Treat your mum to a day out at Melbourne Writers Festival.
It’s no coincidence that the final day of Melbourne Writers Festival lands on Mother’s Day – it’s the perfect excuse to treat mum to all her favourite authors! Whether she’s a lifelong booklover, a philosophy enthusiast, or just loves a good story, a day at the festival promises inspiration, conversation and a few extra brownie points for you.
We’re here to help you plan the ultimate literary outing, with a lineup of brilliant local and international writers and thinkers that you and mum will love.
Are You There, God?
10:30am
If your mum loves authors like Lauren Groff and Charlotte Wood, start the day with celebrated authors Emily Maguire and Josephine Rowe as they discuss their new novels of faith, fate and the nature of belief in Are You There, God?.
Inspired by the legend of Pope Joan, Maguire’s Rapture is the story of a young woman who defies gendered expectations and enters the monastic life by disguising herself as a man. Rowe’s Little World opens with the body of a child saint stranded in the Australian bush, and goes on to weave a mesmerising story of the lives she touches across time and continents.
State Library Victoria, Theatrette
The Bookshelf Live with ABC Radio National
12pm
If your mum has her finger on the literary pulse, take her to The Bookshelf Live with ABC Radio National. Be part of a live recording of ABC Radio National's The Bookshelf as Hannah Kent and Beejay Silcox sit down with hosts Kate Evans and Jonathan Green to discuss the latest fiction releases they’re loving and being challenged by.
State Library Victoria, Conversation Quarter
Better Off Said: Eulogies for the Living and Dead
2.30pm
For the sentimental mum who never misses an opportunity to celebrate her nearest and dearest, enjoy a spoken-word salon with heartfelt readings at Better Off Said. Join Kaliane Bradley, Gideon Haigh, Marcia Langton, Samah Sabawi and Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts as they reflect on ‘The Words I Wish I’d Said,’ . Philosopher A. C. Grayling will deliver a Living Eulogy, celebrating life while we’re still here to hear it and the afternoon will close with a very special musical performance by Eliza Hull.
The Capitol
Making Peace in the Culture Wars
6pm
For the philosophical mum who constantly questions our world and culture, finish the day with prominent philosopher A.C. Grayling in his closing lecture, Making Peace in the Culture Wars. In this special lecture, Grayling considers the divisive state of public culture and the chilling effect it’s having on intellectual discourse. Looking at the history of cancellation, from Ancient Greek ‘ostracism’ to hemlock cups, witch trials and the House of Un-American Activities, Grayling presents a nuanced and timely examination of the culture wars and their discontents and offers a compelling vision for how we might move forward.
Athenaeum Theatre
Before you go to the festival, explore of works of the attending writers with Readings' MWF online shop!
