Word for Word Festival Program 2020

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FESTIVAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

FESTIVAL STAFF

Cr Margot Smith, Deputy Chair Geelong Regional Library Corporation Board

Rochelle Smith Festival Director

Dr Emmett Stinson Deakin University

Stephen Moschner Events & Production Coordinator

Martin Paten, Manager, Arts & Culture City of Greater Geelong

Sarah Bieske Festival Administrator

Deb Sansom, Executive Manager, Cultural Development & Community Engagement Geelong Regional Library Corporation

Rebecca Hyde Festival Marketing Coordinator

Christine Heath Community Representative Beth King Community Representative Sue Lawson Community Representative Mark Smith Community Representative

Shelley Carroll Manager, Digital Innovation Jessica Newton Schools Program Coordinator Zoe Turner Schools Program Coordinator Sarah Allen Festival Intern

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Word for Word Festival wishes to acknowledge the Wadawurrung, Traditional Owners of Djilang (Geelong) the land on which the festival is held and hosted.

We pay our deep respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging; and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Word for Word National Non-Fiction Festival remains committed to bringing issues related to the challenges facing First Nations people to the fore, through the presentation of non-fiction writing and ideas; and thanks Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles for once again providing invaluable assistance and guidance.

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WELCOME

FESTIVAL WELCOME

2020: A LIFECHANGING YEAR

It has been a Life, Changing year in so many ways. From the horrific bushfires last summer, to the complete upheaval caused by the worldwide spread of coronavirus, there isn’t a single person whose life has not been altered in some way. So many have suffered hardship, heartbreak and tragedy, but we’ve also learnt to appreciate the simple things in life again, the importance of slowing down and taking a breath. In amongst the upheaval and uncertainty, we’ve embraced new ways to communicate – our Word for Word’s 2020 online program is the perfect example of that.

Life has thrown us all many curve balls this year. Never could we have imagined that our 2020 event would be presented entirely online. While this change in format began as practical necessity, it has since become an exciting opportunity to deliver a live, engaging Word for Word program that is as challenging, captivating and uplifting as ever; while being more accessible and available to those who may not have been able to come before.

This festival could not take place without the invaluable input of so many people and partners. We are grateful to the team at Geelong Regional Library Corporation, the members of our Festival Advisory Committee, and the many wonderful organisations that partner with us to present this festival. We hope that you will be moved, inspired and entertained, as you embrace the new-look and Life, Changing Word for Word Festival for 2020.

Rochelle Smith Director, Word for Word Festival

I would like to sincerely thank all our amazing festival presenters for enthusiastically embracing this new format and sharing their own Life, Changing experiences and insights with you, our audience.

Margot Smith Chair, Festival Advisory Committee

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FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER

WORKSHOP UNCONSCIOUS BIAS & CULTURAL RESPECT IN NON-FICTION Marsha Uppill and Sue Lawson Live 2.00pm-5.00pm AEDT Tickets: AU$50 Join First Nations cultural awareness educator and Director of Arranyinha, Marsha Uppill, and award-winning children’s and YA author of Freedom Ride and co-author of Nganga and the Our Place series, Sue Lawson, for an informative and enlightening journey of understanding that examines privilege, unconscious bias and cultural appropriation, and how to approach these issues in your writing. As Marsha says, “our cultural learning journey begins with an awareness of what you don’t know”.

Places are strictly limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

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FESTIVAL MC Bert LaBonté Your host for the weekend is one of Australia’s leading men of stage and screen, multitalented performer and writer Bert LaBonté.

Bert was nominated for a Helpmann Award for his 2016 performance in the Australian production of The Book of Morman and in 2019 played Sam Pickles in Malthouse Theatre’s epic adaptation of the Tim Winton novel Cloudstreet. He has featured in numerous TV shows and films including Winners and Losers, Upper Middle Bogan, the award-winning Animal Kingdom; and, most recently, The Very Excellent Mr Dundee.

Like the Word for Word Festival, Bert is proud to call Geelong home and is thrilled to be your official festival MC.

All titles from the 2020 online program are available for immediate sale or pre-order via wordforwordfestival. com.au/book-sales from 1 October. Purchase online easily and securely with your credit card and your books will be shipped directly to you. This year’s online book sales have been made possible by Word for Word Festival’s presenting partner and Australia’s leading library supplier, James Bennett. bennett.com.au.

SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER

MODERN FEMINISM:

THE MUTANT PROJECT:

RIDING THE WAVE

AUSTRALIAN LAUNCH

Live 10.00am-11.00am AEDT | AU$10

Live 11.15am-12.15am AEDT | AU$10

Suffragettes, bra-burners, #MeToo - there have been many waves of feminism. But what does it mean to be a feminist today? A lot has changed in the two decades since journalist and broadcaster Virginia Trioli published the first Generation F, and yet dismayingly her original text is just as relevant. Egyptian-born feminist writer Mona Eltahawy’s latest book The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls is a call to action to defy, disobey and disrupt the patriarchal ideology pervading society the world over. In The Smart Wife, Jenny Kennedy (and co-author Yolande Strengers) examines the emergence of digital devices like Siri and Alexa, the principal prototype being the 1950s white, middle-class, heteronormative housewife.

As scientists elsewhere start to catch up with China’s vast genetic research program, gene editing is fuelling an innovation economy that threatens to widen racial and economic inequality. In doing so, it’s also raising questions about science, health, social justice and what makes an ethical and fair society. Join American anthropologist and Deakin University Associate Professor Eben Kirksey live from the US for the exclusive Australian launch of his new book The Mutant Project, which goes inside the global race to genetically modify humans.

Panel discussion with Santilla Chingaipe.

This session includes a dramatic performance from Skin Of Our Teeth Productions’ Hysterica (the voices of women we’ve never heard of, but should have). The monologue is titled Anamorphia and examines the life of the remarkable Dawn Faizey-Webster. Written

by Duncan Esler, Directed by Graci Lynch, Performed by Mary Steuten.

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In conversation with Alicia Sometimes.

ON YOUNG SHOULDERS

BECOMING OLDER

Live 12.30pm-1.30pm AEDT | AU$10

Live 1.45pm-2.45pm AEDT | AU$10

Catastrophe, grief, heartbreak and betrayal.

These are the raw emotions laid bare by young memoirists Shannon Molloy and writer and Director of the Wollongong Writers Festival, Chloe Higgins. Molloy’s Fourteen is a deeply personal story of a gay kid that faces a terrible year of torment, and survives. Higgins’ The Girls is a memoir of family, grief and sexuality that begins with an unimaginable tragedy.

While autobiographies reflect on long full lives, these writers have chosen to perfectly capture the uncertainty, angst and ultimately the resilience of youth.

As we are living longer, what is it that we expect from our later years? How can we help our elderly loved ones reach safe harbour at the end of their lives, happy and living the best life possible? Join Jean Kittson (We Need to Talk About Mum and Dad) and Robert Dessaix (The Time of Our Lives) for an in-depth discussion of the practical and the philosophical implications of ageing, for both ourselves and our loved ones.

Panel discussion with Hannie Rayson.

Panel discussion with Bryan Andy.

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SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER

MOONLITE Live 3.00pm-4.00pm AEDT | AU$10 A gay bushranger with a love of poetry and guns. A grotesque hangman with a passion for flowers and gardening. A broken young man desperate for love and repect. In Moonlite Garry Linnell traces the tragic love story of George Scott (aka Captain Moonlite) and the bloody end of the bushrangers. The Geelong-raised, Walkley Award-winning journalist, broadcaster and author combines meticulously researched historical accounts with his own unique brand of non-fiction storytelling, and the result reads like a novel.

In conversation with Deakin University’s Daniel Marshall.

US & THEM: AUSTRALIA’S RELATIONSHIP WITH AMERICA Live 4.15pm-5.15pm AEDT | AU$10 Australia has long been tied to the United States by shared values. Recent times have seen an undeniable shift in the relationship, both politically and culturally. As the US faces challenges to its dominance as a world superpower, it needs this alliance more than ever. Join us for this panel discussion with Australian Foreign Affairs editor Jonathan Pearlman, demographer Liz Allen (The Future of Us), academic and activist Dennis Altman (Unrequited Love) and moderated by ‘An American In Oz’ Sara James, as we ask – fresh off the US election – how will the result impact us?

Panel discussion with Sara James.

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CLIMATE CRISIS Live 5.30pm-6.30pm AEDT | AU$10 For the people of the Pacific region, there is no denying climate change and its very real effects. The names of these island nations – Vanuatu, Fiji, Kiribati – may evoke images of white sandy beaches and palm trees, but the reality is these idyllic locations are facing rising sea levels, salinity, cyclones and pollution.

Join author Tom Bamforth (The Rising Tide), documentary makers Joel Carnegie & Caleb Plumridge (Three Metres) as they share the tales of their travels; the stories of the people facing this imminent threat; the politics behind the issues; and what led to the creation of these two very different forms of non-fiction.

Panel discussion with Eve Fisher.

PETER COSGROVE IN CONVERSATION Live 7.30pm-8.30pm AEDT | AU$10 General Sir Peter Cosgrove is one of Australia’s most significant public figures. In his new memoir, You Shouldn’t Have Joined… he gives incredible insight into the role and world of Australia’s Governor-General. He was there as two prime ministers were toppled by their own party. He was there through disasters both natural and man-made. He was there for world leaders, and for ordinary Australians. Remembered as much for his laughter as for the usual dignities of the office. Join Sir Peter for this very special conversation with renowned journalist and host of SBS’s Insight, Jenny Brockie.

In conversation with Jenny Brockie.

This session includes the debut screening of The Space Company’s powerful new short documentary Three Metres filmed on location in Kiribati.

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SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER

HEAVILY MEDITATED

ACTING UP

Live 10.00am-11.00am AEDT | AU$10

Live 11.15am-12.15pm AEDT | AU$10

Self-described Hope Dealer, Meditation Junkie and Gangster of Love, entrepreneur and author Caitlin Cady is an American self-help guru sending her positive vibes out from her home base at Byron Bay, NSW. But can her life really be so idyllic? Is meditation actually the answer to coping with the stresses of modern life? In this conversation with founder and CEO of audio book publisher Bolinda, Rebecca Herrmann, we will find out what has led her to take the analogy of meditation as a drug in her new book Heavily Meditated: Your down-toearth guide to learning meditation and getting high on life.

Pursuing an acting career is not generally considered a stable and reliable employment path. Whether they set out seeking fame and fortune, or an artistic devotion to honing their craft, most actors put in many long years in order to ‘make it’ in theatre, film and television. Three faces, as familiar to us as close friends, belong to actors John Wood (How I Clawed My Way to the Middle), Francis Greenslade (How I Learnt to Act: On the way to NOT going to drama school), and actor and bestselling non-fiction author William McInnes (Christmas Tales). Join them for a lively and fun discussion of the highs and lows of life as an Australian actor.

In conversation with Rebecca Herrmann.

Panel discussion with Margaret Linley.

This session includes a short guided meditation with Caitlin Cady to start the day.

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STORIES OF HOPE

THE PELL TOLL

Live 12.30pm-1.30pm AEDT | AU$10

Live 1.45pm-2.45pm AEDT | AU$10

From a young age, internationally bestselling author Heather Morris discovered that people would tell her their stories if she stopped and listened. In her first non-fiction book Stories of Hope, Heather explores the art of listening – a skill she employed when she met Lale Sokolov, the Tattooist of Auschwitz. It was her ability to listen that led him to entrust her with his story.

Join Heather for a special conversation with writer, poet and academic Maria Takolander, as she shares the remarkable stories of the people she has met, how they opened up to share their deeply personal memories and experiences with her, and the lessons they hold for us all.

For the investigative journalists immersed in the trial of disgraced Cardinal George Pell, this case presented a professional feat of endurance and personal scrutiny like no other. In The Case of George Pell: Reckoning with Child Sexual Abuse by Clergy, Guardian Australia’s Melbourne bureau chief Melissa Davey presents a dispassionate and thorough account of what occurred. For Louise Milligan, the Pell case saw the publication and subsequent withdrawal of her first book Cardinal: The Rise and Fall of George Pell. Her latest book, Witness, is a searing examination of the power imbalance in our legal system, and includes her own experience as a witness in the trial of the decade. Join these two award-winning journalists for a discussion like no other with ABC television presenter Paul Kennedy, co-author of the 2010 book Hell on the Way to Heaven with Chrissie Foster.

In conversation with Deakin University’s Maria Takolander

Panel discussion with Paul Kennedy.

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SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER

IN OUR NATURE

HIDDEN ILLNESS

Live 3.00pm-4.00pm AEDT | AU$10

Live 4.15pm-5.15pm AEDT | AU$10

Nature is so often referred to as something apart from us, somewhere to be briefly visited and then return. Does our human nature mean that we are destined always to use, conquer and destroy? Or can we learn to coexist and thrive with our fellow creatures? This panel discussion comes on the back of the devastating bushfires of last summer. When arborist and author of The 99th Koala, Kailas Wild heard that the injured koalas on Kangaroo Island could only be reached by a tree climber he drove 1500km to volunteer. Animals Make Us Human, is the passion project of co-editors Leah Kaminsky and Meg Keneally. The pair enlisted more than 70 contributors, including author Claire G. Coleman and photographer David Maurice Smith to highlight the beauty and fragility of Australia’s unique fauna.

Nearly half of Australians live with a chronic illness, but most of these conditions are not obvious and are often endured in secrecy.

In this discussion we explore what it is like for people living with an invisible illness and what it means for their quality of life and mental health over time. Modern medicine has improved our lives in so many ways, but has that also created a perception that illness is something that can always be fixed with a pill or procedure? Who perpetuates those beliefs?

Join us for this fascinating discussion with ABC broadcaster Jacinta Parsons (Unseen: The Secret World of Chronic Illness), doctor and writer Karen Hitchcock (The Medicine: A Doctor’s Notes) and writer, podcaster and creator of the blog LadywithMS: A Record of Life with Chronic Illness, Astrid Edwards.

Panel discussion with Meg Keneally.

Panel discussion with Deakin University’s David McCooey.

For every ticket to this live session, Godfrey Hirst will donate $5 towards the following charities: the Australian Marine Conservation Society, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and the Royal Humane Society of Australasia.

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Craft your writing skills into a unique talent Take on tomorrow with confidence.

Explore your passion, develop new ideas and gain industry experience with a specialist course in: LIFE CHANGING: THE NIB PANEL Live 5.30pm-6.30pm AEDT | AU$10 Three outstanding debut authors. Three life-changing writing journeys. Join us for this very special panel event featuring finalists for the Mark & Evette Moran Nib Literary Award 2020, Stephanie Convery (After the Count: The Death of Davey Browne), Rebecca Giggs (Fathoms: The World in the Whale) and Quentin Sprague (The Stranger Artist: Life at the Edge of Kimberley Painting). The $20,000 prize, awarded on Thursday 12 November, celebrates excellence in research and writing. Each of these shortlisted non-fiction works explores the cultural entanglements at the heart of their subjects: the often brutal world of boxing; science, philosophy and wonderment in ocean depths; and the crosscurrents and controversies of the Aboriginal art world.

• children’s literature • creative writing • journalism • literary studies

deakin.edu.au/write

Panel discussion with 2019 Nib Award shortlisted author, Lee Kofman.

Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code 00113B

SCHOOLS PROGRAM

OUR PLACE Aunty Fay Muir & Sue Lawson with Aunty Edie Wright Friday 20 November, 9.30am-10.30am AEDT Young Primary Grades P-4 Boonwurrung Elder Aunty Fay Muir and awardwinning children’s and YA author Sue Lawson are co-authors of children’s picture book series Our Place, which includes the titles Respect and Family and, coming in 2021, the next book in the series, Share.

Beautiful and enjoyable, while containing important messages of tolerance and understanding, these books introduce young minds to the First Nations’ cultural philosophies that Aunty Fay holds close to her heart.

Aunty Fay and Sue will be joined in conversation by member of Magabala Books’ Board of Directors, Aunty Edie Wright, for a lively and fun discussion that will answer many questions in curious young minds and encourage tolerance and understanding.

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A TRUER HISTORY Bruce Pascoe with Heather Threadgold Friday 20 November, 11.30am-12.30pm AEDT Primary Grades 5-6, Secondary Years 7-8 Bruce Pascoe has collected a swathe of literary awards for the seminal Dark Emu and now he has brought together the research and compelling first person accounts in a book for younger readers.Young Dark Emu - A Truer History asks young readers to consider a different version of Australia’s history preEuropean colonisation.

A Yuin, Bunurong and Tasmanian man, in 2018 Bruce was awarded the Australia Council Award for Lifetime Achievement in Literature.

Join Bruce in conversation with anthropologist Heather Threadgold as he shares his writing journey and the research into early-European written accounts that led him to write Dark Emu; and a discussion that invites young minds to contemplate a different version of Australian history.

Proudly presented in partnership with Magabala Books. Australia’s leading Indigenous Publisher.

WORDS CHANGE LIVES Kirli Saunders with Aunty Fay Muir Friday 20 November, 2.00pm-3.00pm AEDT Secondary Years 7-10 Poet, artist, playwright, educator, novelist – these are just some of the many hats worn

by Gunai woman Kirli Saunders. Named NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year in 2020, Kirli is an internationally-recognised award-winning writer of plays, poetry and picture books, who has worked with communities to create poetry in First Languages. Her books include adult poetry collection Kindred and her latest, the upcoming children’s novel in verse, Bindi.

Kirli will be joined by linguist, educator and author Aunty Fay Muir for an inspiring conversation about following your passion and exploring different forms of writing and expression to make sense of the world around us and the deep emotions that unite us all.

All Word for Word Festival Schools Program sessions are FREE for schools to attend, but places are limited. To register a school, grade or class contact us at schools@wordforwordfestival.com.au.

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Listen now.

Your local library in your pocket.

Thousands of eAudiobooks available to borrow from your local library.

Join today.

DOWNLOAD THE APP NOW

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1. Install the BorrowBox app 2. Select Geelong Regional Libraries 3. Activate with your Geelong Regional Libraries Membership 4. Borrow eAudiobooks

TICKETS AUD$10 PER SESSION

SAVE WITH A FESTIVAL FIVE PASS

Live Streamed (or On Demand after the festival)

Any 5 sessions AUD$45 (save 10%)

Missed part or all of a live session?

If you have purchased a Live Streamed session your ticket will allow you to watch the session On Demand, available until 31 December 2020.

Missed the festival and want to watch a session?

If you missed a Live Streamed session you can watch the recording by purchasing the session On Demand (just like a movie, or TV), available until 31 December 2020.

Please note: For On Demand viewing, allow up to 48 hours from the end of live session for upload of recording.

Recorded festival sessions will only be available until 31 December 2020.

WORKSHOP AUD$50 half-day workshop No discounts apply. Not available with Festival Five Pass

PAY IT FORWARD Can’t afford to pay?

Many people are experiencing incredible financial hardship right now. If you would like to attend a live festival session but can’t afford to pay, head to our website wordforwordfestival.com.au/ request-a-ticket where you can request one complimentary ticket to the session of your choice.

Be assured, your request will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Can afford to help?

For those not experiencing financial hardship at this time, we invite you to ‘pay it forward’ by donating the amount of a ticket (AUD$10) so that we can provide it for free to someone in need.

You can make this tax deductible donation when you purchase your own tickets, or find out more at wordforwordfestival.com.au/pay-it-forward

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The 2020 Word for Word Festival would not be possible without the support and generosity of our partners and sponsors.

PRINCIPAL PARTNERS

PRESENTING PARTNERS

MEDIA SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSOR

SPONSORS

THANKS TO Christy Harris Design Magabala Books PEN International

wordforwordfestival.com.au

Piano Bar Geelong OnQ Marketing PRD Music Services

Waverley Council/Nib Awards Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation