MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL 3 12 SEP 2021 MWF.COM.AU

TELL ME HOW IT ENDS MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

We respectfully acknowledge that Melbourne Writers Festival takes place on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Melbourne Writers Festival thanks its generous donors, partners and supporters.

Principal Partner

Major Partners Offi cial Bookseller

Cultural Partners

Learning Partners

Media Partners Offi cial Suppliers

Festival Supporters Donors Ann & Michael Cohn Board Genevieve Cizevskis Astrid Edwards Production Manager APRA AMCOS Literary Epic $20,000+ Astrid Edwards Rosemary Geer Rachel Hanley Australian Communities Foundation John Jerome Myers Chair Jo Grigg Ticketing & Sales Manager Australian Poetry Maria Myers AC & Allan J Myers AC QC Fahim Ahad Dr Alice Hill & Mark Nicholson Margie Yi Besen Family Foundation Deputy Chair Leg Up Foundation Front of House, Venues Bunjil Place Novel $10,000+ Joanna Brand & Volunteers Manager Bernard Marin AM Company Secretary City of Greater Dandenong Hart Line Fund (a sub-fund of the Coral Guan Australian Communities Foundation) McLeod Family Foundation City of Yarra Phillip Benedetti (until June 2021) Digital Marketing Coordinator Dr Leonie Kelleher OAM Cecilia J Myers Committee for Melbourne Ahmad Abas Gemma Pass Dr George & Rosa Morstyn Jamila Rizvi First Nations Australia Writers’ Network Dr Alice Hill Marketing Coordinator Mark Rubbo OAM Gail Lister Madelyn Pickersgill Footscray Community Arts Centre Novella $5,000+ Nick Ruskin Jamila Rizvi Business & Operations Coordinator Griffi th Review Paul Andrews, Trustee of the Craig Semple Louise Ryan Winnie Tsang The Moat Robin Campbell Foundation Bernadette Trifi letti Erin Wamala Philanthropy Coordinator Mushroom Group BB & A Miller Fund (a sub-fund of the Michael Webster Jacob Boehme PEN Melbourne Australian Communities Foundation) Linda White First Nations Advisor Public Record Offi ce Victoria, Canny Quine Foundation Staff Janet Whiting AM Ingrid Laguna Ancestry.com.au Peter Garrow Michaela McGuire Education Advisor Quarterly Essay Maureen Wheeler AO Haiku $500+ Artistic Director Joey Chen, Shadi Habash Safety In Numbers & Tony Wheeler AO Andrew Deane Rebecca MacFarling Bookkeepers Science Gallery Melbourne Maggie Haertsch Chief Executive Offi cer CPR Communications Short Story $1000+ The Stella Prize Rebecca Kierce Gene Smith & Public Relations Anonymous United States Consulate Melbourne Barbara Long Associate Director Publicity Fahim Ahad Victorian Association for the Louise Ryan Sonia Nair Sweet Creative Teaching of English Phillip Benedetti Program Manager Robert Sessions AM Graphic Design Vision Australia Joanna Brand Alexia Jordan Adrian Potts The Wheeler Centre Sally Browne Fund (a sub-fund of the Correct at 7 July 2021 Marketing & Partnerships Manager Copywriter Writers Victoria Australian Communities Foundation) Chloe Gordon Philanthropy Manager 2 MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Contents Festival Events 4—15 Families 6 First Nations Curators 7 Digital 8 Teens 11 Calendar 12—13 Workshops 16 In the Suburbs 17 Local Libraries 18 Artists 20 Festival Information & Tickets 22—23

Michaela McGuire

What happens when the entire This program also recognises alight (and burned down the English Julian Assange’s lawyer Jen Robinson AC Grayling, Viet Thanh Nguyen world is consumed by the same story? that the invasion of this country language). Noongar author Claire G discuss WikiLeaks, free speech and and Sigrid Nunez are available to The pandemic feels like the fi rst represented the end for so many Coleman and polymath writer Alison covert power. Editor of The Age Gay watch at your convenience on a truly global event: everyone is being members of the world’s longest Croggon discuss the ongoing legacy Alcorn brings commentators from pay-what-you-can basis. clobbered by the same problem, at continuing cultures. For the fi rst time, of Australia’s colonial past. Gunai/ across the political divide to debate For the little readers in your life, the same time, while we’re all online, this year’s festival has been enriched Kurnai writer Veronica Heritage- the newest battleground of free we’ve gathered some of the country’s all the time. by self-determined programming Gorrie and activist and thinker Randa speech: cancel culture. She is joined most popular and entertaining To open a book is, in this world, from two of this country’s most Abdel-Fattah examine how modern- by Louise Adler, Waleed Aly, James children’s authors for MWF Families, a radical act: of learning, of privacy, powerful First Nations voices, day racism is bound to colonisation. Button, Parnell Palme McGuinness an action-packed day of storytelling, of self-care, of rebellion, of hope. Bridget Caldwell-Bright and Marcia Memoirists Lech Blaine and Rick and Nyadol Nyuon. A panel of live mysteries and illustrator battles. As readers and writers, the written Langton. In Marcia’s own words, Morton confront the shortcoming political writers and editors— The program features Australian word is our chosen art form because ‘we have invited writers to tell us of male stoicism in the face of grief Annika Smethurst, Lech Blaine and Children’s Laureate Ursula of its unparalleled power to provide their deepest thoughts about the and trauma. Nick Feik—discuss the larrikin fi gure Dubosarsky, poet and illustrator comfort, answers to impossible predicament of being simultaneously Award-winning Wiradyuri writer in our politics with Jan Fran while Maxine Beneba Clarke, bestselling questions, connection with other Indigenous people and global citizens Anita Heiss talks to Paul Barclay Norman Swan, Osman Faruqi and and much-loved author Morris minds and viewpoints. To change in our Brave New World, being an about Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray Jamila Rizvi debate public safety, Gleitzman, 2020 NSW Aboriginal who we are, and in doing so, change Indigenous person in the midst of (River of Dreams), her epic new politics and the pandemic with Woman of the Year Kirli Saunders, the world. so many challenges to our existence historical novel. Australian screen Raf Epstein. and many more. The MWF Teens In periods of uncertainty, when and our right to be Indigenous, to legend Bryan Brown chats about We’re bringing the best of the program boasts a selection of we feel powerless and buff eted by be writers and thinkers, the truth- turning his hand to crime writing in Festival to Bunjil Place with a new Australia’s exceptional YA talent, with forces outside of our control, we turn telling that is demanded of us and his debut book, Sweet Jimmy. John series of events featuring investigative topics spanning origin stories, urban to storytellers to help make sense the insights that Indigenous history, Doyle sits down with Sam Pang to reporter Louise Milligan, former fantasies and secret identities being of the world. Here, at Melbourne cultures, languages and ways of discuss Blessed: The Breakout Year of Manus detainee and award-winning discussed by authors including Garth Writers Festival, we invite you to thinking and being off er to the world.’ Rampaging Roy Slaven, his warm and author Behrouz Boochani and Nix, Will Kostakis, Leanne Hall, celebrate our chosen panacea for For Melbourne Writers Festival’s witty homage to his larger-than-life bestselling children’s book author Amie Kaufman, Sophie Gonzales the time in which we live. 35th year, our program features a alter ego. Morris Gleitzman. and Gary Lonesborough. Capping We’ve gathered the fi nest cast of astonishing writers who are From parliament to the Supreme Supplementing the voices of off the day is the popular fan-fi ction minds in the country and have shaping the future of literature in Court, Australia’s highest halls of more than 250 Australian writers showcase, where YA writers let their issued them a simple challenge: this country and beyond. Helen power have been rocked by failures is a carefully considered cohort imaginations run wild by dropping Tell Me How It Ends. Garner makes a long-awaited return in protecting victim-survivors of of international authors, who’ll their favourite characters from pop This Festival program stubbornly to the Festival stage to speak with sexual assault. Journalists, lawyers, be appearing via live-cross at The culture into dystopian scenarios to resists the neat ending. Instead, we’ll writer and critic Beejay Silcox about activists and writers argue for Capitol. Acclaimed author Maggie see if they survive. contest and interrogate the pre- the role that doubt plays in her life structural change, using their own Nelson (The Argonauts) talks about Closing the curtain not with a existing conditions that have been and work, the literary power of experiences and expertise to imagine her new book On Freedom, an whimper but a resounding bang, an exacerbated by the pandemic and ambiguity, and the art of unknowing. a new ending to this all-too-common exploration of freedom in the spheres all-Victorian legendary line-up comes dragged into the harsh light of day. Author Bruce Pascoe (Dark Emu) story. Lawyer Michael Bradley, of art, sex, drugs, and climate, together to celebrate the heritage Together, we’ll tackle the tensions of and historian Tom Griffi ths (The Art barrister Rachel Doyle SC, writer with on-stage interviewer Rebecca and future of our City of Literature. racism, classism, sexism, colonialism of Time Travel) transcend the culture Bri Lee and Wiradjuri and Wailwan Harkins-Cross. Regarded as one of Join Evelyn Araluen, Maxine Beneba and nationalism and imagine a new wars to consider the productive lawyer Teela Reid discuss the America’s great writers and thinkers, Clarke, Patricia Cornelius, Nayuka way forward. This Festival defi es the conversation emerging around First disorder in our courts. Amani Haydar, and literature’s spiritual leader, Gorrie, Chloe Hooper, Shaun deep desire to impose a narrative Nations histories, in conversation Jess Hill, Celeste Liddle and Tanya Marilynne Robinson joins Michael Tan and Maria Tumarkin for an structure on chaos. There are no with Sally Warhaft. Two of our most Plibersek join Sophie Black to discuss Williams to discuss her prolifi c unmissable Closing Night. foregone conclusions here—but beloved and celebrated authors and how policymakers, the law and the career and Gilead series. In his only Although this festival may have a infi nite possibilities. journalists Julia Baird and Trent media can work together to end the Victorian event, Douglas Stuart will diff erent ending to the one we boldly To fi nd out how the story ends, Dalton discuss the importance of scourge of family violence. 2021 reveal how he shaped the world of and hopefully planned, we’re so we need to understand how it began. wonder and where they fi nd it in Australian of the Year Grace Tame his Booker Prize–winning novel proud to share the staggering talent On Opening Night, an all-star their lives. has spent the last ten years turning her Shuggie Bain and the book’s runaway of the authors who have published line-up considers this country’s Twice Miles Franklin–shortlisted traumatic experience into advocacy popularity in conversation with books in the most unenviable of foundational myths. How have our author Tony Birch emerged from for survivors of child sexual assault. Anton Enus. circumstances. This festival is a long- brutal beginnings endured to this lockdown with two new books that In a Festival highlight, she takes to MWF Digital is back, and overdue celebration of these writers day, and how do we reckon with our showcase his unsurpassed versatility the stage of the Athenaeum Theatre we’re proud to bring our audience and their vital work. We hope you’ll history of dispossession? When did in both poetry and prose: Whisper for a powerful keynote address. a lovingly curated selection of the join us. we start to see ourselves as a bunch Songs and Dark as Last Night. John Some of our brightest political world’s most essential literary voices. of battlers, larrikins and top blokes in Safran launches his signature style of commentators tackle the biggest These ten events featuring luminaries the land of the fair go? And what fi bs, gonzo journalism on Big Tobacco in stories of our lives. Human rights Rachel Cusk, Jhumpa Lahiri, both big and small, help our leaders his impressively subtitled new book lawyer Julian Burnside, former Emma Dabiri, Rumaan Alam, Akala, stay in power? Pu Piece: How Philip Morris set vaping Greens senator Scott Ludlam and Natasha Brown, Brandon Taylor, 3 MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

FRIDAY 3 & SATURDAY 4 SEPTEMBER WHERE DO I BEGIN? Opening Night: Where Do I Begin? 3 Sep, 6.30–8pm | Athenaeum Theatre To fi nd out how the story ends, we need to understand how it began. How have our brutal beginnings endured to this day, and how do we reckon with our history of dispossession? When did we start to see ourselves as a bunch of battlers, larrikins and top blokes in the land of the fair go? And what fi bs, both big and small, help our leaders stay in power? An all-star line-up opens the Festival with readings on Australia’s foundational myths. The Age presents its Book of the Year award for the fi rst time since 2012.

$35/$30 1

Murder, Jane Wrote The Ties That Bind 4 Sep, 10–11am Douglas 4 Sep, 2–3pm State Library Victoria, Conversation State Library Victoria, Village Quarter Stuart: Roadshow Theatrette Jane Harper (The Survivors) talks Acclaimed novelists Laura Elizabeth about her bestselling crime mysteries, Shuggie Bain Woollett (The Newcomer) and Mark how remote Australian landscapes 4 Sep, 11am–12pm Brandi (The Others) shed light on inform her stories, and seeing her The Capitol shaping crime novels that depict the debut novel on the big screen, in Crossing live from New York, Douglas relationship between a parent and conversation with Angela Savage. Stuart reveals how he shaped the child, with Elizabeth McCarthy. $25/$20 world of his Booker Prize–winning $15/$10 2 novel Shuggie Bain, the book’s 13 runaway popularity, and why the story still rings true after years of austerity The Ripple Eff ect in the UK, in conversation with on-stage PEN 100: Freedom to Write interviewer Anton Enus. 4 Sep, 10–11am 4 Sep, 2–3pm Supported by ARA State Library Victoria, Village State Library Victoria, Create Roadshow Theatrette $35/$30 Quarter Miles Franklin–winning writer Sofi e 6 Celebrating the centenary of PEN Laguna (Infi nite Splendours) and International, Torres Strait Islander Walkley Award–winning journalist writer Thomas Mayor refl ects on Erina Reddan (The Serpent’s Skin) First Nations writing as an act of self- discuss how they have depicted the determination, on stage with Declan Fry. legacy of childhood trauma in their In partnership with PEN Melbourne new novels, with Ellen Cregan. Now and Then: Celebrating Apocalypse Now? Lisa Millar: Daring to Fly Free, no bookings required $15/$10 Ten Years of Stella Not Just Yet 4 Sep, 1–2pm 14 3 4 Sep, 12–1pm 4 Sep, 12–1pm The Capitol State Library Victoria, Village The Wheeler Centre, Performance Former foreign correspondent and Roadshow Theatrette Space ABC News Breakfast host Lisa Millar Tampa: 20 Years On Living Memories talks about Daring to Fly, her account 4 Sep, 2–3pm 4 Sep, 10–11am Join Stella Prize co-founder Chris School Strikes 4 Climate organiser Gordon in conversation with Carrie Jean Hinchliff e (Lead the Way) and of conquering trauma and fear, with The Wheeler Centre, Performance State Library Victoria, Create Quarter Tiff any, Emily Bitto and Claire G former Greens senator Scott Ludlam her friend ABC 7.30’s Leigh Sales. Space Writers Kavita Bedford (Friends & Coleman as they discuss the Prize’s (Full Circle) examine how small-scale $35/$30 Fulbright scholar and refugee Abbas Dark Shapes) and Anwen Crawford impact, enduring legacy and what activism coalesces into a greater Nazari (After the Tampa) discusses 11 (No Document) refl ect on their genre- might be achieved next. climate change movement, with the legacy of the 2001 Tampa aff air, bending books that unfurl stories of grief In partnership with the Stella Prize Linh Do. the life he has since built in New and loss, with Rebecca Harkins-Cross. $15/$10 In partnership with 3RRR 102.7FM Tony Birch: Immaculate Zealand and the power of hope, with Free, no bookings required Michael Green. 7 $25/$20 Collections 4 $25/$20 9 4 Sep, 2–3pm 15 Let Me Be Brief: Paige Clark State Library Victoria, Conversation Dear Son Quarter and Chloe Wilson The New Wave of First 4 Sep, 10–11am Miles Franklin–shortlisted author Bryan Brown: Sweet Jimmy 4 Sep, 12–1pm Nations Fiction Tony Birch chats with Jeanine Leane The Wheeler Centre, Performance 4 Sep, 2–3pm about his new collections of prose Space State Library Victoria, Create Quarter 4 Sep, 12–1pm and poetry that cement his reputation Athenaeum Theatre Acclaimed writers Paige Clark (She State Library Victoria, Conversation Dear Son editor Thomas Mayor and as one of Australia’s fi nest storytellers. Australian screen legend Bryan Brown Is Haunted) and Chloe Wilson (Hold Quarter contributors Jack Latimore and Stan (Breaker Morant, Two Hands) chats Your Fire) chat about their short $25/$20 Grant speak to Shelley Ware about [SEE EVENT DETAILS ON PAGE 7] about turning his hand to crime writing story collections, both bound by 12 their contributions to the collection 10 in his debut book, Sweet Jimmy. of letters written to sons, fathers, fantastical and unsettling elements, in $35/$30 and nephews in celebration of First conversation with Veronica Sullivan. Nations manhood. Free, no bookings required 16 $25/$20 8 5

4 MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

SATURDAY 4 & SUNDAY 5 SEPTEMBER

The Lies of the Uncomfortable Truths Young and Muslim Norman Swan Knows from Unceded Land in Australia What’s Good For You Land: Australia, 4 Sep, 6–7pm 5 Sep, 10–11am 5 Sep, 2–3pm Assange and Athenaeum Theatre The Wheeler Centre, Performance State Library Victoria, Conversation [SEE EVENT DETAILS ON PAGE 7] Space Quarter WikiLeaks Prize-winning authors Randa Abdel- Beloved broadcaster and physician 4 Sep, 4–5pm 23 Fattah (Coming of Age in the War Norman Swan clears up medical State Library Victoria, Conversation on Terror) and Michael Mohammed myths and misconceptions about Quarter Ahmad (The Other Half of You) talk health while discussing his book Human rights lawyer Julian Burnside, with Tasneem Chopra about the lives So You Think You Know What’s former Greens senator Scott Ludlam, of young Australian Muslims. Good for You? and Julian Assange’s lawyer Jen $25/$20 $25/$20 Robinson discuss WikiLeaks, free 27 29 speech and covert power. $25/$20 17 Facing the Legacy Marcia Langton: of Colonialism Welcome to Country 5 Sep, 12–1pm 5 Sep, 4–5pm John Safran: Puff Piece The Wheeler Centre, Performance The Wheeler Centre, Performance Space 4 Sep, 8–9pm Space Noongar author Claire G Coleman Infl uential Aboriginal scholar and Athenaeum Theatre and polymath writer Alison author Marcia Langton shares insight Inimitable author and fi lmmaker John Croggon share the stage for a panel into the forthcoming updated edition Safran discusses his wild, hilarious discussion about the ongoing legacy of her landmark travel guide to and thought-provoking exposé of Big of Australia’s colonial past, with Roj First Nations Australia, Welcome to Tobacco, Puff Piece, on stage with Amedi. Country, on stage with Barry Judd. Mahmood Fazal. $25/$20 $25/$20 $35/$30 Australia and the End Dark Emu and The Art 28 31 25 of Empire of Time Travel 4 Sep, 4–5pm 4 Sep, 4–5pm State Library Victoria, Village Athenaeum Theatre Up Late: Patricia Karvelas Jennifer Roadshow Theatrette Author Bruce Pascoe (Dark Emu) and Sally Rugg Veronica Heritage-Gorrie (Black and historian Tom Griffi ths (The Art 4 Sep, 8–9pm Down: and Blue) and Randa Abdel-Fattah of Time Travel) transcend the culture State Library Victoria, Conversation (Coming of Age in the War on Terror) wars to consider the productive Quarter Bodies examine how modern-day racism is conversation emerging around First bound to colonisation. Nations histories, in conversation with [SEE EVENT DETAILS ON PAGE 7] of Light UP1 $15/$10 Sally Warhaft. 5 Sep, 2–3pm 18 $35/$30 The Wheeler Centre, Performance 21 Space Prize-winning writer Jennifer A New Body Politic Down provides an early look at her 4 Sep, 4–5pm forthcoming novel, Bodies of Light, Fortress a sublimely crafted masterwork State Library Victoria, Create of tragedy and heartbreak, in Quarter Australia conversation with Carrie Tiff any. Sam van Zweden (Eating with My 4 Sep, 6–7pm $25/$20 Mouth Open) and Sarah Walker (The State Library Victoria, Conversation 30 First Time I Thought I Was Dying) talk Quarter about reconnecting with our unruly Can we stay safe from COVID without minds and bodies, with Eloise Grills. turning our back on the world? Free, no bookings required Norman Swan, Osman Faruqi and 19 Jamila Rizvi debate public safety and The Cancel politics with ABC Radio Melbourne’s Raf Epstein. Culture Wars Uncertain Terms $25/$20 5 Sep, 4–5pm 4 Sep, 4–5pm 24 State Library Victoria, The Wheeler Centre, Performance Conversation Quarter Space Commentators from across the ABC reporter Sarah Dingle (Brave political divide debate the newest New Humans) and author Erin battleground of free speech: cancel Stewart (The Missing Among Us) culture. Featuring Louise Adler, talk about how we cope in the face ABC Radio Melbourne: Jessie Stephens: Heartsick Waleed Aly, James Button, Parnell of life-changing uncertainty, with Homespun 5 Sep, 10–11am Palme McGuinness and Nyadol Nyuon on stage with The Age editor Justine Hyde. 4 Sep, 6–7pm State Library Victoria, Conversation Gay Alcorn. $25/$20 State Library Victoria, Village Quarter In partnership with The Age 20 Roadshow Theatrette Heartsick author and podcaster Jessie $25/$20 ABC Radio Melbourne listeners step Stephens talks about how heartbreak into the limelight to share true stories makes and breaks us, in conversation 32 on stage with hosts Virginia Trioli with ABC 7.30’s Leigh Sales. and David Astle and a special guest $25/$20 storyteller. 26 In partnership with ABC Radio Melbourne $15/$10 22

5 MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

MWF FAMILIES

For the little readers in your life, MWF Families is a fun-fi lled day starring some of the country’s most popular and entertaining children’s authors. Join us for illustrator battles, live mysteries, storytelling and more.

Bedtime Stories Live! School of Monsters Totally Paw-some! 5 Sep, 10–10.45am 5 Sep, 12.15–1pm 5 Sep, 1–1.45pm State Library Victoria, Create State Library Victoria, Village State Library Victoria, Create Quarter Roadshow Theatrette Quarter The bestselling author of the Nanny The School of Monsters comes to Illustrator and writer Remy Lai draws Piggins, Friday Barnes and Girl life as bestselling children’s author live on the big screen to show the Detective series RA Spratt records a Sally Rippin spills the secrets of her storytelling process behind her special episode of her Bedtime Stories silly and spooky characters with live hilarious and heartwarming new tale podcast in front of a live audience. illustrations by Chris Kennett. Ages 6+ Pawcasso. Ages 6+ Giggles guaranteed. Ages 8+ $10 Free, no bookings required Free, no bookings required FAM5 FAM6 FAM1

Real Pigeons Live Mystery 5 Sep, 10.45–11.30am State Library Victoria, Village Roadshow Theatrette Help the creators of the hilarious Real Pigeons series, writer Andrew McDonald and illustrator Ben Wood, solve a crime with their feathery gang of superpowered sleuths. Ages 6+ Storytime with $10 FAM2 Maxine Beneba Clarke 5 Sep, 11.30am–12pm State Library Victoria, Create Quarter Story Box Library Prize-winning writer Maxine Beneba Clarke reads from her gorgeously illustrated 4 Sep, 8am to 30 Sep, midnight children’s books, sharing her richly lyrical prose and inspiring messages for kids. Online Ages 4+ Join an all-star cast of some of Free, no bookings required Australia’s favourite authors and FAM3 musicians—Paul Dempsey, Emma, Donovan, Kate Miller-Heidke, Alice Pung and Jamila Rizvi—as they read a series of stories designed to get Taking Care of Country kids excited about reading and inspire 5 Sep, 1.45–2.30pm their imaginations. Ages 5–8 State Library Victoria, Village Roadshow Theatrette In partnership with Story Box Library Award-winning children’s writer Kirli Saunders (Bindi) leads a fun-fi lled interactive Free, registration required session about First Nations cultures and taking care of our land. Ages 8+ SBL $10 FAM7

Stand Up for the Planet! Illustration Battle Station 5 Sep, 2.30–3.15pm 5 Sep, 3.15–4pm State Library Victoria, Create State Library Victoria, Village Quarter Roadshow Theatrette Join beloved Australian children’s Peter Carnavas, Chris Kennett, book author Ingrid Laguna (Bailey Remy Lai and Ben Wood draw your Finch Takes a Stand), for a lively silliest suggestions to decide who will interactive session about how kids be crowned The Very Best Illustrator can turn environmental concern into of All Time. Ages 6+ action. Ages 8+ $10 Free, no bookings required FAM9 Morris Gleitzman FAM8 The Magical Puppet Theatre in Conversation 5 Sep, 4–4.45pm 5 Sep, 12–1pm State Library Victoria, Create Quarter State Library Victoria, Conversation Quarter One of the country’s favourite Literary legend Morris Gleitzman shares insight into Always, the fi nal book children’s authors Ursula Dubosarsky of his highly acclaimed and award-winning Once series for younger readers, raises the curtain on her new puppet- in conversation with Adele Walsh. Ages 10+ themed book, Pierre’s Not There, in $10 this special event. Ages 6+ FAM4 Free, no bookings required FAM10

Illustration: Remy Lai 6 MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

FIRST NATIONS CURATORS

This year’s festival is enriched by self-determined programming from two leading First Nations Curators—renowned academic and public intellectual Professor Marcia Langton, who has authored many books, essays and articles including her forthcoming, updated edition of Welcome to Country, along with Jingili Mudburra editor Bridget Caldwell-Bright, who was co-editor for Archer Magazine’s The First Nations Edition and managing editor for Blak Brow. They curate and host conversations with an array of writers, poets and thinkers, carrying forward a millennia-long tradition of storytelling and challenging our founding colonial myths. Marcia Langton: Welcome to Country 5 Sep, 4–5pm The Wheeler Centre, Performance Space [SEE EVENT DETAILS ON PAGE 5] 31 First Nations Poets: Tell Us How It Ends 11 Sep, 10–11am State Library Victoria, Create Quarter Lines of Inquiry: An incredible line-up of First Nations poets perform works speaking to this Indigenous Poetry year’s Festival theme, Tell Me How It Ends, in an event hosted by Bridget 10 Sep, 10–11am Caldwell-Bright. Featuring Evelyn Araluen, Maya Hodge and Jazz Money. State Library Victoria, Village Free, no bookings required Roadshow Theatrette 63 Marcia Langton speaks with Indigenous poets Charmaine Papertalk Green, Yvette Holt and Flock: First Nations Stories The Art of Blak Critique Ellen van Neerven about how their 11 Sep, 6–7pm 12 Sep, 10–11am work is bringing fresh perspective to The Wheeler Centre, Performance State Library Victoria, Village The New Wave of Uncomfortable Truths our past, present and future. Space Roadshow Theatrette First Nations Fiction from Unceded Land Supported by the Copyright Agency Flock is a brilliant new anthology A panel of First Nations critics, Cultural Fund and First Nations showcasing some of the fi nest short reviewers and essayists discuss the 4 Sep, 12–1pm 4 Sep, 6–7pm Australia Writers’ Network stories by First Nations writers from importance of Blak critique and peer State Library Victoria, Athenaeum Theatre Free, no bookings required the last 25 years. Bryan Andy is review. Featuring Bridget Caldwell- Conversation Quarter Non-fi ction writers Stan Grant, 42 joined by contributors Tony Birch, Bright in conversation with Declan Melissa Lucashenko, Nardi Simpson Thomas Mayor and Henry Reynolds Mykaela Saunders and Adam Fry, Tristen Harwood and Alison and Karen Wyld talk about the power discuss the First Nations histories, Thompson. Whittaker. of First Nations fi ction to illuminate politics and ideas that inform their $25/$20 Supported by the Copyright Agency history, culture and ways of thinking work, on stage with Marcia Langton. 84 Cultural Fund in conversation with Marcia Langton. Supported by the Copyright Agency $15/$10 Supported by ARA Cultural Fund 89 $25/$20 $35/$30 10 23

UP LATE Settle in with three pairs of guest hosts for a talk-show-style end to your evening, served with a generous pour of pop culture, current aff airs and everything in between. Our hosts welcome an all-star line-up of guests into the arena for what promises to be a cheeky and irreverent up-late event unpacking all the happenings of the day, be it celeb feuds on Twitter or the latest lowdown from Canberra. State Library Victoria, Conversation Quarter | $25/20 per event

Patricia Karvelas and Sally Rugg Jan Fran and Jess McGuire Benjamin Law and Beverley Wang 4 Sep, 8–9pm 10 Sep, 8–9pm 11 Sep, 8–9pm UP1 UP2 UP3 7 MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

MWF DIGITAL

MWF Digital brings some of the world’s essential literary voices into your home via video, from Pulitzer Prize winners to exhilarating debut authors to the most talked-about novelists of the year. Events are available individually on a pay-what- you-can basis, or you can go all in and purchase a Digital Pass. Online | On demand from 6 Sep, 8am to 15 Sep, midnight

Akala: The Dark Lady Rumaan Alam: Leave the Natasha Brown: Assembly Rachel Cusk: Second Place Emma Dabiri: What White The Dark Lady by author and hip- World Behind Natasha Brown’s Assembly has Rachel Cusk’s newest work, Second People Can Do Next hop artist Akala tells the magic- One of the year’s most talked-about earned impressive praise as ‘the Place, extends previously explored Celebrated Irish-Nigerian author laced adventure of teen orphan books, Rumaan Alam’s Leave the literary debut of the summer’ (British themes of female fate and male Emma Dabiri’s What White People and thief Henry, tackling themes of World Behind is a tautly dystopic Vogue). She speaks in conversation privilege to encompass the murky Can Do Next expertly outlines how identity and inequality. Join ABC story of a family vacation interrupted with Areej Nur about her virtuosic link between art and evil. Cusk the idea of race was constructed to RN’s Stop Everything! co-host by unseen disaster. Alam speaks novel, narrated by a Black British speaks with Sophie Black about bolster capitalism, while articulating Beverley Wang as she speaks with with Osman Faruqi about a novel woman preparing to attend a lavish a dazzling and psychologically a powerful vision of how to forge a an author described as ‘the kind of seemingly tailor-made for our times, party at her boyfriend’s family estate, exacting fable of human destiny future that works for us all. See her in disruptive, aggressive intellect that a exploring race, class and privilege in exploring issues of race, class and and decline, and her prolifi c career conversation with Santilla Chingaipe new generation is closely watching’. a world undone by catastrophe. assimilation. at large. about her intellectually rigorous, DIGITAL1 DIGITAL3 DIGITAL4 razor-sharp treatise. DIGITAL2 DIGITAL5

AC Grayling: The Frontiers Jhumpa Lahiri: Viet Thanh Nguyen: Sigrid Nunez: What Are Brandon Taylor: of Knowledge Whereabouts The Committed You Going Through Filthy Animals In a thought-stirring address drawing Pulitzer Prize–winning Jhumpa Viet Thanh Nguyen’s keenly In characteristically genre-defying One of 2020’s breakout literary stars from his new book Frontiers of Lahiri’s new novel Whereabouts is awaited follow-up to the Pulitzer style, Sigrid Nunez’s What Are You for his Booker Prize–shortlisted Knowledge, celebrated philosopher a meditative portrait of a woman Prize–winning The Sympathizer, Going Through melds fi ction and novel Real Life, American writer AC Grayling examines the great wavering between stasis and The Committed, has drawn praise criticism to tell a powerful story of Brandon Taylor talks to Adolfo paradox of human inquiry: the more movement, originally composed in as ‘a treatise of global futurity in multiple endings. She speaks with Aranjuez about his captivating new we know, the greater the extent of Italian and translated into English the aftermath of colonial conquest’ Astrid Edwards about the meaning of short story collection Filthy Animals, our ignorance, making an urgent by Lahiri herself. She discusses her (Ocean Vuong). He speaks with Leah life, the nature of death, the power of a high-wire act of interlinked stories case for connecting diff erent aching and hypnotic work of fi ction in Jing McIntosh about a literary thriller art and the purpose of friendship. about young creatives navigating branches of knowledge to fortify our conversation with Emma Alberici. that shines a forensic light on empire the blurry territories of fear, longing, DIGITAL9 understanding of ourselves and our Supported by ARA and capitalism. violence and desire. world. DIGITAL8 DIGITAL10 DIGITAL7 DIGITAL6

8 MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

TUESDAY 7 – THURSDAY 9 SEPTEMBER

MWF Gala 7 Sep, 7–10pm State Library Victoria, The Ian Potter Queen’s Hall Don your best cocktail attire for the MWF Gala, an evening of fi ne dining and author appearances at the stunningly restored Ian Potter Queen’s Hall. The evening includes a conversation with award-winning reporter Louise Milligan and a discussion between celebrated cultural historian Maria Tumarkin and editor and writer Leah Jing McIntosh. $300 33

Melbourne Beginnings Allee Richards: 8 Sep, 5–6pm Small Joys of Real Life Helen Garner’s The Wheeler Centre, Performance 8 Sep, 7–8pm Space The Wheeler Centre, Performance Reasonable Doubts Study Melbourne and MWF invite you Space 8 Sep, 8.30–9.30pm to join us as we celebrate all of the Launching the Melbourne City Reads Athenaeum Theatre creative submissions from our annual initiative promoted by CBD bookshops, When we describe Helen Garner’s work, we seize on its candour: she’s storytelling competition and reveal local author Allee Richards joins ABC unfl inching, unsparing, a scrutineer. But honesty is not the same as certainty. the 2021 winners. This year brought Radio Melbourne’s Jacinta Parsons to In this special event, Garner makes a long-awaited return to Melbourne international students together to discuss her just-released debut novel, Writers Festival to speak with writer and critic Beejay Silcox about the role refl ect on the theme, Melbourne which is already being described as a that doubt plays in her life and work, the literary power of ambiguity, and the Beginnings. 21st century Monkey Grip. art of unknowing. Supported by Study Melbourne Free, bookings required Supported by ARA and The Melbourne Gin Company Free, bookings required 35 $35/$30 34 37 Julia Baird and Trent Dalton: On Wonder Secrets, Spies and Peter Steele Lecture: 9 Sep, 8.30–9.30pm Whistleblowers The Spark of Poetry Athenaeum Theatre 9 Sep, 6.30–7.30pm 9 Sep, 6.30–7.30pm Conserving a sense of wonder Athenaeum Theatre The Wheeler Centre, Performance allows us to transcend the mundane, reminds us of our humanity and has Can we claim to be a truly free and Space even been linked to better health. In fair democracy with a government Award-winning poet, editor, critic this highlight Festival event, two of that raids the homes of reporters, and Associate Professor in Creative Australia’s most celebrated authors aggressively pursues whistleblowers Writing Sarah Holland-Batt delivers and journalists Julia Baird and Trent and remains tight-lipped on the this year’s Peter Steele Lecture on Dalton speak with Michael Williams fate of Julian Assange? One of the how poetry may reconcile us to the about the role of wonder in their country’s most respected journalists world. lives and where they seek and fi nd it Kerry O’Brien leads a timely panel Supported by the Faculty of Arts, personally and professionally. Baird’s Jock Zonfrillo: Last Shot discussion about state secrets, The University of Melbourne Phosphorescence is a meditation on 8 Sep, 6.30–7.30pm press freedom and open justice with Free, no bookings required ‘awe, wonder and things that sustain Athenaeum Theatre Andrew Fowler, an award-winning you when the world goes dark’. reporter and author of the acclaimed 38 From life on the streets battling addiction to becoming a top Australian chef and Dalton’s All Our Shimmering Skies is Assange biography The Most MasterChef judge, Jock Zonfrillo shares the stunning journey chronicled in his ‘a love letter to Australia and an ode Dangerous Man in the World, and memoir Last Shot. On stage with Benjamin Law, he recounts growing up in 1980s to the art of looking up’. Glasgow, to barely balancing a career as a rising culinary star with a crippling lawyer Bernard Collaery, author of Supported by ARA drug habit, to being taken under the wing of legendary chef Marco Pierre Oil Under Troubled Water, who faces White. He refl ects on his life-changing move to Sydney, the closure of his prized trial for advising Witness K in relation $35/$30 to Australia’s spy operation against restaurant during COVID-19, his time on country, and some very public battles. 40 our ally East Timor during oil and gas Supported by The Melbourne Gin Company negotiations. $35/$30 $35/$30 36 39

Saying no to being Bond

Saying no to being Bond

9 MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

FRIDAY 10 SEPTEMBER

Barry Jones: Poetic Portraits Peter Godfrey-Smith: John Doyle: The Early Life What Is to Be Done 10 Sep, 12–1pm Metazoa of Rampaging Roy Slaven 10 Sep, 10–11am State Library Victoria, Create 10 Sep, 2–3pm 10 Sep, 6.30–7.30pm State Library Victoria, Conversation Quarter The Wheeler Centre, Performance Athenaeum Theatre Quarter Portraits of Older Australians in Poetry Space John Doyle talks with Sam Pang Writer and former Labor minister co-creators Cassandra Atherton and Scuba-diving philosopher and about Blessed: The Breakout Year of Barry Jones talks about What Is to Be Jessica Wilkinson talk about capturing bestselling Other Minds author Peter Rampaging Roy Slaven, his warm and Done, his incisive analysis of politics lives and memories through poetry, Godfrey-Smith talks about his new witty homage to his large-than-life at home and afar, in conversation with with project participants Aunty Jenni work Metazoa, an inquiry into the alter ego. Martiniello and Pip Heale and poets Above and Beyond Belief philosopher and writer Raimond Gaita. evolutionary path of consciousness $35/$30 Jeanine Leane and Nick Whittock. from sea creatures to humankind. 10 Sep, 4–5pm $25/$20 58 In partnership with RMIT University $25/$20 The Wheeler Centre, Performance 41 Space Free, no bookings required 52 Join Sarah Krasnostein (The Believer) 47 Up Late: Jan Fran Lines of Inquiry: and Jenny Valentish (Everything Harder Than Everyone Else) as they and Jess McGuire Indigenous Poetry Cautionary Tales discuss meticulously researched 10 Sep, 8–9pm 10 Sep, 10–11am new releases that delve deep into the 10 Sep, 12–1pm State Library Victoria, Conversation State Library Victoria, Village lives of extraordinary people, with The Wheeler Centre, Performance Quarter Roadshow Theatrette Elizabeth McCarthy. Space [SEE EVENT DETAILS ON PAGE 7] [SEE EVENT DETAILS ON PAGE 7] $25/$20 Debra Oswald (The Family Doctor) UP2 55 42 and JP Pomare (The Last Guests) share insight into writing psychological thrillers with pressing big-picture A Crisis of Meaning themes, on stage with Angela Savage. 10 Sep, 10–11am My Name is Grace Tame $25/$20 10 Sep, 8.30–9.30pm State Library Victoria, Create 48 Quarter Athenaeum Theatre Fiction writers Miles Allinson and Since being named the 2021 Australian of the Year, Jamie Marina Lau chat to Khalid Grace Tame has propelled the issue of child sexual Warsame about striking new novels abuse into the national spotlight, prompting other young that portray characters grappling with women to share their stories. She takes to the Festival the consequences of an increasingly stage to deliver a powerful keynote address about her meaningless world. advocacy for fellow survivors, the path forward for creating legislative and structural change, and what her Free, no bookings required future holds as part of a movement confronting a culture 43 of silence and sexism in Australia. $35/$30

The Assault of the Earth The End of the Larrikin 60 10 Sep, 10–11am Legend? The Wheeler Centre, Performance 10 Sep, 2–3pm Rewriting History Stop Everything! Space State Library Victoria, Conversation 10 Sep, 4–5pm 10 Sep, 6–7pm Gabrielle Chan (Why You Should Give Quarter State Library Victoria, Village State Library Victoria, Conversation a F*ck About Farming) and Marian A panel of political writers and Roadshow Theatrette Quarter Wilkinson (The Carbon Club) speak editors—Lech Blaine, Nick Feik and with Astrid Edwards about fi nding Annika Smethurst—discuss the Steven Carroll (O) and Rebecca Co-hosts Benjamin Law and Beverley new ways of engaging with our land. larrikin fi gure in our politics, with Starford (The Imitator) share insight Wang record their pop culture show $25/$20 presenter Jan Fran. into riveting historical novels of Stop Everything! in front of a live intrigue, speaking with ABC RN’s Sarah audience, with guests Mehreen Faruqi 44 $25/$20 L’Estrange.. and Jock Zonfrillo. 49 Lillian Ahenkan: Supported by the Faculty of Arts, In partnership with ABC Radio National Archive Fever The University of Melbourne $25/$20 The Success Experiment 10 Sep, 8–9pm 10 Sep, 12–1pm Lyrical Fury Free, no bookings required 56 The Wheeler Centre, Performance State Library Victoria, Conversation 10 Sep, 2–3pm 53 Space Quarter State Library Victoria, Village Known to some 150,000 Instagram Historians Clare Wright and Yves Roadshow Theatrette Boisbouvier Oration: Rees record a live episode of their Local, Attention: Tony Birch followers as Flex Mami, presenter, Award-winning authors Evelyn podcaster and infl uencer Lillian podcast Archive Fever, talking political Araluen and Maria Takolander A Poetry Reading 10 Sep, 6–7pm record-keeping with Judith Brett (The Ahenkan chats about her debut book talk about shaping genre-blurring 10 Sep, 4–5pm The Wheeler Centre, Performance Enigmatic Mr Deakin) and Kate Ellis The Success Experiment, on stage collections of poetry that stare down State Library Victoria, Create Space (Sex, Lies and Question Time). with Matilda Boseley. diffi cult subjects with lyricism, on Quarter Celebrated writer Tony Birch $25/$20 $25/$20 stage with Elena Gomez. illuminates the little-known struggles Leading poets perform works 59 45 Free, no bookings required exploring themes close to home. and successes of Aboriginal women 50 Featuring Luke Beesley, Andy who campaigned for human rights Jackson, Jeanine Leane, Ellen van on government reserves early last Take It From Me: Krissy Personal Truths Neerven, Jessica Wilkinson century, with closing remarks from 10 Sep, 12–1pm Arnold Zable in Conversation and host Claire Gaskin. Alexis Wright. Kneen and Debra Oswald State Library Victoria, Village 10 Sep, 2–3pm In partnership with Australian Poetry Supported by the Faculty of Arts, 10 Sep, 9.30–10.30pm Roadshow Theatrette State Library Victoria, Create Free, no bookings required The University of Melbourne The Moat Acclaimed writers Clem Bastow Quarter 54 $25/$20 Australia’s most questionable (Late Bloomer) and Kathryn Heyman Writer, novelist and human rights 57 late-night relationship advice event (Fury) refl ect on their unsparing and advocate Arnold Zable appears in returns to solve all your romantic hopeful memoirs in conversation with conversation with Michael McGirr woes. Featuring host Jess McGuire Erina Reddan. about a celebrated canon of work alongside Krissy Kneen and Debra Free, no bookings required that brings unique insight to themes Oswald. of memory, history and displacement. In partnership with the Wheeler Centre 46 Free, no bookings required $25 51 61 10 MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

SATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER

Behind the Curtain: Asian- Marilynne Robinson: Australian Women Doctors Full of Grace 11 Sep, 10–11am 11 Sep, 11am–12pm State Library Victoria, Village The Capitol Roadshow Theatrette Crossing live from Iowa, one of the Three generations of Asian-Australian world’s great writers and thinkers, women doctors share their stories Marilynne Robinson speaks with of navigating the medical system. on-stage interviewer Michael Williams Featuring Emotional Female author about her most recent novel, Jack, Yumiko Kadota, Melissa Kang and the Gilead series and her celebrated Melanie Cheng. career at large. $15/$10 Supported by ARA 64 $35/$30 66 Burning Down the House What’s Left Unsaid The Fifth Estate: The Cost of Concealment Maggie 11 Sep, 10–11am 11 Sep, 10–11am Our Exceptional Friend 11 Sep, 12–1pm State Library Victoria, Conversation The Wheeler Centre, Performance 11 Sep, 12–1pm State Library Victoria, Create Nelson: On Quarter Space State Library Victoria, Conversation Quarter Greens senator and environmental Prize-winning novelists Larissa Quarter Critically acclaimed authors Krissy Freedom engineer Mehreen Faruqi and award- Behrendt (After Story) and Steven Historian and Our Exceptional Kneen (The Three Burials of Lotty 11 Sep, 1–2pm winning journalist Marian Wilkinson Carroll (O) refl ect on how the Friend author Emma Shortis asks Kneen) and Fiona Murphy (The Shape The Capitol consider how to curb vested interests literature of long ago can illuminate of Sound) talk about confronting whose interests Australia’s special Crossing live from Los Angeles, and enact clean energy solutions, with important truths once left unsaid, on relationship with the US really serves, secrets, stigma and shame, with Margaret Simons. stage with Clare Wright. Nadia Bailey. acclaimed author Maggie Nelson with host Sally Warhaft, in a special (The Argonauts) talks about her new Supported by Australian $25/$20 edition of The Fifth Estate series. Free, no bookings required book On Freedom, an exploration of Communities Foundation 65 In partnership with the Wheeler Centre 69 freedom in the spheres of art, sex, $25/$20 $25/$20 drugs and climate, with on-stage moderator Rebecca Harkins-Cross. 62 68 Scandalous Fictions Generation Miserable $35/$30 11 Sep, 12–1pm 11 Sep, 12–1pm 71 First Nations Poets: State Library Victoria, Village The Wheeler Centre, Performance Tell Us How It Ends Roadshow Theatrette Space 11 Sep, 10–11am Jacqueline Maley (The Truth About Lillian Ahenkan (aka Flex Mami), State Library Victoria, Create Her) and Filip Vukašin (Modern Bridie Jabour and Sinéad Stubbins Quarter Marriage) discuss their striking debut share the highs and lows of their novels, both centred around narrators [SEE EVENT DETAILS ON PAGE 7] search for meaning as millennials, in whose lives are upended by scandal, conversation with Brodie Lancaster. 63 in conversation with Toni Jordan. $25/$20 $15/$10 70 67

MWF TEENS Don’t miss an action-packed day of events spanning origin stories, urban fantasy and a fanfi c showcase featuring some of Australia’s biggest names in YA. Trades Hall, Fringe Common Rooms | $10 per event

Tell Me How It Hidden Worlds Can You Keep Finding Yourself YA’ll Are Doomed: Started 11 Sep, 11.30am–12.30pm a Secret? 11 Sep, 3–4pm Dystopian Fanfi c 11 Sep, 10–11am Travel to hidden realms ranging from 11 Sep, 1.30–2.30pm Novelists Samera Kamaleddine, Gary a parallel city to a society of magical Lonesborough and Kate O’Donnell Showcase Danielle Binks (The Monster of Her Gabriel Bergmoser (The True Colour of booksellers with fantasy writers Karen chat with Leanne Hall about fi nding 11 Sep, 5–6.30pm Age), Will Kostakis (The Greatest a Little White Lie) and Sophie Gonzales Ginnane (When Days Tilt) and Garth your courage to overcome self-doubt Danielle Binks, Sophie Gonzales, Hit) and Leanne Hall (The Gaps) (Perfect on Paper) share stories Nix (The Left-Handed Booksellers of and shed light on their coming-of- Samera Kamaleddine, Amie reveal the origins of their inspiring of teenagers with secret identities, London), in conversation with Amie age novels that navigate the space Kaufman and Garth Nix present new stories of young women facing whether it’s a geeky teen who reinvents Kaufman. between getting lost and fi nding a piece of fanfi ction about their down their fears, with Melissa Keil. himself or a queer high schooler who yourself. favourite characters from pop YA2 gives anonymous love advice, in YA1 culture cast into the apocalypse, conversation with Will Kostakis. YA4 with host Will Kostakis. YA3 YA5

11 MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

CALENDAR

Saturday 4 September STATE LIBRARY VICTORIA THE WHEELER CENTRE ATHENAEUM THEATRE THE CAPITOL Conversation Quarter Village Roadshow Theatrette Create Quarter Performance Space

10am Murder, Jane Wrote The Ripple Eff ect Living Memories Dear Son

11am Douglas Stuart: Shuggie Bain

The New Wave of First Nations Now and Then: Let Me Be Brief: Paige Clark and 12pm Apocalypse Now? Not Just Yet Fiction Celebrating Ten Years of Stella Chloe Wilson

Lisa Millar: 1pm Daring to Fly

Tony Birch: 2pm The Ties That Bind PEN 100: Freedom to Write Tampa: 20 Years On Bryan Brown: Sweet Jimmy Immaculate Collections

3pm

The Lies of the Land: Australia, Dark Emu and The 4pm Australia and the End of Empire A New Body Politic Uncertain Terms Assange and WikiLeaks Art of Time Travel

5pm

Uncomfortable Truths from 6pm Fortress Australia ABC Radio Melbourne: Homespun Unceded Land

7pm

Up Late: Patricia Karvelas John Safran: 8pm and Sally Rugg Puff Piece

Sunday 5 September STATE LIBRARY VICTORIA THE WHEELER CENTRE Conversation Quarter Village Roadshow Theatrette Create Quarter Performance Space

10am Jessie Stephens: Heartsick Bedtime Stories Live! Young and Muslim in Australia

Real Pigeons Live Mystery 11am Storytime with Maxine Beneba Clarke

12pm Morris Gleitzman in Conversation School of Monsters Facing the Legacy of Colonialism

1pm Totally Paw-some!

Taking Care of Country 2pm Norman Swan Knows What’s Good For You Jennifer Down: Bodies of Light Stand Up for the Planet!

3pm Illustration Battle Station

4pm The Cancel Culture Wars The Magical Puppet Theatre Marcia Langton: Welcome to Country

Friday 10 September STATE LIBRARY VICTORIA THE WHEELER CENTRE ATHENAEUM THEATRE Conversation Quarter Village Roadshow Theatrette Create Quarter Performance Space

10am Barry Jones: What Is to Be Done Lines of Inquiry: Indigenous Poetry A Crisis of Meaning The Assault of the Earth

11am

12pm Archive Fever Personal Truths Poetic Portraits Cautionary Tales

1pm

2pm The End of the Larrikin Legend? Lyrical Fury Arnold Zable in Conversation Peter Godfrey-Smith: Metazoa

3pm

4pm Rewriting History Local, Attention: A Poetry Reading Above and Beyond Belief

5pm

6pm Stop Everything! Boisbouvier Oration: Tony Birch John Doyle: The Early Life of Rampaging Roy Slaven 7pm

8pm Up Late: Jan Fran and Jess McGuire Lillian Ahenkan: The Success Experiment My Name is Grace Tame 9pm

12 MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

CALENDAR

Saturday 11 September STATE LIBRARY VICTORIA THE WHEELER CENTRE TRADES HALL ATHENAEUM THEATRE THE CAPITOL Conversation Quarter Village Roadshow Theatrette Create Quarter Performance Space Fringe Common Rooms Behind the Curtain: Asian First Nations Poets: 10am Burning Down the House What’s Left Unsaid Tell Me How It Started Australian Women Doctors Tell Us How It Ends

Marilynne Robinson: 11am Full of Grace Hidden Worlds The Fifth Estate: The Cost of 12pm Scandalous Fictions Generation Miserable Our Exceptional Friend Concealment

1pm Maggie Nelson: On Freedom Can You Keep a Secret? Mehreen Faruqi: Too Migrant, 2pm Relative Chaos Our Better Nature Let’s Talk About Sex Too Muslim, Too Loud

Bringing an End 3pm Finding Yourself to Family Violence

Barriers, Bias and John Button Oration: The Motherhood in the Time of 4pm The Mourning After One Guitar: Missy Higgins Political Bastardry Next Generation’s Australia Climate Crisis

YA’ll Are Doomed: Dystopian 5pm Defamation Nation Fan Fic Showcase

6pm I Will End You Flock: First Nations Stories

Ziggy Ramo: 7pm From Little Things

Up Late: Benjamin Law Anita Heiss: Bila 8pm and Beverley Wang Yarrudhanggalangdhuray

Sunday 12 September STATE LIBRARY VICTORIA THE WHEELER CENTRE THE CAPITOL Conversation Quarter Village Roadshow Theatrette Create Quarter Performance Space

10am How It Started, How It’s Going The Art of Blak Critique Changing the Story Internal Aff airs

11am

Still Unfi nished: 12pm The Memories We Inherit Left Behind Oh, The Humanities The Fight for Feminist Reform

1pm

2pm Disorder in the Courts But You Don’t Look Sick What We Become Gideon Haigh: The Brilliant Boy

3pm

Other Ways the World Let Me Be Brief: Melissa Manning 4pm The Long View Masculinity on the Ropes Could Be and Adam Thompson

5pm Closing Night: Tell Me How It Ends 6pm

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13 MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

SATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER

John Button Oration: The Defamation Nation Next Generation’s Australia 11 Sep, 5–6pm 11 Sep, 4–5pm Athenaeum Theatre State Library Victoria, Village The Age’s deputy and investigations Roadshow Theatrette editor Michael Bachelard joins CEO of the Grattan Institute Danielle writer and lawyer Michael Bradley Wood delivers this year’s John Button for a panel discussion about Oration on how policymakers can the unique challenges posed by bring young people’s interests into Australia’s defamation laws, and the political debate to provide a better extraordinary courage under fi re future for the next generation. that’s required by journalists and outlets when holding powerful people Supported by the John Button Fund, to account. Melbourne School of Government, The University of Melbourne $35/$30 $15/$10 82 Mehreen Faruqi: Too Migrant, 78 Too Muslim, Too Loud 11 Sep, 2–3pm Ziggy Ramo: State Library Victoria, Conversation Quarter From Little Things The fi rst Muslim woman to sit in an Australian parliament, activist and Greens 11 Sep, 7–8pm senator Mehreen Faruqi shares insight into her memoir Too Migrant, Too Muslim, Athenaeum Theatre Too Loud on stage with presenter Jan Fran. Indigenous hip-hop artist Ziggy $25/$20 Ramo’s urgent and powerful music 72 addresses colonial dispossession, systemic racism and intergenerational trauma. In an evening of storytelling Relative Chaos and performance, he refl ects on his 11 Sep, 2–3pm activism, writing, and bold vision for State Library Victoria, Village the future. Roadshow Theatrette $35/$30 Much-loved writers Emily Maguire 85 (Love Objects) and Alice Pung (One Hundred Days) share insight into their new novels, which explore class, family Anita Heiss: Bila and love, with Elizabeth McCarthy. Yarrudhanggalangdhuray Supported by the Copyright Agency 11 Sep, 8–9pm Cultural Fund The Wheeler Centre, Performance $15/$10 One Guitar: Missy Higgins Space 73 11 Sep, 4–5pm Award-winning Wiradyuri writer The Capitol Anita Heiss talks about Bila Missy Higgins appears at a live recording of the One Guitar podcast with Yarrudhanggalangdhuray (River Our Better Nature Alexander Gow, debuting a new song and discussing her creative process. of Dreams), her epic new historical 11 Sep, 2–3pm Supported by Mushroom Group and APRA AMCOS novel centred on a young Aboriginal couple’s search for home, in State Library Victoria, Create $35/$30 Quarter Bringing an End to conversation with Paul Barclay. 81 Questions Raised by Quolls author Domestic Violence $25/$20 Harry Saddler and Loving Country 11 Sep, 3–4pm 86 co-author Vicky Shukuroglou talk Athenaeum Theatre about the need to preserve our natural The Mourning After I Will End You wonders against multiple threats, in Amani Haydar, Jess Hill, Celeste 11 Sep, 4–5pm 11 Sep, 6–7pm Up Late: Benjamin Law discussion with Fatima Measham. Liddle and Tanya Plibersek discuss how policymakers, the law, and the State Library Victoria, Create State Library Victoria, Conversation and Beverley Wang Free, no bookings required media can work together to end Quarter Quarter 11 Sep, 8–9pm 74 the scourge of family violence, in Acclaimed new talents Ella Baxter (New Brodie Lancaster brings together a State Library Victoria, Conversation conversation with Sophie Black. Animal) and Allee Richards (Small Joys panel of writers and critics who each Quarter of Real Life) share insight into debut make a case for ditching one thing $35/$30 [SEE EVENT DETAILS ON PAGE 7] Let’s Talk About Sex novels that each tell the story of a young from pop culture. Featuring Declan 76 UP3 11 Sep, 2–3pm woman navigating loss and grief, on Fry, Sinéad Stubbins, Jack Vening The Wheeler Centre, Performance stage with Elizabeth McCarthy. and more. Space Barriers, Bias and Political Free, no bookings required $25/$20 Take It From Me: Ella It is time we overhaul how and when Bastardry 79 83 Baxter and Melissa Kang we teach young people about sex and 11 Sep, 4–5pm consent. Melissa Kang, Yumi Stynes, 11 Sep, 9.30–10.30pm Bri Lee and Christopher Fisher chat State Library Victoria, Conversation Motherhood in the Flock: First Nations Stories The Moat with Benjamin Law. Quarter Time of Climate Crisis 11 Sep, 6–7pm Australia’s most questionable late- $25/$20 Political commentator Jamila Rizvi 11 Sep, 4–5pm The Wheeler Centre, Performance night relationship advice event returns chats about the way forward after a to solve all your romantic woes. 75 The Wheeler Centre, Performance Space year to forget for women in Canberra, Featuring host Jess McGuire alongside Space [SEE EVENT DETAILS ON PAGE 7] in a panel discussion including former Ella Baxter and Dr Melissa Kang. Briohny Doyle (Echolalia) and Delia 84 MPs Julia Banks (Power Play) and In partnership with the Wheeler Centre Kate Ellis (Sex, Lies and Question Falconer (Signs and Wonders) Time). discuss their new books that deal $25 87 Supported by Maurice Blackburn with what it means to be a parent and artist in a time of ecological crisis, in $25/$20 conversation with Else Fitzgerald. 77 In partnership with 3RRR 102.7FM $25/$20 80

14 MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

SUNDAY 12 SEPTEMBER

How It Started, Left Behind But You Don’t Look Sick Other Ways the World How It’s Going 12 Sep, 12–1pm 12 Sep, 2–3pm Could Be 12 Sep, 10–11am State Library Victoria, Create Quarter State Library Victoria, Village 12 Sep, 4–5pm State Library Victoria, Conversation Debut Australian novelists Sophie Roadshow Theatrette State Library Victoria, Village Quarter Overett (The Rabbits) and Emily Spurr Triple J presenter Bridget Hustwaite Roadshow Theatrette The pandemic has reshaped our (A Million Things) talk about capturing (How to Endo) joins ABC Radio ABC RN’s Paul Barclay speaks lives, but how might Australia move the grief and resilience of characters presenter Jacinta Parsons (Unseen) with Griffi th Review’s Hey, Utopia! towards a better normal? Lawyer grappling with the disappearance of to share their experiences of living contributors about the realities and loved ones, with Elizabeth Flux. with invisible illness, on stage with Larissa Behrendt, ABC editor Bhakthi Internal Aff airs revelations of our increasingly unreal Puvanenthiran, political commentator Free, no bookings required Jamila Rizvi. times. Featuring writers Briohny Doyle, 12 Sep, 10–11am Jamila Rizvi and policy expert Andrew 94 $15/$10 Kristen Rundle and David Threlfall. The Wheeler Centre, Performance Wear consider the possibilities. 98 In partnership with Griffi th Review Space $25/$20 $15/$10 88 Meg Mason (Sorrow and Bliss) and Oh, The Humanities 101 Claire Thomas (The Performance) 12 Sep, 12–1pm discuss bringing to life the interior The Wheeler Centre, Performance lives of women in their globally The Art of Blak Critique Space acclaimed breakthrough novels, 12 Sep, 10–11am in conversation with Abigail Ulman. Judith Brett, Bri Lee and Mark Scott consider what we stand to lose as State Library Victoria, Village $25/$20 Roadshow Theatrette humanities departments shrink, 91 [SEE EVENT DETAILS ON PAGE 7] in discussion with ABC RN’s Paul Barclay. 89 Supported by the Australia Institute Still Unfi nished: The Fight Disorder in the Courts $25/$20 for Feminist Reform 12 Sep, 2–3pm Changing the Story 95 12 Sep, 12–1pm 12 Sep, 10–11am State Library Victoria, Conversation Let Me Be Brief: State Library Victoria, Conversation Quarter State Library Victoria, Create Melissa Manning and Quarter Quarter What We Become A panel of experts—Michael Adam Thompson On the occasion of Quarterly Essay’s Bradley, Rachel Doyle SC, Bri Lee Two of Australia’s freshest new 12 Sep, 2–3pm 20th anniversary, Anna Goldsworthy, and Teela Reid—join Marion Isobel 12 Sep, 4–5pm literary voices and neurodivergent State Library Victoria, Create Quarter Jess Hill and Benjamin Law join to discuss how the judicial system State Library Victoria, Create writers, Heidi Everett (My Friend Fox) Sophie Black to discuss current Two of Australia’s brightest young can be overhauled to address a Quarter and Madeleine Ryan (A Room Called threats to social cohesion and the literary talents Madeleine Ryan culture of predatory behaviour and Earth), talk about debuts that touch Two of Australia’s most exciting debut opportunities for solidarity and reform (A Room Called Earth) and Yves Rees harrassment, inside and outside the on their experiences, with authors, Melissa Manning and Adam in Australia. (All About Yves) speak with Adolfo courts. Thompson, discuss their captivating Clem Bastow. Aranjuez about how ideas of becoming In partnership with Quarterly Essay Supported by Maurice Blackburn new short story collections set in Free, no bookings required and identity have informed their work. Tasmania, in conversation with $25/$20 $25/$20 90 Free, no bookings required Veronica Sullivan. 92 99 96 Free, no bookings required 102 The Memories We Inherit The Long View Gideon Haigh: 12 Sep, 12–1pm 12 Sep, 4–5pm Masculinity on the Ropes State Library Victoria, Village The Brilliant Boy State Library Victoria, Conversation 12 Sep, 4–5pm Roadshow Theatrette 12 Sep, 2–3pm Quarter Sam van Zweden (Eating with My The Wheeler Centre, Performance Renowned long-form reporters The Wheeler Centre, Performance Mouth Open) and Krissy Kneen Space Gabrielle Chan and George Space (The Three Burials of Lotty Kneen) Gideon Haigh shines light on The Megalogenis refl ect on the shifting Memoirists Lech Blaine (Car Crash) speak with ABC RN’s Sarah Brilliant Boy, his biography of Labor fault lines of Australian society across and Rick Morton (My Year of Living L’Estrange about their genre-bending opposition leader HV ‘Doc’ Evatt, who their agenda-setting careers, in Vulnerably) discuss the shortcomings works that excavate memory to imagined a fairer, more progressive discussion with Sally Warhaft. of male stoicism in the face of grief pursue truths about family and Australia during the Menzies years, on Supported by the Judith Neilson and trauma, in conversation with identity. stage with Ryan Batchelor. Institute for Journalism and Ideas Ronnie Scott. $15/$10 Supported by The McKell Institute $25/$20 Supported by Maurice Blackburn 93 $25/$20 100 $25/$20 97 103

Closing Night: Tell Me How It Ends 12 Sep, 5.30–6.30pm | The Capitol An all-Victorian line-up delivers addresses on this year’s Festival theme. Closing the curtain with not a whimper but a resounding bang, they touch on everything from the end of days to the end of empire to the ways in which unhappy endings can be fresh starts in disguise. Join Evelyn Araluen, Maxine Beneba Clarke, Patricia Cornelius, Nayuka Gorrie, Chloe Hooper, Shaun Tan and Maria Tumarkin for an unmissable Closing Night.

$35/$30 104 TELL ME HOW IT

ENDS15 MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

WORKSHOPS

Across two weekends, Melbourne Writers Festival and Writers Victoria off er practical workshops led by acclaimed authors and industry experts to help take your writing to the next level—whether it’s guidance on getting your manuscript published, learning how to fi ctionalise your life, or writing a masterwork of speculative fi ction. Spaces are limited. The Wheeler Centre, Conference Room | $140/$120 per workshop

Writing Successful Creating YA Characters Narrative Non-fi ction 11 Sep, 10am–12.30pm 4 Sep, 10am–12.30pm Beloved and bestselling author Alice Pung (Laurinda) invites you to a workshop on how to write compelling Award-winning cultural historian and author character-based YA stories. Maria Tumarkin (Axiomatic) leads a workshop on W5 successfully navigating the challenges of narrative non-fi ction. W1

How to Write Embracing Vulnerability Speculative Fiction in Your Writing 4 Sep, 2.30–5pm 11 Sep, 2.30–5pm Critically acclaimed speculative fi ction author Claire Bestselling author Rick Morton (My Year of Living G Coleman leads a workshop on the genre’s power as Vulnerably) leads a workshop on how to embrace a force of change and how to build realistically unreal vulnerability as a writer to enrich and vivify your worlds in your writing. storytelling. W2 W6

Crafting Experimental How to Get Your Non-fi ction Book Published 5 Sep, 10am–12.30pm 12 Sep, 10am–12.30pm Join ground-breaking No Document author and Opinion editor at Guardian Australia Bridie Jabour cultural critic Anwen Crawford for a workshop on how (Trivial Grievances) shares practical insight into to craft experimental, hybrid and creative non-fi ction. getting published, from honing a manuscript to liaising W3 with agents and publishers. W7

How to Fictionalise Writing From a Your Life Child’s Perspective 5 Sep, 2.30–5pm 12 Sep, 2.30–5pm Critically acclaimed fi ction author Kavita Bedford Miles Franklin–winning novelist Sofi e Laguna delivers (Friends & Dark Shapes) leads a workshop on making a workshop on accessing and writing from a child’s compelling fi ction from real-life events. point of view. W4 W8

Join the Conversation Hachette Australia at MWF 2021 VisiT Hachette.com.au for the full list of participating authors

16 MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

IN THE SUBURBS

From Narre Warren to Carlton to Dandenong to Footscray, Melbourne Writers Festival brings some of Australia’s most beloved and exciting writers to your neighbourhood with a fi rst-rate line-up of literary events.

Meet Morris Gleitzman Louise Milligan Gideon Haigh: The 4 Sep, 12–12.45pm in Conversation Literature of Inquests Bunjil Place Theatre 5 Sep, 1.30–2.30pm 9 Sep, 1–2pm Bestselling children’s book author Bunjil Place Theatre Victorian Archives Centre Morris Gleitzman sheds light on Award-winning reporter Louise Much-loved author and journalist Always, the fi nal instalment of his Milligan speaks with Patricia Karvelas Gideon Haigh sheds light on the heart-rending and hopeful journey about her powerful and deeply history, mystery and literature of legal through history. Ages 8+ troubling exposé of how the legal inquests held to determine the cause In partnership with Bunjil Place and system handles sexual assault trials. of death in sudden or suspicious Casey Cardinia Libraries In partnership with Bunjil Place and circumstances. $10 Casey Cardinia Libraries Supported by Public Record Offi ce SUB1 $25/$20 Victoria and Ancestry.com.au SUB2 $25/$20 SUB4 Reading the Mind 9 Sep, 4–5pm Science Gallery Melbourne Clem Bastow, Jamie Marina Lau and Sam van Zweden discuss the mind, mental health and writing, in conversation with Leah Jing McIntosh. In partnership with Science Gallery Melbourne Free, bookings required SUB5

Clem Bastow: Late Bloomer 11 Sep, 11am–12pm Dandenong Library Award-winning cultural critic Clem Bastow discusses her wise and witty memoir Late Bloomer, which deconstructs the misconceptions and celebrates the realities of autistic experience. In partnership with City of Greater Dandenong Free, bookings required The End of Detention SUB7 5 Sep, 3.30–4.30pm Bunjil Place Theatre Former Manus detainee and award-winning No Friend but the Mountains New Beginnings Yumiko Kadota: Read My Way author Behrouz Boochani talks about the ongoing plight of refugees in 10 Sep, 7–8pm 12 Sep, 10am–12pm detention with his translator Dr Omid Tofi ghian, Behind the Wire curator Emotional Female André Dao and Jessie Taylor. Footscray Community Arts Centre 11 Sep, 3–4pm Vision Australia Library In partnership with Bunjil Place and Casey Cardinia Libraries Join Heidi Everett, Anthony Riddell Springvale Library Vision Australia opens its doors for and Beau Windon as they each an engaging panel discussion about $25/$20 Hear from Dr Yumiko Kadota as she respond to the prompt of New discusses her brave and unfl inching alternative reading formats, a tour SUB3 Beginnings and discuss a new world memoir Emotional Female and of its radio studio, and hands-on where disability justice is paramount. sheds light on the toxic culture in the experience with literacy kits from In partnership with Footscray Australian public hospital system. their children’s library, braille and accessible devices. Community Arts Centre In partnership with City of Greater Free, bookings required Dandenong In partnership with Vision Australia Free, bookings required SUB6 Free, bookings required SUB8 SUB9

17 MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

LOCAL LIBRARIES

Your favourite authors are appearing at libraries and venues right across town in a series of fascinating and insightful conversations, taking place in your own backyard.

Meet RA Spratt Randa Abdel-Fattah: Jacqueline Maley: Gabrielle Chan: Tony Birch in Conversation 4 Sep, 10–11am Coming of Age in the The Truth About Her Why You Should Give a 11 Sep, 10.30–11.30am Port Melbourne Town Hall War on Terror 9 Sep, 2–3pm F*ck About Farming Doncaster Library The bestselling writer of the Nanny 4 Sep, 11am–12pm Sandringham Library 9 Sep, 7–8pm Miles Franklin–shortlisted author Piggins, Friday Barnes and Girl Tony Birch discusses his new Nunawading Library Walkley Award–winning journalist South Melbourne Market, Food Hall Detective series, RA Spratt is known Jacqueline Maley discusses her collections of prose and poetry that for her eff ortlessly funny narration Join cultural critic Randa Abdel- Join Gabrielle Chan as she discusses striking debut novel The Truth About cement his reputation as one of that keeps children smiling and Fattah as she discusses Coming her latest book Why You Should Give Her, the story of a single mother and Australia’s fi nest storytellers. laughing from start to fi nish. Join her of Age in the War on Terror, an a F*ck About Farming, which will reporter whose life and career are Free, bookings required as she takes to the stage to tell stories expansive work that examines the change your thinking about food and upended by scandal, an exposé and LIB11 about how she comes up with stories. lives of a generation socialised how you eat. an unexpected tragedy. Ages 8+ against widespread Islamophobia. Free, bookings required Free, bookings required Free, bookings required Free, bookings required LIB9 LIB4 LIB6 Sam van Zweden: Eating LIB1 with My Mouth Open Peter Godfrey-Smith: 11 Sep, 2–3pm Alice Pung: Metazoa Mount Waverley Library One Hundred Days Sarah 11 Sep, 10–11am Award-winning writer Sam van 9 Sep, 6.30–7.30pm Zweden discusses her impressive The Espy, Gershwin Room Hawthorn Arts Centre debut Eating with My Mouth Open, Dingle: Join scuba-diving philosopher and where she explores memory, hunger Beloved author Alice Pung speaks bestselling Other Minds author Peter about her new novel One Hundred and wellbeing while celebrating food Brave New Godfrey-Smith as he talks about and the bodies it nurtures. Days, a fractured fairytale about Metazoa, his new book that charts the Humans class, family and love. evolutionary path of consciousness Free, bookings required 4 Sep, 10.30–11.30am Free, bookings required from sea creatures to humankind. LIB12 Wheelers Hill Library LIB7 Free, bookings required Walkley Award–winning ABC LIB10 Fiona Murphy: reporter Sarah Dingle charts her The Shape of Sound ten-year journey to discover her biological origins in Brave New 12 Sep, 10.30–11.30am Humans, revealing disturbing truths Debra Australian Tapestry Workshop about the global fertility business. Award-winning writer Fiona Murphy Free, bookings required Oswald: discusses her thoughtful debut The LIB2 Shape of Sound, in which she delves into the cost of concealment and The Family claiming her Deaf identity after 25 Doctor years of secrecy. 9 Sep, 6.30–7.30pm Free, bookings required Gideon Haigh: Claire G Coleman: Clayton Library LIB13 The Brilliant Boy Lies, Damned Lies Award-winning creator of Off spring 4 Sep, 11am–12pm 7 Sep, 6.30–7.30pm Debra Oswald discusses her Larissa Behrendt: After Story newest pulse-racing novel, The Dingley Village Library and Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Club Family Doctor, in which a suburban 12 Sep, 3–4pm Community Centre Proud Noongar woman and GP faces stark moral choices when Geelong Library and Heritage Gideon Haigh shines light on The acclaimed author Claire G Coleman confronted with domestic violence Centre Brilliant Boy, his biography of Labor discusses her long-awaited non- and judicial indiff erence. Larissa Behrendt discusses After opposition leader HV ‘Doc’ Evatt, who fi ction debut about the stark reality Free, bookings required Story, her new novel about the past, imagined a fairer, more progressive of colonisation in Australia, Lies, LIB8 the present and the extraordinary Australia during the Menzies years. Damned Lies. power of literature and truth-telling. Free, bookings required Free, bookings required Free, bookings required LIB3 LIB5 LIB14

EMBOLDEN US MWF is enormously grateful to its community of donors. Their generous support enables us to present the boldest, timeliest, most exciting talks and conversations for MWF audiences. Donate to MWF today to celebrate 35 years of extraordinary literary events, and support ambitious programming for decades to come.

mwf.com.au/donate

Melbourne Writers Festival is a not-for-profi t organisation and Deductible Gift Recipient. All donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.

18 Melbourne Writers Writers Festival presents a short documentary mapping the creative lives of local on Film authors Jennifer Down, Sophie Cunningham Premieres 4 Sep and Tony Birch.

Directed by artist Will Huxley, Writers on Film features self-narrated tours of the neighbourhoods that informed award- winning works including Our Magic Hour, City of Trees and Ghost River, all within our UNESCO City of Literature.

Supported by the Besen Family Foundation and City of Yarra

Watch online mwf.com.au/fi lm MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

ARTISTS

A Anton Enus 6 Sofi e Laguna 3, W8 Mykaela Saunders 84 Randa Abdel-Fattah 18, 27, LIB4 Raf Epstein 24 Jhumpa Lahiri DIGITAL7 Angela Savage 2, 48 Louise Adler 32 Heidi Everett 90, SUB6 Remy Lai FAM6, FAM9 Mark Scott 95 Lillian Ahenkan 59, 70 F Brodie Lancaster 70, 83 Ronnie Scott 103 Michael Mohammed Ahmad 27 Delia Falconer 80 Marcia Langton 10, 23, 31, 42 Emma Shortis 68 Akala DIGITAL1 Mehreen Faruqi 56, 62, 72 Jack Latimore 5 Vicky Shukuroglou 74 Rumaan Alam DIGITAL2 Osman Faruqi 24, DIGITAL2 Jamie Marina Lau 43, SUB5 Beejay Silcox 37 Emma Alberici DIGITAL7 Mahmood Fazal 25 Benjamin Law UP3, 36, 56, 75, 92 Margaret Simons 62 Gay Alcorn 32 Nick Feik 49 Jeanine Leane 12, 47, 54 Nardi Simpson 10 Miles Allinson 43 Christopher Fisher 75 Bri Lee 75, 95, 99 Annika Smethurst 49 Waleed Aly 32 Else Fitzgerald 80 Sarah L’Estrange 53, 93 RA Spratt FAM1, LIB1 Roj Amedi 28 Elizabeth Flux 94 Celeste Liddle 76 Emily Spurr 94 Bryan Andy 84 Andrew Fowler 39 Gary Lonesborough YA4 Rebecca Starford 53 Evelyn Araluen 50, 63, 104 Jan Fran UP2, 49, 72 Melissa Lucashenko 10 Jessie Stephens 26 Adolfo Aranjuez DIGITAL10, 96 Declan Fry 14, 83, 89 Scott Ludlam 9, 17 Erin Stewart 20 David Astle 22 G M Douglas Stuart 6 Cassandra Atherton 47 Raimond Gaita 41 Emily Maguire 73 Sinéad Stubbins 70, 83 B Helen Garner 37 Jacqueline Maley 67, LIB6 Yumi Stynes 75 Michael Bachelard 82 Claire Gaskin 54 Melissa Manning 102 Veronica Sullivan 8, 102 Nadia Bailey 69 Karen Ginnane YA2 Aunty Jenni Martiniello 47 Norman Swan 24, 29 Julia Baird 40 Morris Gleitzman FAM4, SUB1 Meg Mason 91 T Julia Banks 77 Peter Godfrey-Smith 52, LIB10 Thomas Mayor 5, 14, 23 Maria Takolander 50 Paul Barclay 86, 95, 101 Anna Goldsworthy 92 Elizabeth McCarthy 13, 55, 73, 79 Grace Tame 60 Clem Bastow 46, 90, SUB5, SUB7 Elena Gomez 50 Andrew McDonald FAM2 Shaun Tan 104 Ryan Batchelor 97 Sophie Gonzales YA3, YA5 Michael McGirr 51 Brandon Taylor DIGITAL10 Ella Baxter 79, 87 Chris Gordon 7 Jess McGuire UP2, 61, 87 Jessie Taylor SUB3 Kavita Bedford 4, W4 Nayuka Gorrie 104 Leah Jing McIntosh DIGITAL8, 33, SUB5 Viet Thanh Nguyen DIGITAL8 Luke Beesley 54 Alexander Gow 81 Fatima Measham 74 Claire Thomas 91 Larissa Behrendt 65, 88, LIB14 Stan Grant 5, 23 George Megalogenis 100 Adam Thompson 84, 102 Gabriel Bergmoser YA3 AC Grayling DIGITAL6 Lisa Millar 11 David Threlfall 101 Danielle Binks YA1, YA5 Charmaine Papertalk Green 42 Louise Milligan 33, SUB2 Carrie Tiff any 7, 30 Tony Birch 12, 57, 84, LIB11 Michael Green 15 Jazz Money 63 Omid Tofi ghian SUB3 Emily Bitto 7 Tom Griffi ths 21 Rick Morton 103, W6 Virginia Trioli 22 Sophie Black DIGITAL4, 76, 92 Eloise Grills 19 Fiona Murphy 69, LIB13 Maria Tumarkin 33, 104, W1 Lech Blaine 49, 103 H N U Behrouz Boochani SUB3 Gideon Haigh 97, SUB4, LIB3 Abbas Nazari 15 Abigail Ulman 91 Matilda Boseley 59 Leanne Hall YA1, YA4 Maggie Nelson 71 V Michael Bradley 82, 99 Rebecca Harkins-Cross 4, 71 Garth Nix YA2, YA5 Jenny Valentish 55 Mark Brandi 13 Jane Harper 2 Sigrid Nunez DIGITAL9 Ellen van Neerven 42, 54 Judith Brett 45, 95 Tristen Harwood 89 Areej Nur DIGITAL3 Sam van Zweden 19, 93, SUB5, LIB12 Bryan Brown 16 Amani Haydar 76 Nyadol Nyuon 32 Jack Vening 83 Natasha Brown DIGITAL3 Pip Heale 47 O Filip Vukašin 67 Julian Burnside 17 Anita Heiss 86 Kate O’Donnell YA4 W James Button 32 Veronica Heritage-Gorrie 18 Kerry O’Brien 39 Sarah Walker 19 C Kathryn Heyman 46 Debra Oswald 48, 61, LIB8 Adele Walsh FAM4 Bridget Caldwell-Bright 63, 89 Missy Higgins 81 Sophie Overett 94 Beverley Wang DIGITAL1, UP3, 56 Peter Carnavas FAM9 Jess Hill 76, 92 P Shelley Ware 5 Steven Carroll 53, 65 Jean Hinchliff e 9 Parnell Palme McGuinness 32 Sally Warhaft 21, 68, 100 Gabrielle Chan 44, 100, LIB9 Maya Hodge 63 Sam Pang 58 Khalid Warsame 43 Melanie Cheng 64 Sarah Holland-Batt 38 Jacinta Parsons 35, 98 Andrew Wear 88 Santilla Chingaipe DIGITAL5 Yvette Holt 42 Bruce Pascoe 21 Alison Whittaker 89 Tasneem Chopra 27 Chloe Hooper 104 Tanya Plibersek 76 Nick Whittock 47 Paige Clark 8 Bridget Hustwaite 98 JP Pomare 48 Jessica Wilkinson 47, 54 Maxine Beneba Clarke FAM3, 104 Justine Hyde 20 Alice Pung 73, W5, LIB7 Marian Wilkinson 44, 62 Claire G Coleman 7, 28, W2, LIB5 I Bhakthi Puvanenthiran 88 Michael Williams 40, 66 Bernard Collaery 39 Marion Isobel 99 R Chloe Wilson 8 Patricia Cornelius 104 J Ziggy Ramo 85 Beau Windon SUB6 Anwen Crawford 4, W3 Bridie Jabour 70, W7 Erina Reddan 3, 46 Ben Wood FAM2, FAM9 Ellen Cregan 3 Andy Jackson 54 Yves Rees 45, 96 Danielle Wood 78 Alison Croggon 28 Barry Jones 41 Teela Reid 99 Laura Elizabeth Woollett 13 Rachel Cusk DIGITAL4 Toni Jordan 67 Henry Reynolds 23 Alexis Wright 57 D Barry Judd 31 Allee Richards 35, 79 Clare Wright 45, 65 Emma Dabiri DIGITAL5 K Anthony Riddell SUB6 Karen Wyld 10 Trent Dalton 40 Yumiko Kadota 64, SUB8 Sally Rippin FAM5 Z André Dao SUB3 Samera Kamaleddine YA4, YA5 Jamila Rizvi 24, 77, 88, 98 Arnold Zable 51 Sarah Dingle 20, LIB2 Melissa Kang 64, 75, 87 Jen Robinson 17 Jock Zonfrillo 36, 56 Linh Do 9 Patricia Karvelas UP1, SUB2 Marilynne Robinson 66 Jennifer Down 30 Amie Kaufman YA2, YA5 Sally Rugg UP1 Key Briohny Doyle 80, 101 Melissa Keil YA1 Kristen Rundle 101 DIGITAL — MWF Digital John Doyle 58 Chris Kennett FAM5, FAM9 Madeleine Ryan 90, 96 FAM — MWF Families Rachel Doyle 99 Krissy Kneen 61, 69, 93 S LIB — Local Libraries Ursula Dubosarsky FAM10 Will Kostakis YA1, YA3, YA5 Harry Saddler 74 SUB — In the Suburbs E Sarah Krasnostein 55 John Safran 25 UP — Up Late Astrid Edwards DIGITAL9, 44 L Leigh Sales 11, 26 W — Workshops Kate Ellis 45, 77 Ingrid Laguna FAM8 Kirli Saunders FAM7 YA — MWF Teens

20 Don’t miss one of Australia’s MELBOURNE biggest literary events for students. Featuring an inspiring line-up of authors WRITERS speaking to a broad range of topics including consent, FESTIVAL First Nations cultures, identity, storytelling and SCHOOLS the power of reading. 6 9 SEP 2021

BOOK NOW mwf.com.au/schools

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FESTIVAL INFORMATION HEIDELBERG RD Edinburgh QUEENS PDE Melbourne Gardens General Cemetery

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BOUNDARY RD BOUNDARY LYGON ST LYGON Clifton Hill NICHOLSON ST NICHOLSON QUEENS PDE 19 CECIL ST

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CURZON ST CURZON HARMSWORTH ST HARMSWORTH 55/59

ARDEN ST 4 ST BRUNSWICK PERRY ST ST CLARKE

COURTNEY ST GRATTAN ST CARLTON ST

DRYBURGH ST DRYBURGH 9

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5 State Library Victoria National Relay Service COVID safety Venues 328 Swanston St, Melbourne Accessibility If you are Deaf, hard of hearing or have diffi culty speaking, contact the We are delighted to welcome 1 Athenaeum Theatre slv.vic.gov.au Melbourne Writers Festival is National Relay Service on 133 677 or audiences back to Melbourne Writers 188 Collins St, Melbourne committed to ensuring that everyone via relayservice.com.au, then ask for Festival. The safety of our audiences, athenaeumtheatre.com.au can enjoy the programs we off er. (03) 9094 7871 during business hours. artists and staff is our number one 6 Trades Hall We work hard to remove barriers There is no additional charge for this priority. We are working closely with 54 Victoria St, Carlton and increase access to our live and service. the Victorian Government and the Bunjil Place melbournefringe.com.au/ digital events. common-rooms Department of Health to deliver a 2 Patrick NE Dr, Narre Warren MWF Digital All events at MWF have unallocated COVID-safe event for everyone. bunjilplace.com.au Returning for its second year, MWF seating. To book accessible seats, Digital will present ten conversations All visitors must follow COVID-safe Victorian Archives Centre request Auslan interpretation with some of the world’s best writers practices as guided by MWF staff and 99 Shiel St, North Melbourne at an event or notify us of any Footscray Community Arts Centre that can be accessed on demand volunteers. Some of the protective prov.vic.gov.au access requirements, please email 45 Moreland St, Footscray from anywhere in the world. All digital measures to expect when you attend boxoffi [email protected] or call footscrayarts.com events will be open captioned. the Festival include mandatory (03) 9094 7871. QR code check-ins; digital tickets Vision Australia Vision Australia Radio Auslan interpretation and cashless payments; more time 2 The Capitol 454 Glenferrie Rd, Kooyong We are proud to partner with Vision between events; sanitiser stations; 113 Swanston St, Melbourne visionaustralia.org Hearing loop Australia Radio, who will provide an and regular cleaning of our venues. thecapitol.tv Open captioning audio accessible program guide and Please stay home if you feel unwell. feature interviews and programs with 7 The Wheeler Centre Wheelchair access MWF authors. Learn more at For more information visit 3 The Moat Bar & Restaurant 176 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne radio.visionaustralia.org mwf.com.au/covid-safety 176 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne wheelercentre.com Community tickets for First Peoples themoat.com.au Please let us know if you would like Volunteers

to attend the Festival by emailing Look out for our friendly and Guide dogs and assistance dogs boxoffi [email protected] knowledgeable volunteers at this 4 Science Gallery Melbourne are welcome at all venues. For more year’s Festival. Volunteers will be Companion Card 114 Grattan St, Parkville information, visit mwf.com.au/venues present at most venues to help MWF off ers a second ticket to paid melbourne.sciencegallery.com visitors access their events safely. events at no extra cost to Companion Card holders at the time of booking. For more information on accessibility Proof of concession is required. and inclusion, visit mwf.com.au/access

22 MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

FESTIVAL INFORMATION

Transaction fees apply for all tickets Festival Passes ALL IN – DIGITAL PASS Win 100 books Booking purchased online, over the phone With great savings on individual $90 (10 events) To celebrate our 35th birthday, and in person. Bookings for free ticket prices, an MWF Pass is the we are giving away 100 books to All tickets can be booked through events will not incur transaction fees. best way to experience the Festival. For more information and to one lucky winner. Subscribe to Melbourne Writers Festival. purchase passes and gift vouchers, MWF to enter the draw to win a Purchase online, and your tickets will Pass holders can top up their Passes visit mwf.com.au/tickets year of reading (and then some), be emailed to you. We will scan them Tickets to add Highlight sessions. Passes can and keep your mates in the loop also be used to purchase more than by encouraging them to subscribe from your smartphone, or you can The following events can be Make the most print them at home. one ticket to an individual event so at mwf.com.au redeemed on an MWF Pass: that you can bring a friend (or your Online entire book club). of MWF Writing Melbourne Highlight — $35/$30* mwf.com.au Melbourne Writers Festival is Standard — $25/$20 Bookshop 10 PASS unveiling 11 original works of fi ction Theatrette — $15/$10 Between events, browse and shop MWF App $189/$169 and non-fi ction that in some way MWF Families — $10 titles in the Readings bookshop at Use the offi cial iPhone and Android Save up to 25% on individual tickets refl ect life in Melbourne. Excerpts apps to access your tickets during MWF Teens — $10 the Russell Street entrance of State Library Victoria. Their book experts from each work will be displayed the Festival, proudly supported by 5 PASS alongside illustrations by local artists *Highlight events can be redeemed $99/$89 will provide recommendations Ferve Tickets. at City Square throughout August on an MWF Pass at a discounted Save up to 20% on individual tickets inspired by your visit to MWF. Phone top-up price. and September. (03) 9094 7871 MWF Digital Pass Discover your next favourite at Brought to you by the Metro Tunnel The following events cannot be We’ve curated a digital program of mwf.com.au/books or readings.com.au Creative Program Pre-Festival: Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm redeemed on an MWF Pass: ten events featuring essential literary In-Festival: Sun–Thu, 10am–7pm Book signings For more information, visit voices from around the world. Digital Fri–Sat, 10am–9.30pm MWF Gala — $300 Authors will sign books in the Russell mwf.com.au/writing-melbourne events are available individually on Workshop — $140/$120 Street Welcome Zone of State Library a pay-what-you-can basis, but by B o x O ffi c e Bunjil Place — $25/$20, $10 Victoria immediately following their Join the conversation purchasing an all-in Digital Pass The Wheeler Centre, Take It From Me — $25 events in the Conversation Quarter, Follow the conversations at now, you’re helping us to properly 1/176 Little Lonsdale St Village Roadshow Theatrette and #mwf21 and #mwfdigital, resource MWF Digital. Pre-Festival: Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm Free events Create Quarter. on Twitter and Instagram In-Festival: Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm Events produced by MWF will not @melbwritersfest and Facebook The full MWF Digital program will require bookings, but some partner Book sales and signings will be @melbournewritersfestival appear in your MWF Account, State Library Victoria, events may require bookings. Please available at most other venues available to watch online and on- All information is correct at the time of Hansen Hall, 328 Swanston St refer to individual event listings for immediately following each event. In-Festival: Fri–Sat 10am–8.30pm, demand from 6 to 15 September. publication. Sign up to get the latest information booking information at mwf.com.au and updates at mwf.com.au Sun 10am–4pm Are you all in? 23 Principal Partner of Melbourne Writers Festival

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We believe celebrating writing, sharing ideas and telling stories is more important than ever. That’s why we are the Principal Partner of Melbourne Writers Festival. At ARA Group, our story is about more than just delivering essential building and infrastructure services. We’re always thinking about how we can create value for our customers, support our community and enrich the lives of Australians through the arts.

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