV and radio.

Entropy, the third and latest novel from Ms Greer, has been described as a dystopian post-post-9/11 story.

"Entropy describes a future where we're all under surveillance, recovering from a plague and worried about infection, all while constantly under sedation," she said.