A nightly guide to the Melbourne Writers Festival 2015
We’re thrilled that the Melbourne Writers Festival is here! And we’ve picked out an event for you for to attend every single evening of the festival.
Thursday, 20 August: Rob Thomas – Veronica Mars to iZombie
Rob Thomas is the creator of TV cult classics Veronica Mars, Party Down, and the new series iZombie. He’ll talk about it all, including pintsize PI Veronica’s journey from TV to film (and now books) – kickstarted by the most successful crowdfunding campaign ever.
Friday, 21 August: Annabel Crabb & Kate Grenville – Wives & Mothers
Kate Grenville’s new book is about her mother’s life through the 20th century; Annabel Crabb’s is about being a woman now. How have expectations changed? How far have we come?
Saturday, 22 August: John Button Oration: Rebecca Huntley, A Fair Go
After a decade researching Australians’ attitudes, Rebecca Huntley shares what she’s learned about how we see – and experience – inequality. What does ‘a fair go’ look like? Who feels they’re not getting one? And do Australians think the idea is still relevant?
Sunday, 23 August: Thinking & Drinking – I Quit Sugar
Think you can’t live without sugar? Or know that you can? Either way, join Sarah Wilson as she chats about her two bestselling books on giving up the sweet stuff and eating the real stuff. Why do so many prefer processed to pure?
Monday, 24 August: MWF Big Book Club
Join us to explore Richard Flanagan’s Man Booker Prize winning novel, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, about the cruelty of war, tenuousness of life and the impossibility of love. Following a panel discussion led by Jason Steger, with author Emily Bitto and Flanagan’s longtime publisher, Nikki Christer, have your say in a lively Q&A session.
Tuesday, 25 August: YA Salon – Alice in Wonderland
Join your favourite YA authors to celebrate the 150th birthday of one of literature’s weirdest classics: Alice in Wonderland. Bernard Beckett, Justine Larbalestier, Andrew McDonald, Allyse Near and Alice Pung will each respond to this subversive story in their own uniquely entertaining way.
Wednesday, 26 August: Brains, Genes & Gender
What can science tell us about who we are? How can it be used – and misused? World-renowned science writers Cordelia Fine and Christine Kenneally explore their work, their interests, and their experiences as women working in a field dominated by men.
Thursday, 27 August: Gideon Raff – Homeland
Israeli film and TV director, screenwriter and writer Gideon Raff is best known for the series Prisoners of War and its US adaptation Homeland. During this multimedia conversation presented in partnership with The Australian Jewish News, you’ll gain insight into how he wrote these acclaimed shows.
Friday, 28 August: First Nations – Maori Voices
Subversive, moving and political, Patricia Grace is one of New Zealand’s leading Maori writers, with a swag of national (and international) awards across novels, short stories and children’s literature. Her daughter, Briar Grace-Smith, is a renowned playwright, poet and short-story writer. Meet New Zealand’s finest.
Saturday, 29 August: An Audience with Naomi Klein
Naomi Klein’s international bestseller No Logo exploded the way we think about global brands and their impact. In her latest game-changer, This Changes Everything, she exposes the war capitalism is waging on our planet. Have your assumptions challenged – and discover how we can do better.
Sunday, 30 August: Will Self – Closing Night Address
UK literary icon Will Self has lived in and visited Australia – which he both loves and hates – for over 30 years. He’ll reflect on the repression and denial at our dark heart, and unpick his own vexed relationship with our country.
