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Sydney Writers’ Festival would like to thank the hundreds of volunteers who give their time, talents and enthusiasm so generously to the Festival.
WELCOME
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A MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Change my mind with a stanza or a couplet, a jarring dissonance, a beautiful echo or a rhyme. Change it with a flight of fancy, an intricate, imagined world, a compelling character I’ll never meet but never forget. Turn it upside down with searing rhetoric, impeccable research, the knock-out argument that has me questioning everything I know and all that I believe. Twelve months ago, beset by a global pandemic that shrouded every plan in uncertainty and threw every certainty into question, I described our 2021 Festival as one underpinned by a sense of hope. We gathered our community together and celebrated being within reach of one another again. “To be hopeful,” Rebecca Solnit wrote in her seminal work Hope in the Dark, “means to be uncertain about the future, to be tender toward possibilities, to be dedicated to change all the way down to the bottom of your heart.” Now, in 2022, this is a festival underpinned by a sense of urgency, by a dedication to change. A response to a world where public debate is increasingly polarised and toxic. Expert advice is ignored and politicised. The imaginative, the creative and the lateral are disregarded and devalued. Structural power and privileged perspectives drown out lived experience and voices of dissent. We believe in literature and its role in articulating and shaping a better way. We believe that it is more than words. We believe that a writers’ festival is more than just talk. Change My Mind is an invitation, a challenge and a promise of intent. Because uncertain times – a world divided and ruptured, at odds and in crisis – require a willingness to be open-minded, and a commitment to generosity and reciprocity. Rebecca Solnit is one of almost 400 authors, storytellers, thinkers and artists joining us from 16 to 22 May this year. Between our Opening Night Address at Sydney Town Hall with Ali Cobby Eckermann, Jackie Huggins and Nardi Simpson, and our Closing Night Address with Chloe Hooper, you will hear ideas and stories, challenges and confidences that will shape how you see the world and what you believe. Once again our dual spotlights shine a light on the authors who brought us some of the finest new Australian books of the past 12 months, including Miles Allinson & Emily Bitto, Maxine Beneba Clarke & Omar Musa, Liane Moriarty & Caroline Overington, Marcia Langton & Julianne Schultz, Michelle de Kretser & Christos Tsiolkas, Claire G. Coleman & Eda Gunaydin, Trent Dalton & Brendan Cowell, Jackie Huggins & Chelsea Watego, Jennifer Down & Hannah Kent, Clementine Ford & Bridie Jabour, Michelle Cahill & Yumna Kassab, Amanda Lohrey & Charlotte Wood, Dervla McTiernan & Christian White, Delia Falconer & Indira Naidoo, George Haddad & Omar Sakr, Jessica Au & Larissa Behrendt; and more. Your favourite Australian writer is definitely in the mix, and your next favourite is ready for you to discover. Three extraordinary writers from further afield have navigated the world of COVID-constrained travel to join us in person – Booker Prize winner Damon Galgut, international sensation Hanya Yanagihara, and activist and advocate Derecka Purnell – while others join us via video to ensure truly international conversations. Julian Barnes, Sarah Winman, Torrey Peters, Johann Hari and Art Spiegelman as well as far-flung
favourite Australians Warren Ellis, Yassmin Abdel-Magied and Steve Toltz bring us the benefit of outside perspectives and sideways views. While we didn’t know at the time of writing if the federal election would fall on Festival Saturday, we have the definitive takes for desperate political junkies – as well as something for those looking for a good book to hide in. For analysis and pre- (or post-) match reports, Barrie Cassidy is back, as is Fran Kelly, who alongside Patricia Karvelas deliver a ‘Party Room Live’ on Thursday night. But politics is bigger than just party games and political theatre, so we open up the conversation to wider questions of the words that shape our world. How we talk to one another – what the process should be for disagreeing, persuading and changing minds – is front and centre in this year’s Festival. We dig deep into the mechanisms, the decisionmaking and the influences that define us, while our storytelling gala asks 12 writers to reflect on the art, people and experiences that have changed their minds. Our Guest Curators Tony Birch and Fiona Murphy explore the places where writerly ambitions and creative values coincide – and where they diverge. We get to the bottom of widespread anxiety about who gets to speak and what they get to say with sessions on literary appropriation, media silences, defamation law, and the challenges and limits of free speech. Plus sessions on everything from Jane Austen to artificial intelligence, Curious George to the role of Christianity in Australian politics, epic moments in oratory to unearthing the finest literary musicals never made. Every year, Sydney Writers’ Festival runs events for young adults, teens and families that excite and energise young minds. This year, Family Day returns for an entertaining and informative celebration of self-expression, science, art and storytelling. Adam Goodes, David Hardy and Ellie Laing celebrate First Nations culture and history in Welcome to Our Country, while Corey Tutt shares knowledge of the First Scientists of this land. Learn all about animals with Sami Bayly and Remy Lai. Sing a song with Josh Pyke and dive into a forest of fairytales with Shaun Micallef. Say farewell to Felix with Morris Gleitzman, and hello to Stevie Louise with Tanya Hennessy. The Big Backyard awaits our young Festival-goers with a full day of free and fun activities. With sessions specially curated by Sydney Writers’ Festival Youth Curators, All-Day YA is an epic celebration of all things YA. Returning on Saturday May 21, we’re delighted to bring authors including Felicity Castagna, Amie Kaufman, Kay Kerr, Astrid Scholte and Jared Thomas to Carriageworks to share stories of teens who find themselves out of place and those finding their way. From reclaiming the strength of teenage girls to fearlessly writing yourself into genres, these sessions are sure to challenge and comfort. And this year, All-Day YA concludes with a special evening gala event where eight incredible YA authors enter their pleas for a character in the court of literary opinion. Beloved Festival favourites and exciting new events take over the city, from poetry readings and Curiosity Lectures to workshops, events across Sydney’s libraries, a great debate and a debutante ball celebrating new voices published in the vacuum of COVID. So much of our public life has been reduced to culture wars and entrenched disagreement. Turn on the news and find supposed ‘left-wingers’ advocating carceral responses; so-called ‘radical feminists’ who exclude, vilify and demonise other women; ‘conservatives’ radically tearing down institutions; ‘right-wing ecowarriors’; and ‘wellness gurus’ who ... well, honestly, who the hell knows what they stand for at this point. Everyone knows best and nobody, it seems, is willing to listen to anything different. For one week this May, leave the shouting matches, doomscrolling and white noise of daily life behind. Read, listen, talk and take the time – with respect and empathy, compassion and imagination, and your most open and changeable mind – at Sydney Writers’ Festival 2022. Michael Williams Artistic Director
CONTENTS Festival Precinct & City Guest Curators After Dark Your Favourites’ Favourites All-Day YA Coffee & Headlines Festival Precinct & City Event Liftout Free Events Family Day Workshops In Your Neighbourhood Participants Precinct & Booking Information
4–15 5 7 9 10 11 12–13 16 17 18 19 21 23
Sydney Writers’ Festival acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which our events take place. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present. Auslan interpreted Open captioned Printed guide made with support by All details were correct at the time of publication.
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FESTIVAL PRECINCT & CITY
TUESDAY MAY 17–FRIDAY MAY 20 CUR17 J.P. POMARE ON MEMORY AND TRAUMA May 19, 1.15–1.45pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 J.P. Pomare (The Last Guests) examines the fallibility of memory and how easily our recollections can betray us. Join J.P. as he considers the gulf between emotional and factual accuracy, and the effects of trauma, emotion and bias on how our brains create memories. FREE, no bookings 18 MANNERS MAKETH THE WOMAN May 19, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Wendy McCarthy, Kaz Cooke and Antoinette Lattouf break down society’s expectations of women to smile, make nice and put others at ease, with Narelda Jacobs. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT
19 PAUL KENNEDY & JASON OM May 19, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 Beloved broadcasters Paul Kennedy (Funkytown) and Jason Om (All Mixed Up) come together to discuss their memoirs that unravel the struggles and secrets of their youth. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
1 OPENING NIGHT ADDRESS May 17, 6.30–8pm Sydney Town Hall Ali Cobby Eckermann, Jackie Huggins and Nardi Simpson reflect on the changed, changing and changeable nature of their minds over their extraordinary careers. Supported by the City of Sydney. $50/$45/$40 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
20 OUR BRILLIANT FRIENDS May 19, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 21 Ceridwen Dovey (co-author of Mothertongues), Shaimaa Khalil (co-author of Runaways) and Patti Miller (True Friends) discuss the nuances of friendship, in conversation with Caroline Baum. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
TUESDAY MAY 17 1 OPENING NIGHT ADDRESS May 17, 6.30–8pm Sydney Town Hall SEE FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT ON THIS PAGE
WEDNESDAY MAY 18 2 SARAH WINMAN: STILL LIFE May 18, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Bestselling British author Sarah Winman talks about her exploration of art, love and war in her joyous and richly drawn new novel Still Life. She appears live via video in conversation with Ailsa Piper. Supported by ARA. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
THURSDAY MAY 19 4 BARRIE CASSIDY & FRIENDS: INDEPENDENTS’ DAY May 19, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 17 Barrie Cassidy speaks with some of the candidates whose presence shaped the 2022 federal election campaign: the independents. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 5 MILES ALLINSON & EMILY BITTO May 19, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 20 Novelists Miles Allinson (In Moonland) and Emily Bitto (Wild Abandon) talk about their acclaimed stories of characters searching for identity and meaning, in conversation with Michaela Kalowski. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 6 PROSE AND CONS May 19, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 21 From catfishing to fraud, tales of con artists have captured attention in recent years. Kate McClymont, Angus Grigg, Stephanie Wood and Greg Bearup sort the truth from the lies, with host Gyan Yankovich. Presented in partnership with the Walkley Foundation for Journalism. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
7 REAL CHINA May 19, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 25 Murong Xuecun (Deadly Quiet City), Linda Jaivin (The Shortest History of China) and Louisa Lim (Indelible City) join Frances Mao to go beyond broad media commentary and dig into the lived experiences of contemporary Chinese citizens. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 8 PRESENT DANGER May 19, 10–11am Carriageworks, Track 12 Celebrated crime and thriller writers Tim Ayliffe (The Enemy Within), J.P. Pomare (The Last Guests) and Caroline Overington (The Cuckoo’s Cry) discuss their gripping new novels that highlight the frightening possibilities of the present, with Sulari Gentill (The Woman in the Library). FREE, no bookings 9 THE JOYS OF RE-READING May 19, 10–11am Carriageworks, Track 8 There is a particular pleasure in taking a well-thumbed favourite from the shelf. Authors Bernadette Brennan (Leaping into Waterfalls), Yumna Kassab (Australiana) and Ruth Wilson (The Jane Austen Remedy) share the books they return to time and time again, with ABC RN’s Kate Evans. $20/$15 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au CUR10 FIONA MURPHY ON MY LIFE AS A WALKING STICK May 19, 11.15–11.45am Carriageworks, Bay 23 Fiona Murphy (The Shape of Sound) discusses the world of physiotherapists, primed to predict and prevent disasters before they happen, in this talk about bodies, aging, fear and falling. FREE, no bookings 11 JOHANN HARI: STOLEN FOCUS May 19, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Bestselling British writer Johann Hari sheds light on Stolen Focus, his exploration of why our attention spans are waning and how we might reclaim them. Johann appears live via video in conversation with Amanda Collinge. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
12 YOUR FAVOURITES’ FAVOURITES: ANNABEL CRABB & AL CAMPBELL May 19, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 Beloved Australian journalist and writer Annabel Crabb (The Wife Drought) sits down with Al Campbell to discuss Al’s dazzling debut novel, The Keepers. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
21 MARCIA LANGTON & JULIANNE SCHULTZ May 19, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 25 Professors Marcia Langton (Welcome to Country) and Julianne Schultz (The Idea of Australia) discuss how we might form a cultural and intellectual understanding of contemporary Australia. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
13 CHURCH & STATE May 19, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Bay 21 What role does faith and religion play in the leadership and decision-making of our political figures? Stephanie Dowrick, Elle Hardy and Greg Sheridan examine matters of church and state with David Hardaker. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 14 PEN LECTURE: FREEDOM OF SPEECH FOR WHOM? May 19, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Bay 25 Senator Mehreen Faruqi reflects on the double standards of freedom of speech in Australia. She considers the toxic forces that exclude marginalised voices while consolidating power, and how we must challenge them. Presented with Sydney PEN. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 15 YOUR FAVOURITES’ FAVOURITES: EVELYN ARALUEN & ENNIS CEHIC May 19, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Acclaimed poet, researcher and co-editor of Overland Evelyn Araluen (Dropbear) interviews Ennis Cehic about his electrifying debut collection of short stories, Sadvertising. FREE, no bookings 16 A CRITICAL EYE May 19, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Track 8 Acclaimed literary critics Delia Falconer (Signs and Wonders), Declan Fry and Eda Gunaydin (Root and Branch) discuss the role of literary criticism in a world of hype with Editor and CEO of Australian Book Review Peter Rose. $20/$15 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT 40 ART SPIEGELMAN May 20, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 17 For more than 50 years, Art Spiegelman has defined and redefined the world of visual storytelling. Appearing live via video, he reflects on his Pulitzer Prize–winning masterpiece MAUS, censorship and prejudice, with host Morris Gleitzman. Art Spiegelman appears thanks to the support of Kathy and Greg Shand. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
THURSDAY MAY 19–FRIDAY MAY 20
FESTIVAL PRECINCT & CITY 29 ON THE BRINK May 19, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Track 12 As climate catastrophe engulfs us, what role can fiction play in reflecting, critiquing and reconceiving how we interact with the natural world? Yumna Kassab, Charlotte McConaghy and Mykaela Saunders discuss. FREE, no bookings 30 THE ACCESSIBLE WRITER May 19, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Track 8 Liz Martin, CEO of Accessible Arts, leads a discussion into the reality and pathways for writers with disability or who are d/Deaf. Featuring Fiona Murphy (The Shape of Sound), Eliza Hull (We’ve Got This) and Gayle Kennedy (Koori Girl Goes Shoppin). FREE, no bookings
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT
37 CHANGE MY MIND STORYTELLING GALA May 19, 8.30–9.30pm Sydney Town Hall Twelve storytellers – Damon Galgut, Morris Gleitzman, Amanda Lohrey, Jazz Money, Omar Musa, Chelsea Watego, Hanya Yanagihara and others – take to the stage to share a story about the changing of a mind. Supported by the City of Sydney. $50/$45/$40 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 22 MICHAEL MOHAMMED AHMAD & AMANI HAYDAR May 19, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Michael Mohammed Ahmad (The Other Half of You) and Amani Haydar (The Mother Wound) speak with Sarah Ayoub about the light and dark within families, and how racism and patriarchy perpetuate harm by dehumanising fathers. FREE, no bookings
27 KATE LANGBROEK & TOM TILLEY May 19, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 21 Renowned broadcasters Kate Langbroek (Ciao Bella!) and Tom Tilley (Speaking in Tongues) discuss their memoirs that explore breaking free, reinvention and how to go about piecing life together after major change. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
23 BRYAN BROWN & JON FAINE May 19, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Track 8 Two of Australia’s favourite storytellers, Bryan Brown (Sweet Jimmy) and Jon Faine (Apollo & Thelma), share the stage to discuss their new books and the art of spinning a great tale with Caroline Overington. $20/$15 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
28 HOW WE MAKE UP OUR MINDS May 19, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 25 A panel of renowned thinkers explore how we weigh up pros, cons and risks, and discuss the way stress and fear shape our capacity for critical thinking. Featuring Damien Cave, Tim Dean and Muireann Irish, with ABC RN’s Sana Qadar. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
CUR24 SARAH HOLLAND-BATT ON OUR DENIAL OF AGING May 19, 3.15–3.45pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Sarah Holland-Batt (The Jaguar and Fishing for Lightning) became an advocate for aged care reform after testifying at the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety about her father’s adverse experiences. In this lecture, she unpacks our reluctance to imagine getting old and the harmful consequences this holds. FREE, no bookings 25 THE TOO HARD BASKET May 19, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 What are the topics that the Australian media doesn’t, can’t or just won’t handle? John Lyons (Dateline Jerusalem), Nessa Turnbull-Roberts and Louise Milligan (Witness) discuss self-censorship and pervasive silences, with host Sophie Black. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 26 GROWING UP IN COUNTRY AUSTRALIA May 19, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 Farz Edraki, Bridie Jabour and Benjamin Riley chat about their contributions to the new anthology Growing Up in Country Australia with its editor Rick Morton. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
31 ABC RN: THE PARTY ROOM LIVE May 19, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Much-loved, long-running podcast The Party Room is live at Sydney Writers’ Festival. Watch Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas make sense of federal politics in real time. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 32 DERECKA PURNELL: BECOMING ABOLITIONISTS May 19, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 Lawyer, organiser and writer Derecka Purnell (Becoming Abolitionists) speaks about abolition as a commitment to finding different answers to the problem of harm in society. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 33 ABC RN: AWAYE! May 19, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Join us for a recording of AWAYE! from ABC RN. Host Rudi Bremer talks to Indigenous Festival guests Evelyn Araluen, Jackie Huggins, Lorna Munro and Chelsea Watego about writing as a political act. FREE, bookings essential 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 34 MUSICAL FICTIONS May 19, 6–7.15pm Sydney Town Hall Musical impresario Casey Bennetto (Keating!) is on a quest to unearth the finest musical adaptations never made. With a team of Australian songwriting royalty and a song in his heart, this will be a literary night like no other. $50/$45/$40 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
TONY BIRCH
49 HOW TO MAKE A BASKET: WEAVING WORDS FOR COUNTRY 101 CLASS DISMISSED: AT THE MARGINS OF IDENTITY
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35 LITERARY DEATH MATCH May 19, 6–7.30pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Part literary event, part comedy show, part game show, Literary Death Match (LDM) sees four writers compete in an edge-of-your-seat read-off critiqued by three celebrity judges that ends with a slapstick showdown. Hosted by LDM creator Adrian Todd Zuniga. $20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 36 TORREY PETERS: DETRANSITION, BABY May 19, 8–9pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Torrey Peters’ Detransition, Baby brilliantly navigates the taboos around gender, sex and relationships, resulting in an original and moving novel. Appearing live via video, Torrey discusses her unforgettable debut with Liz Duck-Chong. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 37 CHANGE MY MIND STORYTELLING GALA May 19, 8.30–9.30pm Sydney Town Hall SEE FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT ON THIS PAGE 38 I’D LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS May 19, 8.30–10pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 From public apologies to high-profile resignations, pre-prepared breakups and wedding speeches gone awry, this hilarious, heartbreaking and often deeply inappropriate event is a celebration of humanity’s most dangerous pastime: speeches. Hosted by Hannah Reilly and Jonny Hawkins. $20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
FRIDAY MAY 20 39 COFFEE & HEADLINES WITH 7AM May 20, 8.30–9.15am Carriageworks, Bay 23 Ruby Jones, host of Schwartz Media’s 7am podcast, discusses today’s news with Linda Jaivin, Kate McClymont and Karen Middleton. Presented with 7am. FREE, no bookings 40 ART SPIEGELMAN May 20, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 17 For more than 50 years, Art Spiegelman has defined and redefined the world of visual storytelling. Appearing live via video, he reflects on his Pulitzer Prize–winning masterpiece MAUS, censorship and prejudice, with host Morris Gleitzman. Art Spiegelman appears thanks to the support of Kathy and Greg Shand. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
FIONA MURPHY
105 ON SECOND THOUGHT 129 PAYING ATTENTION
GUEST CURATORS
Tony Birch and Fiona Murphy bring their sharp minds and roving curiosity to the program this year with sessions that ask big questions and offer creative solutions. Prolific and acclaimed author and poet Tony Birch (Dark as Last Night and Whisper Songs) explores knowledge, authority and the many ways a writer’s lived experience might inform their work. Award-winning Deaf writer Fiona Murphy (The Shape of Sound) invites us to challenge our assumptions and question our certainties with sessions that show how nothing turns the world on its head quite like a writer at play.
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FESTIVAL PRECINCT & CITY
FRIDAY MAY 20 48 MICHELLE DE KRETSER & CHRISTOS TSIOLKAS May 20, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Two of the biggest names in Australian literature, Michelle de Kretser (Scary Monsters) and Christos Tsiolkas (7 1/2), come together to discuss their latest books with Roanna Gonsalves. The authors appear thanks to the support of David Fite and Catherine Norman. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 49 HOW TO MAKE A BASKET: WEAVING WORDS FOR COUNTRY May 20, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 Festival Guest Curator Tony Birch speaks with three First Nations poets – Jazz Money, Anne-Marie Te Whiu and Evelyn Araluen – who have woven images and stories about Country and our place in it. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT 69 DAMON GALGUT: THE PROMISE May 20, 6–7pm City Recital Hall South African writer Damon Galgut discusses his 2021 Booker Prize–winning novel The Promise with longtime friend and Miles Franklin winner Michelle de Kretser, author of Scary Monsters. Damon Galgut appears thanks to the support of Rosemary Block. Premium $50 | A Res $45/$40 | B Res $40/$35 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 41 YOUR FAVOURITES’ FAVOURITES: HANNAH KENT & SJ NORMAN May 20, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 20 Bestselling novelist Hannah Kent (Devotion) speaks with SJ Norman about Permafrost, their debut collection of short fiction that updates and queers the Gothic and Romantic literary traditions. Supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 42 MOTHER OF ALL CRIMES May 20, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 21 Novelists Jane Caro, Dinuka McKenzie and Laura Elizabeth Woollett discuss why mothers provide such engaging and humanising perspectives in crime fiction, in conversation with Suzanne Leal. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 43 IN CONVERSATION: 2022 STELLA PRIZE WINNER May 20, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 25 Be among the first to hear from the winner of the 2022 Stella Prize in conversation at this intimate live event. Presented in partnership with Stella. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
44 A MORNING WITH ABC RADIO LIVE May 20, 10am–12pm Carriageworks, Track 12 ABC Radio Sydney Mornings, presented by Cassie McCullagh, broadcasts live with top Festival guests. It’s followed by ABC Radio Conversations, hosted by Sarah Kanowski, featuring feminist icon Wendy McCarthy (Don’t Be Too Polite, Girls). FREE, bookings essential 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 45 ARCHIVE FEVER LIVE: STRONG FEMALE LEADS May 20, 10–11am Carriageworks, Track 8 A live recording of the Archive Fever podcast in which Clare Wright and Yves Rees are joined by Bernadette Brennan (Leaping into Waterfalls) and filmmaker Tosca Looby (Strong Female Lead) to discuss their mutual addiction to archival research. $20/$15 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au CUR47 CLEMENTINE FORD ON STEEL MAGNOLIAS May 20, 11.15–11.45am Carriageworks, Bay 23 Feminist icon and bestselling author of Fight Like a Girl and How We Love Clementine Ford presents a deep dive into the iconic film Steel Magnolias, revealing everything you didn’t know about this classic movie. FREE, no bookings
50 TONI JORDAN & PADDY O’REILLY May 20, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Bay 21 Beloved Australian writers Toni Jordan (Dinner with the Schnabels) and Paddy O’Reilly (Other Houses) join Nicole Abadee to discuss their new novels about the domestic pressures and chaos of life. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 51 WORLD NEWS: THE STATE OF INTERNATIONAL MEDIA May 20, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Bay 25 Damien Cave, Louisa Lim and Shaimaa Khalil discuss the current state of foreign correspondence, how the pandemic has affected awareness of international news and the repercussions of a domestic–focused news cycle in a world of global consequences. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 52 CLAIRE G. COLEMAN & EDA GUNAYDIN May 20, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Track 8 Claire G. Coleman (Lies, Damned Lies) and Eda Gunaydin (Root and Branch) discuss their latest works of non–fiction that draw from lived experience to deliver stark political truths, with Declan Fry. $20/$15 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 53 ABC RN: THE BOOKSHELF May 20, 1–2pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Festival guests Damon Galgut, George Haddad and Jackie Huggins join hosts Kate Evans and Cassie McCullagh from ABC RN’s The Bookshelf to discuss the books they are enjoying and being challenged by. FREE, bookings essential 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au CUR54 SARAH WALKER ON THE JOYS OF BEING ABSOLUTELY SHITHOUSE AT SPORT May 20, 1.15–1.45pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Sarah Walker (The First Time I Thought I Was Dying) rejected the world of sport until she discovered the mental health benefits and freedoms that come from allowing yourself to be awful at something. FREE, no bookings
55 STEVE TOLTZ: HERE GOES NOTHING May 20, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Booker-shortlisted author Steve Toltz discusses his highly anticipated new novel, Here Goes Nothing, live via video with acclaimed author of The Believer, Sarah Krasnostein. Supported by ARA. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 56 THE THEATRE OF POLITICS May 20, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 Political reporters and writers Judith Brett (Doing Politics) and Sean Kelly (The Game) examine the theatre of politics and how our leaders are performing in it, in conversation with ABC’s Nour Haydar. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 57 YOUR FAVOURITES’ FAVOURITES: MICHAEL MOHAMMED AHMAD & MEHREEN FARUQI May 20, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 21 Miles Franklin–shortlisted author Michael Mohammed Ahmad (The Other Half of You) speaks with Mehreen Faruqi about Too Migrant, Too Muslim, Too Loud, her no-holds-barred debut memoir. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 58 CHANGING HEARTS, CHANGING MINDS May 20, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 25 What tools of persuasion and methods of advocacy and activism are fair game when getting one’s point across? Host Matt Beard speaks with Sara M. Saleh and Carl Rhodes about the ethical dilemmas of trying to make a difference. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 59 MICHELLE CAHILL & YUMNA KASSAB May 20, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Track 8 Acclaimed authors Michelle Cahill (Daisy and Woolf) and Yumna Kassab (Australiana) discuss their new novels that put the stories of people on the peripheries centre stage with Felicity Castagna. $20/$15 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au CUR60 DAMIEN CAVE ON THE MEANDERING, WONDERFUL OPTIMISM OF CURIOUS GEORGE May 20, 3.15–3.45pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Join New York Times Australian Bureau Chief and author Damien Cave (Into the Rip) as he delves into the incredible story of the authors behind Curious George and their celebration of wild chaotic optimism. FREE, no bookings 61 BUT NOT FORGOTTEN May 20, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Listen to this remembrance of writers past, including Jackie Huggins on bell hooks; Sarah Krasnostein on Joan Didion; and Melissa Lucashenko on Keri Hulme. Hosted by Susan Wyndham. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
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ABC RN and ABC Radio Sydney are proud supporters of Sydney Writers’ Festival
TUESDAY MAY 17–SUNDAY MAY 22
AFTER DARK
When the evening sets in, join us for a line-up of pointy conversations, madcap performances and writerly fun in venues from Sydney Town Hall to City Recital Hall to the Festival’s own Festival Club stage at Carriageworks.
SYDNEY TOWN HALL 1 OPENING NIGHT ADDRESS May 17, 6.30–8pm Sydney Town Hall Ali Cobby Eckermann, Jackie Huggins and Nardi Simpson reflect on the changed, changing and changeable nature of their minds over their extraordinary careers. Supported by the City of Sydney. $50/$45/$40 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 34 MUSICAL FICTIONS May 19, 6–7.15pm Sydney Town Hall Musical impresario Casey Bennetto (Keating!) is on a quest to unearth the finest musical adaptations never made. With a team of Australian songwriting royalty and a song in his heart, this will be a literary night like no other. $50/$45/$40 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
37 CHANGE MY MIND STORYTELLING GALA May 19, 8.30–9.30pm Sydney Town Hall Twelve storytellers – Damon Galgut, Morris Gleitzman, Omar Musa, Amanda Lohrey, Jazz Money, Chelsea Watego, Hanya Yanagihara and others – take to the stage to share a story about the changing of a mind. Supported by the City of Sydney. $50/$45/$40 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au STAY TUNED Announcements about two much-loved Festival events – SWF Great Debate and The Space Between Words, our gala poetry reading by stars of stage and screen – will be shared in our eNewsletter and on our social channels soon.
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36 TORREY PETERS: DETRANSITION, BABY May 19, 8–9pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Torrey Peters’ Detransition, Baby brilliantly navigates the taboos around gender, sex and relationships, resulting in an original and moving novel. Appearing live via video, Torrey discusses her unforgettable debut with Liz Duck-Chong. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
102 YASSMIN ABDEL-MAGIED: TALKING ABOUT A REVOLUTION May 21, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Prize-winning social advocate Yassmin Abdel-Magied introduces her forthcoming essay collection Talking About a Revolution. Yassmin appears live via video in conversation with Bri Lee. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
67 WARREN ELLIS: NINA SIMONE’S GUM May 20, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Music icon Warren Ellis sheds light on his memoir Nina Simone’s Gum, reflecting on art, performance and obsession. He appears live via video in conversation with Marieke Hardy. Warren Ellis appears thanks to the support of David Paradice AO. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
103 LOUISA LIM & KYLIE MOORE-GILBERT May 21, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 The authors of two of the year’s most anticipated non-fiction releases, Louisa Lim (Indelible City) and Kylie Moore-Gilbert (The Uncaged Sky), discuss the complexities of power, persecution and freedom with Ann Mossop. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
68 FRIENDS, ROMANS, COUNTRYMEN: GREAT ORATORY AND SPEECHIFYING May 20, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 A selection of great thinkers (and even better talkers) recreate their favourite speeches from history, literature and theatre. Including Richard Fidler, Sisonke Msimang and Clare Wright, and hosted by Laura Tingle. Supported by the JIBB Foundation. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 71 BRENDAN COWELL & TRENT DALTON May 20, 8–9pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 The much-loved authors of two of the year’s most heartfelt and moving books, Brendan Cowell (Plum) and Trent Dalton (Love Stories) appear in conversation with Julia Baird. Trent Dalton appears thanks to the support of Rosie Williams and John Grill AO. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
106 JULIAN BARNES: ELIZABETH FINCH May 21, 8–9pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Booker Prize–winning British novelist Julian Barnes speaks live via video about Elizabeth Finch, his finely woven exploration of love, friendship and biography, with host of ABC RN’s The Book Show, Claire Nichols. Julian Barnes appears thanks to the support of Rowena Danziger AM, in memory of Ken Coles AM and his support of SWF over 25 years. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 133 CLOSING NIGHT: CHLOE HOOPER May 22, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 To close the 2022 Festival, award-winning author Chloe Hooper (Bedtime Story) shares the power and limitations of the stories that we tell and the words that we choose to make sense of the world. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
FESTIVAL CLUB STAGE
CITY RECITAL HALL 69 DAMON GALGUT: THE PROMISE May 20, 6–7pm City Recital Hall South African writer Damon Galgut discusses his 2021 Booker Prize–winning novel The Promise with longtime friend and Miles Franklin winner Michelle de Kretser, author of Scary Monsters. Damon Galgut appears thanks to the support of Rosemary Block. Premium $50 | A Res $45/$40 | B Res $40/$35 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
AFTER DARK
72 HANYA YANAGIHARA: TO PARADISE May 20, 8.30–9.30pm City Recital Hall The Booker Prize–shortlisted author of A Little Life, Hanya Yanagihara introduces her new novel To Paradise, exploring themes of love, loss and the elusive promise of utopia, in conversation with Anton Enus. Supported by ARA. Premium $50 | A Res $45/$40 | B Res $40/$35 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
CARRIAGEWORKS 2 SARAH WINMAN: STILL LIFE May 18, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Bestselling British author Sarah Winman talks about art, love and war in her joyous and richly drawn new novel Still Life. She appears live via video in conversation with Ailsa Piper. Supported by ARA. $35/$25 Bookings 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
32 DERECKA PURNELL: BECOMING ABOLITIONISTS May 19, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 Lawyer, organiser and writer Derecka Purnell (Becoming Abolitionists) speaks about abolition as a commitment to finding different answers to the problem of harm in society. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
31 ABC RN: THE PARTY ROOM LIVE May 19, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Much-loved, long-running podcast The Party Room is live at Sydney Writers’ Festival. Watch Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas make sense of federal politics in real time. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
33 ABC RN: AWAYE! May 19, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Join us for a recording of AWAYE! from ABC RN. Host Rudi Bremer talks to Indigenous Festival guests Evelyn Araluen, Jackie Huggins, Lorna Munro and Chelsea Watego about writing as a political act. FREE, bookings essential 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
35 LITERARY DEATH MATCH May 19, 6–7.30pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Part literary event, part comedy show, part game show, Literary Death Match (LDM) sees four writers compete in an edge-of-your-seat read-off critiqued by three celebrity judges that ends with a slapstick showdown. Hosted by LDM creator Adrian Todd Zuniga. $20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 38 I’D LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS May 19, 8.30–10pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 From public apologies to high-profile resignations, pre-prepared breakups and wedding speeches gone awry, this hilarious, heartbreaking and often deeply inappropriate event is a celebration of humanity’s most dangerous pastime: speeches. Hosted by Hannah Reilly and Jonny Hawkins. $20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 70 WORDS ON SHOW: WRITING FOR PERFORMANCE May 20, 6.30–7.30pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Curated by writer and performer Maeve Marsden, this event sees Omar Musa, David Williamson and Maxine Beneba Clarke join Maeve in discussing how they write for performance and the challenges of adapting between mediums. $20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
73 QUEERSTORIES May 20, 8.30–10pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Vulnerable and fierce, heartbreaking and hilarious, Queerstories invites five LGBTQI+ writers to share the tale they want to tell but are never asked to. Hosted by Maeve Marsden and featuring Hannah Kent, Jazz Money, Fiona Murphy, SJ Norman and Jioji Ravulo. $20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 105 ON SECOND THOUGHT May 21, 6.30–7.30pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 What if Twitter were a parlour game, and you had a chance to rethink that thought? Festival Guest Curator Fiona Murphy is joined by Rick Morton and Amy Thunig as they debate which direction they want the conversation to go. $20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 108 RADICAL, INCLUSIVE, REBELLIOUS May 21, 8.30–10pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Join Gamillaroi/Torres Strait Islander writer, director, actor Nakkiah Lui and writers who will be publishing work under her imprint, JOAN Press, for a night of radical, inclusive, rebellious storytelling. $20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 134 SWF DEBUTANTE BALL May 22, 7–9pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 A Closing Night party to celebrate the Australian writers whose first books were swallowed up by the pandemic in 2021. Come welcome these literary debutantes of fiction and memoir into the world. Supported by ARA, Creative Partnerships Australia and dialogue. $45 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
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FESTIVAL PRECINCT & CITY
62 CHLOE HOOPER & SARAH WALKER May 20, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 Chloe Hooper (Bedtime Story) and Sarah Walker (The First Time I Thought I Was Dying) reflect on their fascinating new books that explore our relationship to life, our bodies and mortality, with Anton Enus. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 63 WHERE TO FROM HERE? May 20, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 21 In a time of uncertainty about employment, parenthood, housing and health, how can we plan ahead? Eda Gunaydin, Gina Rushton, Amy Thunig and Bridie Jabour discuss finding our way through the future. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 64 EVERYONE’S AN EXPERT May 20, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 25 Ed Coper, Richard Dennis and Adriana Vergés consider how we make sense of the world when armchair experts flourish online and true expertise is degraded in our politics and media, in conversation with Jan Fran. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 65 TRUTH-TELLING IN A POST-TRUTH WORLD May 20, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Thomas Mayor, Teela Reid and Mykaela Saunders join Ashley Hay to discuss reframing narratives in the journey towards settlement with Australia’s First Nations, the world’s oldest continuing civilisation, as explored in Griffith Review 76: Acts of Reckoning. Presented with Griffith Review. FREE, no bookings 66 A LIFE ON THE PAGE May 20, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Track 8 Three writers of biography and memoir discuss the ethical considerations and creative joys of putting a real life onto the page. Featuring Bernadette Brennan (Leaping into Waterfalls), Sara El-Sayed (Muddy People) and Yves Rees (All About Yves) with Caroline Baum. $20/$15 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 67 WARREN ELLIS: NINA SIMONE’S GUM May 20, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 SEE FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT ON THIS PAGE
68 FRIENDS, ROMANS, COUNTRYMEN: GREAT ORATORY AND SPEECHIFYING May 20, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 A selection of great thinkers (and even better talkers) recreate their favourite speeches from history, literature and theatre. Including Richard Fidler, Sisonke Msimang and Clare Wright, and hosted by Laura Tingle. Supported by the JIBB Foundation. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 69 DAMON GALGUT: THE PROMISE May 20, 6–7pm City Recital Hall South African writer Damon Galgut discusses his 2021 Booker Prize–winning novel The Promise with longtime friend and Miles Franklin winner Michelle de Kretser, author of Scary Monsters. Damon Galgut appears thanks to the support of Rosemary Block. Premium $50 | A Res $45/$40 | B Res $40/$35 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 70 WORDS ON SHOW: WRITING FOR PERFORMANCE May 20, 6.30–7.30pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Curated by writer and performer Maeve Marsden, this event sees Omar Musa, David Williamson and Maxine Beneba Clarke join Maeve in discussing how they write for performance and the challenges of adapting between mediums. $20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 71 BRENDAN COWELL & TRENT DALTON May 20, 8–9pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 The much-loved authors of two of the year’s most heartfelt and moving books, Brendan Cowell (Plum) and Trent Dalton (Love Stories), appear in conversation with Julia Baird. Trent Dalton appears thanks to the support of Rosie Williams and John Grill AO. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 72 HANYA YANAGIHARA: TO PARADISE May 20, 8.30–9.30pm City Recital Hall The Booker Prize–shortlisted author of A Little Life, Hanya Yanagihara introduces her new novel To Paradise, exploring themes of love, loss and the elusive promise of utopia, in conversation with Anton Enus. Supported by ARA. Premium $50 | A Res $45/$40 | B Res $40/$35 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 73 QUEERSTORIES May 20, 8.30–10pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Vulnerable and fierce, heartbreaking and hilarious, Queerstories invites five LGBTQI+ writers to share the tale they want to tell but are never asked to. Hosted by Maeve Marsden and featuring Hannah Kent, Jazz Money, Fiona Murphy, SJ Norman and Jioji Ravulo. $20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
SATURDAY MAY 21
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT 61 BUT NOT FORGOTTEN May 20, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Listen to this remembrance of writers past, including Jackie Huggins on bell hooks; Sarah Krasnostein on Joan Didion; and Melissa Lucashenko on Keri Hulme. Hosted by Susan Wyndham. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
FRIDAY MAY 20–SATURDAY MAY 21
74 COFFEE & HEADLINES WITH THE SATURDAY PAPER May 21, 8.30–9.15am Carriageworks, Bay 23 Join Founding Editor of The Saturday Paper and Editor-inChief of Schwartz Media Erik Jensen to discuss the latest news with Sean Kelly, Rick Morton and Sarah Krasnostein. Presented with The Saturday Paper. FREE, no bookings 75 BARRIE CASSIDY & FRIENDS: ELECTION 2022 May 21, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 17 The only thing more essential for election 2022 than a sausage in a bread roll is this panel featuring Barrie Cassidy, Fran Kelly and Niki Savva. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT
89 MAXINE BENEBA CLARKE & OMAR MUSA May 21, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Renowned multidisciplinary artists Maxine Beneba Clarke (How Decent Folk Behave) and Omar Musa (Killernova) discuss their electrifying and unsparing new poetry collections, in conversation with Evelyn Araluen (Dropbear). Presented in partnership with Australian Poetry, via the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
76 JACKIE HUGGINS & CHELSEA WATEGO May 21, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 20 Eminent First Nations writers and thinkers Jackie Huggins (Sister Girl and Jack of Hearts: QX11594) and Chelsea Watego (Another Day in the Colony) discuss their collections that confront the past and present, in conversation with Larissa Behrendt (After Story). $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 77 YOUR FAVOURITES’ FAVOURITES: MAXINE BENEBA CLARKE & AMANI HAYDAR May 21, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 21 Prize-winning writer Maxine Beneba Clarke (How Decent Folk Behave) speaks with Amani Haydar about Amani’s debut, the magnificent and devastating memoir The Mother Wound. Supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 78 KAZ COOKE & CLAUDINE RYAN AND YUMI STYNES May 21, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 25 Kaz Cooke (You’re Doing it Wrong), and Claudine Ryan and Yumi Stynes (co-authors of Ladies, We Need To Talk) speak about the good and the bad of professional advice-giving for women, with Clare Wright. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 79 BREAKING AND ENTERING: THE NEXT CHAPTER WRITERS’ SCHEME May 21, 10–11am Carriageworks, Track 12 Is the Australian publishing landscape changing? Past and present recipients of The Next Chapter writers’ scheme discuss writing that is breaking down barriers and challenging the conventions of the publishing industry, with host Fiona Wright. Presented with the Wheeler Centre. FREE, no bookings
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT 67 WARREN ELLIS: NINA SIMONE’S GUM May 20, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Music icon Warren Ellis sheds light on his memoir Nina Simone’s Gum, reflecting on art, performance and obsession. He appears live via video in conversation with Marieke Hardy. Warren Ellis appears thanks to the support of David Paradice AO. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
THURSDAY MAY 19–SUNDAY MAY 22
FESTIVAL PRECINCT & CITY
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YOUR FAVOURITES’ FAVOURITES
In this series of events, join some of your most beloved writers as they interview the author of their favourite Australian debut from the last year. They may be your favourite writers, but they’re also some of our country’s most insightful and incisive readers – and these sessions reveal what they think makes a story extraordinary. Providing keen insights into the books they’re most excited about and the writers they’re tipping as new talents to watch, enjoy this special series of conversations between the authors you already love and the new writers they love. 12 ANNABEL CRABB & AL CAMPBELL May 19, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 “Ever since I read The Keepers, Al Campbell’s debut novel, I’ve been unable to stop thinking about it. Based on her own life, Campbell has written an extraordinarily powerful and confronting yet spikily beautiful account of a mother’s care. It’s highly original in form, but also feels like an urgent voice from a quarter often ignored.” – Annabel Crabb, The Wife Drought $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
41 HANNAH KENT & SJ NORMAN May 20, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 20 “SJ Norman’s Permafrost has haunted me since I first read it. A collection of ghost stories that queer and disrupt the Western Gothic tradition, it’s utterly compelling.” – Hannah Kent, Devotion Supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
77 MAXINE BENEBA CLARKE & AMANI HAYDAR May 21, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 21 “The Mother Wound is a beautifully written memoir, told with searing honesty and almost unthinkable generosity. That there sings as much community, love and triumph in this unravelling of a family tragedy signifies a master storyteller.” – Maxine Beneba Clarke, How Decent Folk Behave Supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
15 EVELYN ARALUEN & ENNIS CEHIC May 19, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Acclaimed poet, researcher and co-editor of Overland Evelyn Araluen (Dropbear) interviews Ennis Cehic about his electrifying debut collection of short stories, Sadvertising. FREE, no bookings
57 MICHAEL MOHAMMED AHMAD & MEHREEN FARUQI May 20, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 21 “10 September 1996: Pauline Hanson delivered her maiden speech, and I lost all faith in Australian politics. 20 August 2018: Mehreen Faruqi was sworn in as the first Muslim Senator to join the Upper House, and my faith was finally restored. In this dialogue with Mehreen about her memoir Too Migrant, Too Muslim, Too Loud, I’d like to look into her kind eyes and say, ’Thank you’.” – Michael Mohammed Ahmad, The Other Half of You $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
131 TRENT DALTON & DAVID WILLIAMSON May 22, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 25 “I bought David Williamson’s Home Truths for my wife for Christmas, which was a bit like the time Homer Simpson bought Marge a 10-pin bowling ball for her birthday. The defining memoir of a personal writing hero and a cultural titan. Why he did it, how he does it, who he did it with and how the heck he keeps on doing it! What a gift.” – Trent Dalton, Love Stories Supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
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FESTIVAL PRECINCT & CITY
SATURDAY MAY 21–SUNDAY MAY 22 80 TONY BIRCH & PAIGE CLARK May 21, 10–11am Carriageworks, Track 8 Extraordinary short fiction writers Tony Birch (Dark as Last Night) and Paige Clark (She Is Haunted) discuss their acclaimed collections and the art of the short story with Declan Fry. FREE, no bookings CUR81 JAZZ MONEY ON INDIGENOUS DATA SOVEREIGNTY May 21, 11.15–11.45am Carriageworks, Bay 23 Wiradjuri poet and artist Jazz Money (how to make a basket) explores the unique and powerful position of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems in the conversation around data sovereignty. FREE, no bookings 83 JENNIFER DOWN & HANNAH KENT May 21, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 Renowned Australian authors Jennifer Down (Bodies of Light) and Hannah Kent (Devotion) talk with Susan Wyndham about their immersive and lyrical new novels that find hope amid tragedy. Supported by ARA. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT 110 REBECCA SOLNIT: ORWELL’S ROSES May 22, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 17 American author and activist Rebecca Solnit shares insight into Orwell’s Roses, her lush exploration of nature, pleasure and politics that casts fresh light on the profoundly influential British writer. Rebecca appears live via video in conversation with Sophie Black. Rebecca Solnit appears thanks to the support of Sam Meers AO. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
84 THE PRECARITY OF WORK May 21, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Bay 21 What is the future of work in Australia as the casual workforce expands and people leave their jobs in record numbers? Thomas Costa, Fiona Macdonald and Bich Thuy Pham discuss with Jo Schofield. Presented in partnership with The Australia Institute. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
85 AMANDA LOHREY & CHARLOTTE WOOD May 21, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Bay 25 Two of Australia’s most beloved writers, Amanda Lohrey (The Labyrinth) and Charlotte Wood (The Luminous Solution), talk about the hope and redemption found in art and creation, in conversation with Ailsa Piper. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 86 KEEPING TECH IN CHECK May 21, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Elise Bohan (Future Superhuman), Toby Walsh (Machines Behaving Badly) and Angie Abdilla (Decolonising the Digital) consider the ethical dilemmas and potential benefits of technology and artificial intelligence, in conversation with Belinda Dunstan. FREE, no bookings 87 THIS ALL COME BACK NOW May 21, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Track 8 Evelyn Araluen, Jack Latimore and Merryana Salem discuss their contributions to the first anthology of First Nations speculative fiction This All Come Back Now, with its editor Mykaela Saunders. FREE, no bookings CUR88 GEORGE HADDAD ON WHY HE’S STOPPED GOING TO THE BARBER May 21, 1.15–1.45pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 George Haddad (Losing Face) reflects on the ‘boys’ club’ of barber shops and the issues this creates for young queer people by revisiting some of the great and terrible haircuts he’s had over the years. FREE, no bookings
ALL-DAY YA
With sessions specially curated by Sydney Writers’ Festival Youth Curators, All-Day YA is an epic celebration of all things YA (Young Adult fiction). Returning on Saturday May 21, we’re delighted to bring young people and their favourite authors together again at Carriageworks to share stories of teens who find themselves out of place and those finding their way. From reclaiming the strength of teenage girls to fearlessly writing yourself into genres, these sessions are sure to challenge and comfort. And this year, All-Day YA concludes with a special evening gala event where your fave YA authors enter their pleas for a character in the court of literary opinion. Tickets are $10 for each event. Book via swf.org.au or call 02 9256 4200. YA1 THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME May 21, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 19 Festival Youth Curator Litia Taulawakeiaho asks Felicity Castagna, Zach Jones and Jared Thomas to share the inspiration behind their stories of young characters out of place and explore why who we are is often tied to where we are.
YA3 THE FEMININE CRITIQUE May 21, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 19 Amie Kaufman, Kate Murray and Malla Nunn join Festival Youth Curator Maya Le Her to celebrate the dynamic fierceness of teenage girls and delve into the characters redefining strength for this generation of young readers.
YA2 BREAKING THE LORE May 21, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Bay 19 How do fantasy writers decide which tropes to abide by and which to break? Alicia Jasinska, Vanessa Len and C.S. Pacat join Festival Youth Curators Daisy MacLeay and Emma Stevens to share how they flipped the (fantasy) script.
YA4 WE CAN WORK IT OUT May 21, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 19 How do you figure out who you are when everyone has already made up their mind? Clayton Zane Comber, Sophie Gonzales and Kay Kerr trudge the messy road to adulthood with Festival Youth Curator Madeline Grabowski and explore how stories can help and guide.
With thanks to Sydney Writers’ Festival Youth Curators: Dhatri Adla Ethan Beattie Kshiti Bhat Sonya Duke
Madeline Grabowski Maya Le Her Daisy MacLeay Emma Stevens
Dhishana Sutharshan Jamaica Sy Litia Taulawakeiaho Zayne White
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT YA5 YA GALA: MOCK TRIAL May 21, 6–7.30pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Join some of Australia’s best YA authors as they defend notorious villains or reveal why their faves are problematic. Pick a side because court is in session and your favourite (or not-so-favourite) characters are set to face judgement! Hosted by Sydney Writers’ Festival Youth Curators Ethan Beattie, Kshiti Bhat and Dhishana Sutharshan.
FRIDAY MAY 20–SUNDAY MAY 22 89 MAXINE BENEBA CLARKE & OMAR MUSA May 21, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Acclaimed Australian artists and writers Maxine Beneba Clarke (How Decent Folk Behave) and Omar Musa (Killernova) discuss their electrifying and unsparing new poetry collections, in conversation with Evelyn Araluen (Dropbear). Presented in partnership with Australian Poetry, via the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 90 CLEMENTINE FORD & BRIDIE JABOUR May 21, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 Clementine Ford (How We Love) and Bridie Jabour (Trivial Grievances) discuss their latest books that tackle big-picture themes of life, love and meaning in the modern age, in conversation with Maeve Marsden. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 91 WE’VE GOT THIS May 21, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 21 Elly-May Barnes, Brian Edwards and Debra Keenahan share insights into their contributions to We’ve Got This, an anthology of the highs and lows of parenting with disability, with the collection’s editor Eliza Hull. FREE, no bookings 92 SMALL TOWN, BIG SECRETS May 21, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 25 Aoife Clifford (When We Fall), Garry Disher (The Way It Is Now) and Hayley Scrivenor (Dirt Town) discuss what makes small country towns the perfect setting for crime fiction with ABC RN’s Kate Evans. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
FESTIVAL PRECINCT & CITY
93 RHETT DAVIS & ROBERT LUKINS May 21, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Rhett Davis (Hovering) and Robert Lukins (Loveland) join Michaela Kalowski to discuss their mesmerising and lyrical novels about finding connection and meaning in dark and uncertain places. FREE, no bookings 94 HOW TO WRITE A RIVER, A SKY, A SEED… May 21, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Track 8 Red Room Poetry brings together Tony Birch, Natalie Harkin, Lorna Munro and Luke Patterson with ABC RN’s Daniel Browning to share poetry and stories inspired by deep connections to Country. Presented in partnership with Red Room Poetry. FREE, no bookings CUR95 CLAIRE G. COLEMAN ON DECOLONISING THE LITERARY CANON May 21, 3.15–3.45pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Have we heard enough from The Bard? Claire G. Coleman (Lies, Damned Lies) proposes the irrelevance of Shakespeare’s work for Australian readers and the need to decolonise the literary canon. FREE, no bookings 96 THE LIMITS OF IMAGINATION May 21, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Damon Galgut (The Promise), Larissa Behrendt (After Story) and Paige Clark (She Is Haunted) join host Sisonke Msimang to explore the responsibilities and opportunities of the creative writer and artist, and ask: who gets to tell a story? $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT
106 JULIAN BARNES: ELIZABETH FINCH May 21, 8–9pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Booker Prize–winning British novelist Julian Barnes speaks live via video about Elizabeth Finch, his finely woven exploration of love, friendship and biography, in conversation with host of ABC RN’s The Book Show, Claire Nichols. Julian Barnes appears thanks to the support of Rowena Danziger AM, in memory of Ken Coles AM and his support of SWF over 25 years. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
COFFEE & HEADLINES Join the editorial teams of 7am, The Saturday Paper and The Monthly for insights into the morning headlines. Grab a coffee and get a deeper account of the politics and news shaping the country. Coffee & Headlines takes place in Bay 23 at Carriageworks at 8.30am on Friday May 20, Saturday May 21 and Sunday May 22. All talks are free, no bookings required. 39 COFFEE & HEADLINES WITH 7AM May 20, 8.30–9.15am Carriageworks, Bay 23 Ruby Jones, host of Schwartz Media’s 7am podcast, discusses today’s news with Linda Jaivin, Kate McClymont and Karen Middleton. Presented with 7am.
74 COFFEE & HEADLINES WITH THE SATURDAY PAPER May 21, 8.30–9.15am Carriageworks, Bay 23 Join Founding Editor of The Saturday Paper and Editor-in-Chief of Schwartz Media Erik Jensen to discuss the latest news with Sean Kelly, Rick Morton and Sarah Krasnostein. Presented with The Saturday Paper.
109 COFFEE & HEADLINES WITH THE MONTHLY May 22, 8.30–9.15am Carriageworks, Bay 23 Editor of The Monthly Nick Feik unravels today’s headlines from straight off the press with Sarah Holland-Batt, Gina Rushton and Louisa Lim. Presented with The Monthly.
7:00
From
–Schwartz Media
Add Australia’s top news podcast to your Listen now daily routine. Scan or search 7am in your favourite podcast app.
11
FESTIVAL PRECINCT & CITY
12 Free
Family
YA
Guest Curators
Open captioned
THURSDAY MAY 19–FRIDAY MAY 20
Auslan interpreted
THURSDAY MAY 19 CARRIAGEWORKS TRACK 8
TRACK 12
BAY 17
BAY 20
BAY 21
BAY 23
BAY 25
BAY 19
8.30am
8.30am
9am
9.am
9.30am
9.30am
10am 10.30am
9 The Joys of Re-reading
8 Present Danger
4 Barrie Cassidy & Friends: Independents’ Day
10am 5 Miles Allinson & Emily Bitto
6 Prose and Cons
11am
12pm 16 A Critical Eye
15 Your Favourites’ Favourites: Evelyn Araluen & Ennis Cehic
11 Johann Hari: Stolen Focus
12 Your Favourites’ Favourites: Annabel Crabb & Al Campbell
11.30am 12pm 12.30pm 1pm
CUR17 J.P. Pomare on Memory
and Trauma
1.30pm 2pm 23 Bryan Brown & Jon Faine
22 Michael Mohammed Ahmad & 18 Manners Maketh the Woman Amani Haydar
19 Paul Kennedy & Jason Om
1.30pm 2pm
21 Marcia Langton & Julianne Schultz
20 Our Brilliant Friends
3pm
2.30pm 3pm
CUR24 Sarah Holland-Batt on Our Denial of Aging
3.30pm 4pm 4.30pm
11am
14 PEN Lecture: Freedom of Speech for Whom?
13 Church & State
1pm
2.30pm
10.30am
CUR10 Fiona Murphy on My Life as a Walking Stick
11.30am
12.30pm
7 Real China
30 The Accessible Writer
29 On the Brink
25 The Too Hard Basket
26 Growing Up in Country Australia
3.30pm 4pm
27 Kate Langbroek & Tom Tilley
28 How We Make Up Our Minds
4.30pm
5pm
5pm
5.30pm
5.30pm
6pm 33 ABC RN: AWAYE!
6.30pm
31 ABC RN: The Party Room LIVE
32 Derecka Purnell: Becoming Abolitionists
35 Literary Death Match
7pm
6pm
ALSO TODAY
6.30pm 7pm
SYDNEY TOWN HALL
7.30pm 8pm
36 Torrey Peters: Detransition, Baby
8.30pm
7.30pm
34 Musical Fictions 6–7.15pm
38 I’d Like to Say a Few Words
9pm
8pm
37 Change My Mind Storytelling Gala 8.30–9.30pm
9.30pm
8.30pm 9pm 9.30pm
10pm
10pm
FRIDAY MAY 20 CARRIAGEWORKS TRACK 8
TRACK 12
BAY 17
BAY 20
BAY 21
8.30am
BAY 23
BAY 25
BAY 19
8.30am
39 Coffee & Headlines with 7am
9am
9.am
9.30am 10am 10.30am
9.30am 45 Archive Fever Live: Strong Female Leads
11am
40 Art Spiegelman 44 A Morning with ABC Radio Live
41 Your Favourites’ Favourites: Hannah Kent & SJ Norman
12.30pm
52 Claire G. Coleman & Eda Gunaydin
48 Michelle de Kretser & Christos Tsiolkas
49 how to make a basket: Weaving Words for Country
1pm 1.30pm 2pm 2.30pm
59 Michelle Cahill & Yumna Kassab
55 Steve Toltz: Here Goes Nothing
56 The Theatre of Politics
57 Your Favourites’ Favourites: Michael Mohammed Ahmad & Mehreen Faruqi
3pm
4pm 4.30pm
66 A Life on the Page
65 Truth-Telling in a Post-Truth World
61 But Not Forgotten
62 Chloe Hooper & Sarah Walker
58 Changing Hearts, Changing Minds
3.30pm
63 Where to From Here?
64 Everyone’s an Expert
5.30pm 67 Warren Ellis: Nina Simone’s Gum
68 Friends, Romans, Countrymen: Great Oratory and Speechifying
70 Words on Show: Writing for Performance
69 Damon Galgut: The Promise 6–7pm
71 Brendan Cowell & Trent Dalton
72 Hanya Yanagihara: To Paradise 8.30–9.30pm
9pm 9.30pm 10pm
ALSO TODAY CITY RECITAL HALL
7.30pm
8.30pm
4.30pm 5pm
7pm
8pm
2.30pm
4pm
5.30pm
6.30pm
2pm
3pm
5pm
6pm
12.30pm
1.30pm
CUR60 Damien Cave on the Meandering, Wonderful Optimism of Curious George
3.30pm
12pm
1pm
CUR54 Sarah Walker on the Joys of Being Absolutely Shithouse at Sport
53 ABC RN: The Bookshelf
10.30am
11.30am 51 World News: The State of International Media
50 Toni Jordan & Paddy O’Reilly
10am
11am
CUR47 Clementine Ford on Steel Magnolias
11.30am 12pm
43 In Conversation: 2022 Stella Prize Winner
42 Mother of all Crimes
73 Queerstories
6pm 6.30pm 7pm 7.30pm 8pm 8.30pm 9pm 9.30pm 10pm
SATURDAY MAY 21–SUNDAY MAY 22 Free
Family
YA
Guest Curators
Open captioned
FESTIVAL PRECINCT & CITY
13
Auslan interpreted
SATURDAY MAY 21 CARRIAGEWORKS TRACK 8
TRACK 12
BAY 17
BAY 20
BAY 21
8.30am
BAY 23
BAY 25
BAY 19
8.30am
74 Coffee & Headlines with The Saturday Paper
9am
9.am
9.30am
9.30am
10am 10.30am
80 Tony Birch & Paige Clark
79 Breaking and Entering: The Next Chapter Writers’ Scheme
75 Barrie Cassidy & Friends: Election 2022
76 Jackie Huggins & Chelsea Watego
77 Your Favourites’ Favourites: Maxine Beneba Clarke & Amani Haydar
11am
78 Kaz Cooke & Claudine Ryan and Yumi Stynes
12pm 87 This All Come Back Now
86 Keeping Tech in Check
83 Jennifer Down & Hannah Kent
1pm
2pm 2.30pm
94 How to Write a River, a Sky, a Seed…
93 Rhett Davis & Robert Lukins
89 Maxine Beneba Clarke & Omar Musa
90 Clementine Ford & Bridie Jabour
2pm
3.30pm
4.30pm
1.30pm YA3 The Feminine Critique
100 Meet the SMH Best Young Australian Novelists
96 The Limits of Imagination
97 Emily Brugman & Kári Gíslason
98 BLACKLIGHT: A First Nations Dialogue
2.30pm 3pm
CUR95 Claire G. Coleman on Decolonising the Literary Canon
101 Class Dismissed: At the Margins of Identity
12.30pm 1pm
92 Small Town, Big Secrets
91 We’ve Got This
3pm
4pm
12pm YA2 Breaking the Lore
CUR88 George Haddad on Why He’s Stopped Going to the Barber
1.30pm
10.30am
11.30am 85 Amanda Lohrey & Charlotte Wood
84 The Precarity of Work
10am
11am
CUR81 Jazz Money on Indigenous Data Sovereignty
11.30am
12.30pm
YA1 There’s No Place Like Home
3.30pm 4pm
99 Dervla McTiernan & Christian White
YA4 We Can Work it Out
5pm
4.30pm 5pm
5.30pm
5.30pm
6pm 6.30pm
YA5 YA Gala: Mock Trial
102 Yassmin Abdel-Magied: Talking About a Revolution
103 Louisa Lim & Kylie Moore-Gilbert 105 On Second Thought
7pm
6pm
ALSO TODAY
6.30pm
BLACKSMITH’S WORKSHOP
7.30pm 8pm
Carriageworks Farmers Markets 8am–1pm
106 Julian Barnes: Elizabeth Finch
8.30pm
7pm 7.30pm 8pm 8.30pm
9pm
9pm
108 Radical, Inclusive, Rebellious
9.30pm
9.30pm
10pm
10pm
SUNDAY MAY 22 CARRIAGEWORKS TRACK 8
TRACK 12
BAY 17
BAY 20
BAY 21
8.30am
BAY 23
BAY 25
BAY 19
8.30am
109 Coffee & Headlines with The Monthly
9am
9.am
9.30am
9.30am
10am 10.30am
114 Open Secrets
CHI2 Welcome to Our Country
110 Rebecca Solnit: Orwell’s Roses 111 Delia Falconer & Indira Naidoo
112 Straight-up Islander
11am 11.30am 12pm 12.30pm
120 Ngana Barangarai (Black Wallaby)
1pm
116 Where Angels Fear to Tread
117 Diana Reid & Allee Richards
2.30pm
126 Jessica Au & Larissa Behrendt
3pm
CHI8 Scary Stories to Hear in the Dark
119 The New Economic Order
122 Liane Moriarty & Caroline Overington
123 Antoinette Lattouf & Amy Remeikis
12.30pm CHI5 Surviving the Wild
CUR121 Maxine Beneba Clarke on Writing as Resistance
1.30pm 2pm
CHI3 Sing a Song with Chatterpuss 11.30am 12pm
118 George Haddad & Omar Sakr
CHI6 Always, Felix
10.30am 11am
CUR115 Jennifer Down on the Architecture of Death
CHI4 Hey! It’s Stevie Louise
CHI1 All Creatures Great and Weird 10am
113 Woke in Fright
1.30pm 2pm
124 Exit Through the Sweatshop CH17 The First Scientists
3.30pm 132 What if My Mum Reads This?
CHI10 The Great Comic Battle
127 I Was Wrong
128 The Unacknowledged Legislators
129 Paying Attention
130 Mothertongues
131 Your Favourites’ Favourites: Trent Dalton & David Williamson
CHI9 Shaun Micallef’s Twisted Fairytales
5pm
6.30pm
ALSO TODAY
133 Closing Night: Chloe Hooper
BLACKSMITH’S WORKSHOP
7.30pm
8.30pm 9pm 9.30pm 10pm
4pm 4.30pm
5.30pm
7pm
8pm
3pm
5pm
5.30pm 6pm
2.30pm
3.30pm
4pm 4.30pm
1pm
134 SWF Debutante Ball
The Big Backyard 10am–4pm
6pm 6.30pm 7pm 7.30pm 8pm 8.30pm 9pm 9.30pm 10pm
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FESTIVAL PRECINCT & CITY
97 EMILY BRUGMAN & KÁRI GÍSLASON May 21, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 Emily Brugman (The Islands) and Kári Gíslason (The Sorrow Stone) speak with Susan Wyndham about their new atmospheric novels that trace compelling family dramas in richly drawn settings from Western Australia to Iceland. Supported by ARA. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
101 CLASS DISMISSED: AT THE MARGINS OF IDENTITY May 21, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Track 8 The myth of a classless society continues to be enshrined in Australia, despite obvious inequalities underpinning wealth and privilege. Festival Guest Curator Tony Birch speaks with George Haddad, Amy Thunig and Christos Tsiolkas about how class informs their work. FREE, no bookings
98 BLACKLIGHT: A FIRST NATIONS DIALOGUE May 21, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 21 Sweatshop Literacy Movement celebrates the release of BLACKLIGHT, an anthology showcasing 10 years of First Nations storytelling from Western Sydney and beyond. Featuring Jasmine Seymour, Travis De Vries, Ali Murphy-Oates and Steven Ross in conversation with Winnie Dunn. Presented in partnership with Sweatshop: Western Sydney Literacy Movement. FREE, no bookings
102 YASSMIN ABDEL-MAGIED: TALKING ABOUT A REVOLUTION May 21, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Prize-winning social advocate Yassmin Abdel-Magied introduces her forthcoming essay collection Talking About a Revolution. Yassmin appears live via video in conversation with Bri Lee. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
99 DERVLA MCTIERNAN & CHRISTIAN WHITE May 21, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 25 Bestselling novelists Dervla McTiernan (The Murder Rule) and Christian White (Wild Place) discuss their fast-paced new thrillers and the incredible popularity of Australian crime fiction, with Caroline Overington. Supported by ARA. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 100 MEET THE SMH BEST YOUNG AUSTRALIAN NOVELISTS May 21, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Each year, The Sydney Morning Herald names the authors it considers to be the best young fiction writers in Australia. A panel of the 2022 winners joins Spectrum editor Melanie Kembrey to discuss their works. FREE, no bookings
103 LOUISA LIM & KYLIE MOORE-GILBERT May 21, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 The authors of two of the year’s most anticipated non–fiction releases, Louisa Lim (Indelible City) and Kylie Moore-Gilbert (The Uncaged Sky), discuss the complexities of power, persecution and freedom with Ann Mossop. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 105 ON SECOND THOUGHT May 21, 6.30–7.30pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 What if Twitter were a parlour game, and you had a chance to rethink that thought? Festival Guest Curator Fiona Murphy is joined by Rick Morton and Amy Thunig as they debate which direction they want the conversation to go. $20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
SATURDAY MAY 21–SUNDAY MAY 22 106 JULIAN BARNES: ELIZABETH FINCH May 21, 8–9pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Booker Prize–winning British novelist Julian Barnes speaks live via video about Elizabeth Finch, his finely woven exploration of love, friendship and biography, in conversation with host of ABC RN’s The Book Show, Claire Nichols. Julian Barnes appears thanks to the support of Rowena Danziger AM, in memory of Ken Coles AM and his support of SWF over 25 years. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 108 RADICAL, INCLUSIVE, REBELLIOUS May 21, 8.30–10pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Join Gamillaroi/Torres Strait Islander writer, director, actor Nakkiah Lui and writers who will be publishing work under her imprint, JOAN Press, for a night of radical, inclusive, rebellious storytelling. $20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
SUNDAY MAY 22 109 COFFEE & HEADLINES WITH THE MONTHLY May 22, 8.30–9.15am Carriageworks, Bay 23 Editor of The Monthly Nick Feik unravels today’s headlines from straight off the press with Sarah Holland-Batt, Gina Rushton and Louisa Lim. Presented with The Monthly. FREE, no bookings
110 REBECCA SOLNIT: ORWELL’S ROSES May 22, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 17 American author and activist Rebecca Solnit shares insight into Orwell’s Roses, her lush exploration of nature, pleasure and politics that casts fresh light on the influential British writer. Rebecca appears live via video in conversation with Sophie Black. Rebecca Solnit appears thanks to the support of Sam Meers AO. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 111 DELIA FALCONER & INDIRA NAIDOO May 22, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 20 Australian writers Delia Falconer (Signs and Wonders) and Indira Naidoo (The Space Between the Stars) share insights into their deeply personal and moving books about their relationship with nature, with Julia Baird. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 112 STRAIGHT-UP ISLANDER May 22, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 21 What does it mean to be an ‘Islander’? TonganAustralian writer and editor Winnie Dunn chairs this urgent and critical dialogue with writers who have ancestral ties to the diverse region known as the South Pacific. Presented with SBS Voices and Sweatshop: Western Sydney Literacy Movement. FREE, no bookings 113 WOKE IN FRIGHT May 22, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 25 Aside from a mainstream fear of a new wave of thought policing, what’s wrong with a greater consciousness around offence and inclusion? From the outraged to the outcasts, Osman Faruqi, Jack Latimore and Jacqueline Maley discuss sensitivity, censorship and censoriousness with host Annabel Crabb. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
SUNDAY MAY 22
FESTIVAL PRECINCT & CITY
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114 OPEN SECRETS May 22, 10–11am Carriageworks, Track 8 What is it that writers do all day? Contributors to the anthology Open Secrets (from Sydney Review of Books) Eda Gunaydin, Suneeta Peres da Costa and Vanessa Berry discuss creative labour with Kate Fagan. Presented with the Sydney Review of Books. FREE, no bookings CUR115 JENNIFER DOWN ON THE ARCHITECTURE OF DEATH May 22, 11.15–11.45am Carriageworks, Bay 23 From Ancient Egyptian pyramids to Paris’ Père Lachaise cemetery, Jennifer Down (Bodies of Light) examines how the architecture of death represents the intersections of spirituality and pragmatism, art and functionality. FREE, no bookings 116 WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD May 22, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 Hannah Marshall, Chris Masters and Kate McClymont choose their words carefully to explore why Australia’s defamation laws are the harshest in the world, and what impact this has on good public discourse, with Erik Jensen. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 117 DIANA REID & ALLEE RICHARDS May 22, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 Novelists Diana Reid (Love & Virtue) and Allee Richards (Small Joys of Real Life), two of the country’s most exciting new literary talents, talk about capturing the thrilling and tumultuous experiences of young adulthood with Spectrum editor Melanie Kembrey. Diana Reid appears thanks to the support of The Salon. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 118 GEORGE HADDAD & OMAR SAKR May 22, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Bay 21 Acclaimed Arab-Australian writers Omar Sakr (Son of Sin) and George Haddad (Losing Face) come together to discuss their debut novels about family, history and identity, set in Western Sydney, with Sarah Malik. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT 133 CLOSING NIGHT: CHLOE HOOPER May 22, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 To close the 2022 Festival, award-winning author Chloe Hooper (Bedtime Story) shares the power and limitations of the stories we tell and the words we choose to make sense of the world. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 119 THE NEW ECONOMIC ORDER May 22, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Bay 25 COVID-19 has put enormous pressure on civil liberties, work and our bottom line. Rosalind Dixon, Ross Gittins, Richard Holden and Judith Sloan discuss the fairness of free markets and whether we should entertain a radically different economic model. Presented in partnership with UNSW Centre for Ideas. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
124 EXIT THROUGH THE SWEATSHOP May 22, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 21 Sweatshop Literacy Movement writers Maryam Azam, Shirley Le, L-FRESH The LION, Mark Mariano, Guido Melo and Jazz Money present performances and readings on love, fear and faith. Hosted by Michael Mohammed Ahmad. Presented in partnership with Sweatshop: Western Sydney Literacy Movement. FREE, no bookings
120 NGANA BARANGARAI (BLACK WALLABY) May 22, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Track 8 Ngana Barangarai (Black Wallaby) publishes an annual volume of First Nations poetry from Junee Correctional Centre. Cathy Craigie talks to Aunty Barbara Nicholson, Simon Luckhurst, Sharon Ingram-Twyford and Luke Patterson about their roles in creating the publication, Dreaming Inside. FREE, no bookings
126 JESSICA AU & LARISSA BEHRENDT May 22, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Track 8 Jessica Au (Cold Enough for Snow) and Larissa Behrendt (After Story) join Ashley Hay to discuss the duality of intimacy and distance in their incredible new books. $20/$15 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
CUR121 MAXINE BENEBA CLARKE ON WRITING AS RESISTANCE May 22, 1.15–1.45pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Maxine Beneba Clarke (How Decent Folk Behave) explores her writing journey – from global acclaim and being on the syllabus for Australian high schools to being censored in Texas – and the power of art to create change. FREE, no bookings
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT 128 THE UNACKNOWLEDGED LEGISLATORS May 22, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 Poets behind some of the year’s best collections read and perform from their works. Featuring Eunice Andrada, Tony Birch, Maxine Beneba Clarke, Sarah Holland-Batt, Jazz Money, Omar Musa and Sara M. Saleh, with host Declan Fry. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
122 LIANE MORIARTY & CAROLINE OVERINGTON May 22, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 In a special conversation, international phenomenon Liane Moriarty discusses her new novel Apples Never Fall and the art of suspense-driven fiction with Literary Editor of The Australian Caroline Overington (The Cuckoo’s Cry). $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au 123 ANTOINETTE LATTOUF & AMY REMEIKIS May 22, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 Acclaimed journalists Antoinette Lattouf (How to Lose Friends and Influence White People) and Amy Remeikis (On Reckoning) share their personal and professional insights into challenging injustice, with Ellen Fanning. $30/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
130 MOTHERTONGUES May 22, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Join Ceridwen Dovey and Eliza Bell, the co-creators of Mothertongues – a genre-defying collaborative project about motherhood – for live original music and readings from the work. FREE, no bookings 131 YOUR FAVOURITES’ FAVOURITES: TRENT DALTON & DAVID WILLIAMSON May 22, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 25 Bestselling writer Trent Dalton (Love Stories) shares the stage with legendary playwright David Williamson to discuss David’s revealing and long-awaited memoir, Home Truths. Supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
127 I WAS WRONG May 22, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 A series of Festival guests reveal a topic that deepened their learning, evolved their thinking or flat out changed their mind. Supported by PlayfairTan. $35/$25 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
132 WHAT IF MY MUM READS THIS? May 22, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Track 8 How do you write a no-holds-barred story when it’s based on real people and events? And seriously, what if your mum reads it? Sarah Malik and Benjamin Law speak with former winners of the SBS Emerging Writers’ Competition. Presented in partnership with SBS Voices. FREE, no bookings
128 THE UNACKNOWLEDGED LEGISLATORS May 22, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 20 SEE FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT ON THIS PAGE
133 CLOSING NIGHT: CHLOE HOOPER May 22, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Bay 17 SEE FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT ON THIS PAGE
129 PAYING ATTENTION May 22, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 21 Being disabled means navigating a world not designed for you. Festival Guest Curator Fiona Murphy asks: what if we flipped the equation and people with disability and chronic illness started charging for their expertise? Featuring Hannah Diviney, El Gibbs, Michelle Law and Fiona Wright. $25/$20 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
134 SWF DEBUTANTE BALL May 22, 7–9pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 A Closing Night party to celebrate the Australian writers whose first books were swallowed up by the pandemic in 2021. Come welcome these literary debutantes of fiction and memoir into the world. Supported by ARA, Creative Partnerships Australia and dialogue. $45 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
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FREE EVENTS
FREE EVENTS
Join some of the Festival’s most inquisitive minds at these fascinating (and free!) events. For more free events, peruse Coffee & Headlines (page 11), Family Day (page 17) and In Your Neighbourhood (page 19). All talks are free. No bookings are required (apart from ABC Radio Sydney and ABC RN events).
THURSDAY MAY 19 8 PRESENT DANGER May 19, 10–11am Carriageworks, Track 12 Celebrated crime and thriller writers Tim Ayliffe, J.P. Pomare and Caroline Overington discuss their gripping new novels that highlight the frightening possibilities of the present, with Sulari Gentill. CUR10 FIONA MURPHY ON MY LIFE AS A WALKING STICK May 19, 11.15–11.45am Carriageworks, Bay 23 Fiona Murphy (The Shape of Sound) discusses the world of physiotherapists, primed to predict and prevent disasters before they happen, in this talk about bodies, aging, fear and falling. 15 YOUR FAVOURITES’ FAVOURITES: EVELYN ARALUEN & ENNIS CEHIC May 19, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Acclaimed poet, researcher and co-editor of Overland Evelyn Araluen (Dropbear) interviews Ennis Cehic about his electrifying debut collection of short stories, Sadvertising. CUR17 J.P. POMARE ON MEMORY AND TRAUMA May 19, 1.15–1.45pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 J.P. Pomare (The Last Guests) examines the fallibility of memory and how easily our recollections can betray us. Join J.P. as he considers the gulf between emotional and factual accuracy, and the effects of trauma, emotion and bias on how our brains create memories. 22 MICHAEL MOHAMMED AHMAD & AMANI HAYDAR May 19, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Michael Mohammed Ahmad (The Other Half of You) and Amani Haydar (The Mother Wound) speak with Sarah Ayoub about the light and dark within families, and how racism and patriarchy perpetuate harm by dehumanising fathers. CUR24 SARAH HOLLAND-BATT ON OUR DENIAL OF AGING May 19, 3.15–3.45pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Sarah Holland-Batt (The Jaguar and Fishing for Lightning) became an advocate for aged care reform after testifying at the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety about her father’s adverse experiences. In this lecture, she unpacks our reluctance to imagine getting old and the harmful consequences this holds. 29 ON THE BRINK May 19, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Track 12 As climate catastrophe engulfs us, what role can fiction play in reflecting, critiquing and reconceiving how we interact with the natural world? Yumna Kassab, Charlotte McConaghy and Mykaela Saunders discuss. 30 THE ACCESSIBLE WRITER May 19, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Track 8 Liz Martin, CEO of Accessible Arts, leads a discussion into the reality and pathways for writers with disability or who are d/Deaf. Featuring Fiona Murphy (The Shape of Sound), Eliza Hull (We’ve Got This) and Gayle Kennedy (Koori Girl Goes Shoppin).
33 ABC RN: AWAYE! May 19, 6–7pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Join us for a recording of AWAYE! from ABC RN. Host Rudi Bremer talks to Indigenous Festival guests Evelyn Araluen, Jackie Huggins, Lorna Munro and Chelsea Watego about writing as a political act. Bookings essential: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
FRIDAY MAY 20 44 A MORNING WITH ABC RADIO LIVE May 20, 10am–12pm Carriageworks, Track 12 ABC Radio Sydney Mornings, presented by Cassie McCullagh, broadcasts live with top Festival guests. It’s followed by ABC Radio Conversations, hosted by Sarah Kanowski, featuring feminist icon Wendy McCarthy (Don’t Be Too Polite, Girls). Bookings essential: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au CUR47 CLEMENTINE FORD ON STEEL MAGNOLIAS May 20, 11.15–11.45am Carriageworks, Bay 23 Feminist icon and bestselling author of Fight Like a Girl and How We Love Clementine Ford presents a deep dive into the iconic film Steel Magnolias, revealing everything you didn’t know about this classic movie. 53 ABC RN: THE BOOKSHELF May 20, 1–2pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Festival guests Damon Galgut, George Haddad and Jackie Huggins join hosts Kate Evans and Cassie McCullagh from ABC RN’s The Bookshelf to discuss the books they’re enjoying and being challenged by. Bookings essential: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au CUR54 SARAH WALKER ON THE JOYS OF BEING ABSOLUTELY SHITHOUSE AT SPORT May 20, 1.15–1.45pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Sarah Walker (The First Time I Thought I Was Dying) rejected the world of sport until she discovered the mental health benefits and freedoms that come from allowing yourself to be awful at something. CUR60 DAMIEN CAVE ON THE MEANDERING, WONDERFUL OPTIMISM OF CURIOUS GEORGE May 20, 3.15–3.45pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Join New York Times Australian Bureau Chief and author Damien Cave (Into the Rip) as he delves into the incredible story of the authors behind Curious George and their celebration of wild chaotic optimism. 65 TRUTH-TELLING IN A POST-TRUTH WORLD May 20, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Thomas Mayor, Teela Reid and Mykaela Saunders join Ashley Hay to discuss reframing narratives in the journey towards settlement with Australia’s First Nations – the world’s oldest continuing civilisation – as explored in Griffith Review 76: Acts of Reckoning. Presented with Griffith Review.
SATURDAY MAY 21 79 BREAKING AND ENTERING: THE NEXT CHAPTER WRITERS’ SCHEME May 21, 10–11am Carriageworks, Track 12 Is the Australian publishing landscape changing? Past and present recipients of The Next Chapter writers’ scheme discuss writing that is breaking down barriers and challenging the conventions of the publishing industry, with host Fiona Wright. Presented with the Wheeler Centre.
THURSDAY MAY 19–SUNDAY MAY 22 80 TONY BIRCH & PAIGE CLARK May 21, 10–11am Carriageworks, Track 8 Extraordinary Australian short fiction writers Tony Birch (Dark as Last Night) and Paige Clark (She Is Haunted) discuss their acclaimed collections and the art of the short story with Declan Fry. CUR81 JAZZ MONEY ON INDIGENOUS DATA SOVEREIGNTY May 21, 11.15–11.45am Carriageworks, Bay 23 Wiradjuri poet and artist Jazz Money (how to make a basket) explores the unique and powerful position of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems in the conversation around data sovereignty. 86 KEEPING TECH IN CHECK May 21, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Elise Bohan (Future Superhuman), Toby Walsh (Machines Behaving Badly) and Angie Abdilla (Decolonising the Digital) consider the ethical dilemmas and potential benefits of technology and artificial intelligence, in conversation with Belinda Dunstan. 87 THIS ALL COME BACK NOW May 21, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Track 8 Evelyn Araluen, Merryana Salem and Jack Latimore discuss their contributions to the first anthology of First Nations speculative fiction This All Come Back Now, with its editor Mykaela Saunders. CUR88 GEORGE HADDAD ON WHY HE’S STOPPED GOING TO THE BARBER May 21, 1.15–1.45pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 George Haddad (Losing Face) reflects on the ‘boys’ club’ of barber shops and the issues this creates for young queer people by revisiting some of the great and terrible haircuts he’s had over the years. 91 WE’VE GOT THIS May 21, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 21 Elly-May Barnes, Brian Edwards and Debra Keenahan share insights into their contributions to We’ve Got This, an anthology of the highs and lows of parenting with disability, with the collection’s editor Eliza Hull. 93 RHETT DAVIS & ROBERT LUKINS May 21, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Rhett Davis (Hovering) and Robert Lukins (Loveland) join Michaela Kalowski to discuss their mesmerising and lyrical novels about finding connection and meaning in dark and uncertain places. 94 HOW TO WRITE A RIVER, A SKY, A SEED… May 21, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Track 8 Red Room Poetry brings together Tony Birch, Natalie Harkin, Lorna Munro and Luke Patterson with ABC RN’s Daniel Browning to share poetry and stories inspired by deep connections to Country. Presented in partnership with Red Room Poetry. CUR95 CLAIRE G. COLEMAN ON DECOLONISING THE LITERARY CANON May 21, 3.15–3.45pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Have we heard enough from The Bard? Claire G. Coleman (Lies, Damned Lies) proposes the irrelevance of Shakespeare’s work for Australian readers and the need to decolonise the literary canon. 98 BLACKLIGHT: A FIRST NATIONS DIALOGUE May 21, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 21 Sweatshop Literacy Movement celebrates the release of BLACKLIGHT, an anthology showcasing 10 years of First Nations storytelling from Western Sydney and beyond. Featuring Jasmine Seymour, Travis De Vries, Ali Murphy-Oates and Steven Ross in conversation with Winnie Dunn. Presented in partnership with Sweatshop: Western Sydney Literacy Movement. 100 MEET THE SMH BEST YOUNG AUSTRALIAN NOVELISTS May 21, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Each year, The Sydney Morning Herald names the authors it considers to be the best young fiction writers in Australia. A panel of the 2022 winners joins Spectrum editor Melanie Kembrey to discuss their works.
101 CLASS DISMISSED: AT THE MARGINS OF IDENTITY May 21, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Track 8 The myth of a classless society continues to be eulogised in Australia, despite obvious inequalities underpinning wealth and privilege. Festival Guest Curator Tony Birch speaks with George Haddad, Amy Thunig and Christos Tsiolkas about how class informs their work.
SUNDAY MAY 22 112 STRAIGHT-UP ISLANDER May 22, 10–11am Carriageworks, Bay 21 What does it mean to be an ‘Islander’? TonganAustralian writer and editor Winnie Dunn chairs this urgent and critical dialogue with writers who have ancestral ties to the diverse region known as the South Pacific. Presented with SBS Voices and Sweatshop: Western Sydney Literacy Movement. 114 OPEN SECRETS May 22, 10–11am Carriageworks, Track 8 What is it that writers do all day? Contributors to the anthology Open Secrets (from Sydney Review of Books) Eda Gunaydin, Suneeta Peres da Costa and Vanessa Berry discuss creative labour with Kate Fagan. Presented with the Sydney Review of Books. CUR115 JENNIFER DOWN ON THE ARCHITECTURE OF DEATH May 22, 11.15–11.45am Carriageworks, Bay 23 From Ancient Egyptian pyramids to Paris’ Père Lachaise cemetery, Jennifer Down (Bodies of Light) examines how the architecture of death represents the intersections of spirituality and pragmatism, art and functionality. 120 NGANA BARANGARAI (BLACK WALLABY) May 22, 12–1pm Carriageworks, Track 8 Ngana Barangarai (Black Wallaby) publishes an annual volume of First Nations poetry from Junee Correctional Centre. Cathy Craigie talks to Aunty Barbara Nicholson, Simon Luckhurst, Sharon IngramTwyford and Luke Patterson about their roles in helping to create the publication. CUR121 MAXINE BENEBA CLARKE ON WRITING AS RESISTANCE May 22, 1.15–1.45pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Maxine Beneba Clarke (How Decent Folk Behave) explores her writing journey – from global acclaim and being on the syllabus for Australian high schools to being censored in Texas – and the power of art to create change. 124 EXIT THROUGH THE SWEATSHOP May 22, 2–3pm Carriageworks, Bay 21 Sweatshop Literacy Movement writers Jazz Money, Guido Melo, Maryam Azam, Shirley Le, Mark Mariano and L-FRESH The LION present performances and readings on love, fear and faith. Hosted by Michael Mohammed Ahmad. Presented in partnership with Sweatshop: Western Sydney Literacy Movement. 130 MOTHERTONGUES May 22, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Bay 23 Join Ceridwen Dovey and Eliza Bell, the co-creators of Mothertongues – a genre-defying collaborative project about motherhood – for live original music and readings from the work. 132 WHAT IF MY MUM READS THIS? May 22, 4–5pm Carriageworks, Track 8 How do you write a no-holds-barred story when it’s based on real people and events? And seriously, what if your mum reads it? Sarah Malik and Benjamin Law speak with former winners of the SBS Emerging Writers’ Competition. Presented in partnership with SBS Voices.
SUNDAY MAY 22
FAMILY DAY
CHI9 SHAUN MICALLEF’S TWISTED FAIRYTALES May 22, 4–4.45pm Carriageworks, Bay 19 Welcome to the Tall Forest, Shaun Micallef’s treasure trove of twisted fairytales. The amusing cast of characters from Happily Ever Afterwards may seem familiar, but stick around and you may notice something a little different... Rec. 7+ Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
FAMILY DAY On Sunday May 22, roll on up to Carriageworks for the marvellous magic of Family Day, a riotous celebration of storytelling and creativity that captivates kids of all ages. Start Family Day with Adam Goodes, David Hardy and Ellie Laing as they share their new series Welcome to Our Country. Learn about animals – strange and endangered – in sessions by Sami Bayly and Remy Lai. Sing a song with Josh Pyke and dive into a forest of fairytales with Shaun Micallef. Say farewell to Felix with Morris Gleitzman, and hello to Stevie Louise with Tanya Hennessy. Don’t miss Douglas Holgate and others battle it out for comic victory, and Corey Tutt share knowledge of First Nations invention and innovation. And for those brave enough, get spooked by a scary story or two from Deborah Abela and friends. Whichever adventure you choose, you’re in for a great day! All Family Day events at Track 12 and Bay 19 are $5. Bookings are essential. CHI1 ALL CREATURES GREAT AND WEIRD May 22, 10–10.30am Carriageworks, Bay 19 Do you love the slimy, spiky and surreal? Dive into the weird and wonderful world of animals with natural history illustrator and author Sami Bayly (The Encyclopaedia of Peculiar Pairs in Nature). Who knows what strange creatures you might meet! Rec. 5+ Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT CHI2 WELCOME TO OUR COUNTRY May 22, 10–10.30am Carriageworks, Track 12 Join the creators of the new picture book series Welcome to Our Country, Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing and illustrator David Hardy, for a celebration of First Nations histories, traditions and ceremonies. Rec. 4+ Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
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FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT
CHI10 THE GREAT COMIC BATTLE May 22, 4–4.45pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Comic combatants Mike Barry, Andrew Cranna, Douglas Holgate and Remy Lai wage a wacky war to illustrate the silliest solutions to funny problems posed by you, the audience! Rec. 6+ Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
CHI4 HEY! IT’S STEVIE LOUISE May 22, 11.30am–12pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Tanya Hennessy, the brilliant mind behind Spotlight Please, It’s Stevie Louise, speaks with Deborah Abela about this heart-warming and hilarious series that helps kids believe in themselves. (There might be prizes too!) Rec. 7+ Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
CHI3 SING A SONG WITH CHATTERPUSS May 22, 11.30am–12pm Carriageworks, Bay 19 Warm up your vocal chords, Josh Pyke is here! Come celebrate the magic of friendship and language with the acclaimed singer-songwriter in this session full of music, storytelling and laughter. Rec. 4+ Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
CHI7 THE FIRST SCIENTISTS May 22, 2.30–3.15pm Carriageworks, Bay 19 From engineering to chemistry, ecology to astronomy, uncover the remarkable feats of innovation achieved by the First Peoples of this land with Kamilaroi man and author of The First Scientists Corey Tutt. Rec. 6+ Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
CHI5 SURVIVING THE WILD May 22, 1–1.30pm Carriageworks, Bay 19 Calling all budding conservationists! Come learn about the natural world and how we can all do our part to protect it with Remy Lai, the creator of new junior graphic novel series Surviving the Wild. Rec. 5+ Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
CHI8 SCARY STORIES TO HEAR IN THE DARK May 22, 2.30–3.15pm Carriageworks, Track 12 Listen to five incredible middle-grade authors – Deborah Abela, Reece Carter, Tim Harris, Nathan Luff and Sue Whiting – tell spooky stories of ghosts, goblins and ghouls. Rec. 8+ Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT CHI6 ALWAYS, FELIX May 22, 1–1.45pm Carriageworks, Track 12 For more than 15 years, Morris Gleitzman has captivated readers of all ages with his story of Felix, an extraordinary boy and Holocaust survivor. Morris speaks with ABC RN’s Kate Evans about the end of this remarkable, beloved series. Rec. 10+ Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
BIG BACKYARD
The Big Backyard returns with free activities that will whisk kids away into a world of wonder. With a giant colouring-in wall by Matt Cosgrove, stories ready for reading in our Clubhouse Corner, guided art classes and more, get lost in your imagination at the Big Backyard. All events are at Blacksmith’s Workshop and are free (no bookings required). BBY1 BADGEMAKING WITH CHERYL ORSINI May 22, 10am–2pm Join Cheryl Orsini in creating a magical memento of your time at Family Day. The much-loved author and illustrator of picture books including The Magic Bookshop and Caravan Fran helps you make a badge you’ll be proud to wear. Rec. 4+ BBY2 SUPERHERO CREATION STATION May 22, 10am–3pm Have you dreamed of being a superhero? With your own codename and powers? Well, now is your chance! Join Nat Amoore and Mike Barry, the dynamic duo behind We Run Tomorrow, and get a place on the greatest superhero team ever: The Screen Savers! Rec. 6+
BBY3 MACCA’S MEGA COLOURING-IN May 22, 10am–4pm Macca the Alpaca LOVES to colour in but Matt Cosgrove has made a GIANT illustration and Macca can’t do it alone! Can you help Macca bring this scene packed with a stack of alpaca awesomeness to life? All ages. BBY4 ART CLASS May 22, 10am–4pm Join some of our favourite illustrators in drawing their most beloved characters or even inventing your own! You can sketch with the best all day long. Rec. 5+ BBY5 ILLUSTRATION SPACE May 22, 10am–4pm Prepare to be inspired and delighted as five of Australia’s most talented picture book artists take turns creating an illustration live at the Big Backyard stage. Rec. 4+
BBY6 RUSS THE STORY BUS May 22, 10am–4pm Russ the Story Bus is no ordinary bus – he’s a magical library on wheels with a belly full of books, covered in the vibrant illustrations from Davina Bell and Jenny Løvlie’s All of the Factors of Why I Love Tractors. Borrow one of the hundreds of available books and be transported in an instant. All ages. BBY7 LET’S GET REWILDING! May 22, 10am–4pm Slow down, take a deep breath and join us for a trip around the country with Rewilding Kids Australia! Celebrate the wonder of this country’s wildlife by decorating, colouring and constructing a creature of your very own to take home. Choose from a peacock spider, an Eastern Blue-tongue lizard or a baby green turtle. Rec. 6+
BBY8 HOORAY! IT’S A BLUEY ACTIVITY CORNER! May 22, 10am–4pm Get creative and crafty in this fun Bluey activity space! Colour in Bluey and Bingo, draw a granny portrait, write a fairy letter or invent a story about Bluey and Bingo’s next adventure. Rec. 4+ BBY9 STORYTIME CLUBHOUSE May 22, 10am–4pm Settle in to hear your favourite children’s authors and illustrators read their stories at the Clubhouse Corner. With a different storyteller dropping by every halfhour, you never know who you might meet ... or what fantastical story they might tell! Rec. 3+
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WORKSHOPS
WORKSHOPS
Whether you dream of penning the next great crime novel, crafting powerful poems, reimagining incredible stories from history or creating a hit podcast, Sydney Writers’ Festival workshops provide the practical skills and insider knowledge you need. Let our talented line-up of award-winning writers guide you towards your literary ambitions. Workshop capacities will be limited, so book in early to secure your place. Sydney Writers’ Festival sponsors one place per workshop for attendees who may not otherwise be able to participate. See our website to apply for one of the places available. Applications close Monday May 2. Those selected will be notified by email from Friday May 6.
ONLINE W1 FIONA MURPHY: THINK FAST, WRITE SLOW May 14, 10am–1pm A workshop for anyone who loves writing exercises but rarely sits down to do them. Fast, fun and spontaneous, award-winning Deaf writer Fiona Murphy (The Shape of Sound) teaches how to make the most of writing prompts and let ideas collide. $100/$80 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au W2 GEORGE HADDAD: PLACE, IDENTITY AND QUEERNESS May 14, 2–5pm Explore place, identity and queerness with prize-winning author George Haddad (Losing Face). In this workshop, participants are guided to write a short (1,000-word) memoir that is connected to a place or object. $100/$80 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
W3 MICHELLE CAHILL: RE-STORIED: WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION May 15, 10am–1pm Reimagine mysterious figures from the past and reinvent and expand on existing stories to create vivid fiction. Award-winning writer and poet Michelle Cahill (Daisy and Woolf) teaches the basics of how to research, plan and develop historical fiction. $100/$80 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au W4 SIOBHÁN MCHUGH: THE POWER OF PODCASTING May 15, 2–5pm Everyone wants to try their hand at podcasting, but the ability to create artful audio storytelling is a rare skill. Leading international audio scholar Siobhán McHugh (The Power of Podcasting) teaches the craft of telling stories through sound. $100/$80 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
N.Smith Gallery Gadigal Country / nsmithgallery.com
SATURDAY MAY 14–SUNDAY MAY 22 W5 STEPHANIE WOOD: PENNING THE PERSONAL FOR PUBLICATION May 16, 10am–1pm Drawing on her experience as an award-winning writer and journalist, Stephanie Wood (Fake) shares the tips and tricks she has learnt in writing personal essays for publication. $100/$80 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au W6 JAZZ MONEY: SOLIDARITY AND COMMUNITY THROUGH POETRY May 16, 6–9pm Learn how to pen poetry that probes questions of survival, strength, care, solidarity and community. In this workshop, award-winning Wiradjuri poet and artist Jazz Money (how to make a basket) teaches how poetry can respond to place, the past and the future. $100/$80 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
IN PERSON W7 SWEATSHOP WORKSHOP: PAIGE CLARK May 19, 6–8.30pm Information and Cultural Exchange, Parramatta When crafting a story, what you leave out is often as important as what you leave in. Paige Clark, author of She Is Haunted, leads this workshop with the Sweatshop team on creating meaning through omission. Supported by the City of Parramatta. $50 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au W8 EMILY BITTO: THEME, IMAGERY AND SYMBOLISM May 20, 10am–1pm Carriageworks, Elston Workshop Space Master theme, delve into symbolism and render vivid imagery with your prose. Stella Prize winner Emily Bitto (Wild Abandon) teaches how the big ideas that preoccupy you can take a project to the next level. $100/$80 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
W9 J.P. POMARE: SETTING AND CHARACTER IN CRIME May 20, 2–5pm Carriageworks, Elston Workshop Space In this workshop, bestselling crime writer J.P. Pomare (The Last Guests) guides participants through crafting compelling characters and bringing settings to life, using a series of writing exercises and discussion. $100/$80 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au W10 DAMIEN CAVE: WRITING ABOUT A PLACE THAT’S NOT YOUR OWN May 21, 10am–1pm Carriageworks, Elston Workshop Space Access the tools for translating place to page. Drawing on his extensive experience as a journalist, Damien Cave (Into the Rip) explores the research that goes into foreign correspondence and teaches how to write with colour and authenticity. $100/$80 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au W11 JAZZ MONEY: SOLIDARITY AND COMMUNITY THROUGH POETRY May 21, 2–5pm Carriageworks, Elston Workshop Space Learn how to pen poetry that probes survival, strength, care, solidarity and community. In this workshop, award-winning Wiradjuri poet and artist Jazz Money (how to make a basket) teaches how poetry can respond to place, the past and the future. $100/$80 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au W12 GEORGE HADDAD: PLACE, IDENTITY AND QUEERNESS May 22, 2–5pm Carriageworks, Elston Workshop Space Explore place, identity and queerness with prize-winning author George Haddad (Losing Face). In this workshop, participants are guided to write a short (1,000-word) memoir that is connected to a place or object. $100/$80 Bookings: 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au
MONDAY MAY 16–SUNDAY MAY 22
IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
The Festival takes over Sydney and beyond with events from Hornsby to Wollongong, Parramatta to Randwick. Don’t miss these sessions with acclaimed writers in your neighbourhood.
ASHFIELD
HORNSBY
N1 HANNAH KENT: DEVOTION May 19, 6.30–7.30pm Ashfield Town Hall SEE FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT ON THIS PAGE
N9 CLEMENTINE FORD: HOW WE LOVE May 19, 6.30–7.30pm Hornsby Central Library Join Clementine Ford, feminist icon and bestselling author of Fight Like a Girl and Boys Will Be Boys, as she discusses How We Love, her personal exploration of love in its many forms. FREE, bookings essential: 02 9847 6813 trybooking.com/BXNMD
CASULA N3 INNOCENCE AND EXPERIENCE: THE POETS OF THE BLAKE POETRY PRIZE May 21, 6.30–7.30pm Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Past and present winners and finalists of the Blake Poetry Prize meet at Casula Powerhouse for a night of poetry and conversation. Presented with Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and WestWords. $25/$15 Bookings: 02 8711 7123, casulapowerhouse.com
CHATSWOOD N4 EMILY BITTO: WILD ABANDON May 18, 12.30–1.30pm Chatswood Library on The Concourse Join Stella Prize–winning author of The Strays Emily Bitto as she discusses her most recent novel Wild Abandon. A headlong tumble through a world in the end days of capitalism, it is a haunting, hyper-real snapshot of our own strange times. FREE, bookings essential: 02 9777 7900 libraries.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/events-programs
CONCORD N5 BERNADETTE BRENNAN: LEAPING INTO WATERFALLS May 19, 6.30–7.30pm Concord Library Join Bernadette Brennan as she discusses her latest book Leaping into Waterfalls, a meticulous and moving biography that celebrates the extraordinary achievements and adventures of writer Gillian Mears. FREE, bookings essential: 02 9911 6210 canadabay.nsw.gov.au/whats-on
HURSTVILLE N10 GARRY DISHER: THE WAY IT IS NOW May 19, 6.30–7.30pm Hurstville Library and Service Centre One of Australia’s finest crime writers, Garry Disher, discusses his new novel The Way It Is Now, his impressive body of work and the growing popularity of Australian crime fiction. FREE, bookings essential 02 9330 6111, eventbrite.com.au
KOGARAH N11 DELIA FALCONER: SIGNS AND WONDERS May 18, 6.30–7.30pm Clive James Library Join celebrated author Delia Falconer as she discusses her new book, Signs and Wonders, and living as a reader, writer, lover of nature and mother in an era of profound ecological change. FREE, bookings essential 02 9330 6111, eventbrite.com.au
MARRICKVILLE N12 IN CONVERSATION: AMIE KAUFMAN May 22, 2–3.30pm Marrickville Library Join New York Times and international bestseller Amie Kaufman as she discusses her acclaimed co-authored series, The Aurora Cycle and The Other Side of the Sky. FREE, bookings essential 02 9392 5588, eventbrite.com.au
DARLINGHURST
PARRAMATTA
N6 THE LEGACY OF HOLOCAUST LETTERS May 22, 3–4pm Sydney Jewish Museum Hear readings from a selection of poignant letters written during the Holocaust. From the Sydney Jewish Museum’s collection, each is penned with deep meaning. This event will be hosted by Geraldine Doogue. Presented with Sydney Jewish Museum. $15 Bookings: 02 9360 7999 sydneyjewishmuseum.com.au
N2 SHADOWS AND REFLECTIONS May 17, 7.30–9.30pm WestWords, Parramatta With their typically anarchic, multilingual style, Auburn Poets and Writers explore nuances around shadows and reflections, where playful, moving lyrics and images are set against depths that disturb and question. Presented with Auburn Poets and Writers. $10 Tickets available at the door
EPPING N7 IN CONVERSATION: ALICIA JASINSKA May 22, 3–4pm Epping Leisure and Learning Centre Join Alicia Jasinska as she discusses her new novel The Midnight Girls – a standalone YA fantasy set in a snowcloaked kingdom where two enchantresses secretly compete for the heart of a prince, only to discover that they might be falling for each other. Supported by the City of Parramatta. FREE, bookings essential: 02 9806 5159 cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/community/library
GORDON N8 PAUL KENNEDY: FUNKYTOWN May 21, 1–2pm Gordon Library Join celebrated ABC journalist Paul Kennedy as he discusses his memoir Funkytown, a love letter to adolescence, football, family and outer suburbia. FREE, bookings essential: 02 9424 0120 krg.nsw.gov.au/libraryevents
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT
N13 ABC RADIO SYDNEY DRIVE WITH RICHARD GLOVER FEATURING THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY! May 20, 5–6.30pm Riverside Theatre, Parramatta Join ABC Radio Sydney’s Richard Glover for a special Festival edition of Thank God It’s Friday! and after-the-show interviews with three of the Festival’s literary stars at Parramatta’s Riverside Theatre. Supported by the City of Parramatta. FREE, bookings essential 02 8839 3399, riversideparramatta.com.au
IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
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N13 ABC RADIO SYDNEY DRIVE WITH RICHARD GLOVER FEATURING THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY! May 20, 5–6.30pm Riverside Theatre, Parramatta SEE FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT ON THIS PAGE N14 HOLDING THE SPACE May 19, 6.30–8.30pm WSU Parramatta City Join Anwen Crawford, Eda Gunaydin and Alison Whittaker for an evening of stories, provocations and talks about what it means to be in the world. Followed by an afterparty with Faith Chaza as DJ. Presented by The Finishing School, Parramatta Artists’ Studios, City of Parramatta and The Writing and Society Research Centre, WSU. FREE, bookings essential: eventbrite.com.au
PENRITH N15 JANE CARO: THE MOTHER May 19, 6.30–7.30pm Penrith City Library Join Walkley Award–winning journalist, social commentator and author Jane Caro as she discusses The Mother, her gripping domestic thriller with a powerful moral dilemma at its core. FREE, bookings essential 02 4732 7891, eventbrite.com.au
RANDWICK N16 BRENDAN COWELL: PLUM May 19, 6.30–8pm Margaret Martin Library Award-winning writer, actor and director Brendan Cowell discusses his second novel Plum, a moving, angry, joyous novel of men, their inarticulate pain and what it takes for them to save themselves. $10 per ticket, includes glass of wine and nibbles. Bookings: 02 9093 6400 randwick.nsw.gov.au/library N17 IN CONVERSATION: ASTRID SCHOLTE May 22, 4.30–5.30pm Margaret Martin Library Join award-winning international bestseller Astrid Scholte as she discusses her highly anticipated thrilling page-turner League of Liars. FREE, bookings essential: 02 9093 6400 randwick.nsw.gov.au/library
RYDE N18 DAMIEN CAVE: INTO THE RIP May 18, 6.30–7.30pm Ryde Library Join Damien Cave, journalist, author and New York Times Australian Bureau Chief, as he discusses Into the Rip, a book that will change how you think about facing the world’s hazards. FREE, bookings essential 02 9952 8352, ryde.nsw.gov.au/damiencave
SYDNEY N19 NSW PREMIER’S LITERARY AWARDS 2022 May 16, 6–9pm State Library of NSW, Mitchell Library Reading Room The NSW Premier’s Literary Awards recognise excellence in Australian writing. Join us as we announce the winners for 2022. Presented with the State Library of NSW. FREE, bookings essential 02 9273 1770, sl.nsw.gov.au/pla N20 MEET THE EMERGING WRITERS OF THE 2022 PREMIER’S LITERARY AWARDS May 18, 11am–12pm State Library of NSW Join Senior Judge of the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards Jane McCredie as she speaks to some of the most exciting new writers in the Australian literary scene. Presented with the State Library of NSW. FREE, bookings essential 02 9273 1770, sl.nsw.gov.au/pla N21 PEOPLE, CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT: IN CONVERSATION WITH THE WINNERS OF THE 2021 NSW PREMIER’S HISTORY AWARDS May 18, 1–2.30pm State Library of NSW, Dixson Room The winners of the 2021 NSW Premier’s History Awards reveal how they write history, their inspirations and the impact they hope their work will have. Short Q&A to follow. Hosted by Matthew Allen, HCNSW Councillor. Presented with the History Council of NSW. FREE, bookings essential historycouncilnsw.org.au
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT N1 HANNAH KENT: DEVOTION May 19, 6.30–7.30pm Ashfield Town Hall Join the author of Burial Rites, Hannah Kent, as she discusses her latest novel Devotion, a historical epic that explores love and longing in a journey from 19th-century Prussia to South Australia. FREE, bookings essential 02 9392 5588, eventbrite.com.au N22 2022 MONA BRAND AWARD FOR WOMEN STAGE AND SCREEN WRITERS’ PRESENTATION May 19, 6–7pm State Library of NSW Join us for the announcement of the 2022 Mona Brand Award winners, followed by a panel discussion with past winners and emerging industry talent. Presented with the State Library of NSW. FREE, bookings essential 02 9273 1770, sl.nsw.gov.au/monabrand N23 PATRICK WHITE PLAYWRIGHTS AWARD AND FELLOWSHIP May 16, 6.45–8.45pm Wharf 2, Sydney Theatre Company Join Sydney Theatre Company Artistic Director Kip Williams as he announces the winners of the 2021 Patrick White Playwrights Award and Fellowship. A reading of the award-winning play follows the announcement. Presented with Sydney Theatre Company. FREE, bookings essential 02 9250 1777, sydneytheatre.com.au
ULTIMO N24 SEEING OURSELVES IN TREES: EUCALYPTS IN LITERATURE May 19, 6–7pm Powerhouse Museum Join Sophie Cunningham, Ashley Hay and Jazz Money at the Powerhouse as they discuss ongoing shifts in the role and meaning of the eucalypt in literature and identity. Presented with the Powerhouse Museum. FREE, no bookings
WENTWORTH POINT N25 INDELIBLE CITY: LOUISA LIM May 19, 6.30–7.30pm Wentworth Point Community Centre and Library Join award-winning journalist and podcaster Louisa Lim as she discusses her fascinating portrait of Hong Kong Indelible City, which mixes memoir and reportage and puts Hongkongers at the centre of their own story. Supported by the City of Parramatta. FREE, bookings essential: 02 9806 8600 cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/community/library
WINDSOR N26 CHRISTIAN WHITE: WILD PLACE May 19, 6.30–7.30pm Hawkesbury Central Library Christian White, screenwriter and bestselling author of The Nowhere Child, discusses Wild Place, his fastmoving thriller that peels back the layers of suburbia, exposing the guilt, desperation and violence that lies underneath. FREE, bookings essential, 02 4560 4460 hawkesburylibrary.eventbrite.com
WOLLONGONG N27 DREAMING INSIDE VOLUME TEN LAUNCH May 19, 6–8.30pm Wollongong Art Gallery, BlueScope Gallery Melissa Lucashenko launches Dreaming Inside Volume 10 – an anthology of creative writing from First Nations inmates in Junee Correctional Centre, edited by Aunty Barbara Nicholson. This annual publication celebrates its 10th year in 2022. Entry by donation, bookings essential bit.ly/3tJUjdx
PARTICIPANTS See swf.org.au for participant biographies.
A
Nicole Abadee 50 Yassmin Abdel-Magied 102 Angie Abdilla 86 Jumaana Abdu 79 Deborah Abela BBY9, CHI2, CHI4, CHI8, CHI10 Kaiya Aboagye 112 Christine Afoa 112 Michael Mohammed Ahmad 22, 57, 124 Maria Alfonsine 130 Matthew Allen N21 Miles Allinson 5 Nat Amoore BBY2 Eunice Andrada 35, 128 Evelyn Araluen 15, 33, 49, 87, 89 Jessica Au 126 Seher Aydinlik N2 Tim Ayliffe 8 Sarah Ayoub 22, BBY9, YA5 Maryam Azam 124
B
Jackie Bailey 132 Julia Baird 71, 111 Elly-May Barnes 91 Julian Barnes 106 Mike Barry BBY2, CHI10 Caroline Baum 20, 66 Sami Bayly CHI1 Matt Beard 58 Greg Bearup 6 Ethan Beattie YA5 Larissa Behrendt 76, 96, 126 Eliza Bell 130 Casey Bennetto 34 Vanessa Berry 114 Kshiti Bhat YA5 Laurence Billiet N21 Tony Birch 49, 80, 94, 101, 128 Emily Bitto 5, N4, W8 Sophie Black 25, 110 Elise Bohan 86 Rudi Bremer 33 Bernadette Brennan 9, 45, 66, N5 Judith Brett 56 Bryan Brown 23 Daniel Browning 94 Emily Brugman 97
C
Michelle Cahill 59, W3 Al Campbell 12 Michael Campbell N3 Jane Caro 42, N15 Reece Carter CHI8 Barrie Cassidy 4, 75 Felicity Castagna 59, YA1 Damien Cave 28, 51, CUR60, N18, W10 Ennis Cehic 15, 79 Faith Chaza N14 Christopher Cheng BBY9 Freda Chiu BBY9 Paige Clark 80, 96, W7 Maxine Beneba Clarke 70, 77, 89, 128, BBY9, CUR121 Aoife Clifford 92 Claire G. Coleman 35, 52, CUR95 Amanda Collinge 11 Mathew Colloff N21 Clayton Zane Comber YA4, YA5 Kaz Cooke 18, 78 Ed Coper 64 Cosar, Halee Isil N2 Matt Cosgrove BBY3, BBY4, BBY9 Thomas Costa 84 Keppie Coutts 130 Brendan Cowell 71, N16 Annabel Crabb 12, 113 Cathy Craigie 120 Andrew Cranna BBY4, CHI10 Anwen Crawford N14 Sophie Cunningham N24
D
Trent Dalton 71, 131 Rhett Davis 93 Damian de Boos-Smith 130 Michelle de Kretser 48, 69 Travis De Vries 98 Tim Dean 28 Josie/Jocelyn Deane 79 Richard Denniss 64 Garry Disher 92, N10 Hannah Diviney 129 Rosalind Dixon 119 Geraldine Doogue N6
Ceridwen Dovey 20, 130 Jennifer Down 83, CUR115 Stephanie Dowrick 13 Liz Duck-Chong 36 Winnie Dunn 98, 112 Belinda Dunstan 86 Jo Dyer 4
Paul Kennedy 19, N8 Hannah Kent 41, 73, 83, N1 Luke Keogh N21 Kay Kerr YA4 Shaimaa Khalil 20, 51 Simone King N3 Sarah Krasnostein 55, 61, 74
Ali Cobby Eckermann 1 Farz Edraki 26 Brian Edwards 91 Sara El Sayed 66 Mick Elliott CHI1, CHI3, CHI5, CHI7, CHI9 Warren Ellis 67 Anton Enus 62, 72 Kate Evans 9, 53, 92, CHI6
Remy Lai CHI5, CHI10 Ellie Laing CHI2 Kate Langbroek 27 Marcia Langton 21 Jack Latimore 87, 113 Antoinette Lattouf 18, 123 Benjamin Law 132 Michelle Law 129 Shirley Le 124 Maya Le Her YA3 Suzanne Leal 42 Charmaine Ledden-Lewis BBY4, BBY5, BBY9 Bri Lee 102 Vanessa Len YA2, YA5 L-FRESH The LION 124 Louisa Lim 7, 51, 103, 109, N25 Amanda Lohrey 37, 85 Tosca Looby 45 Melissa Lucashenko 61, N27 Simon Luckhurst 120 Nathan Luff CHI8 Nakkiah Lui 108 Robert Lukins 93 John Lyons 25
E
F
Kate Fagan 114 Jon Faine 23 David Falcon N2 Delia Falconer 16, 111, N11 Ellen Fanning 123 Mehreen Faruqi 14, 57 Osman Faruqi 113 Nick Feik 109 Richard Fidler 68 Clementine Ford 90, CUR47, N9 Jan Fran 64 Declan Fry 16, 52, 80, 128
G
Damon Galgut 37, 53, 69, 96 Danny Gardner N2 Sulari Gentill 8 El Gibbs 129 Kári Gíslason 97 Ross Gittins 119 Morris Gleitzman 37, 40, CHI6 Richard Glover N13 Roanna Gonsalves 48 Sophie Gonzales YA4, YA5 Adam Goodes CHI2 Madeline Grabowski YA4 Angus Grigg 6 Eda Gunaydin 16, 52, 63, 114, N14
H
George Haddad 53, 101, 118, CUR88, W2, W12 Neera Handa N2 David Hardaker 13 David Hardy BBY5, CHI2 Elle Hardy 13 Marieke Hardy 67 Johann Hari 11 Natalie Harkin 94 Tim Harris CHI8 Johnny Hawkins 38 Ashley Hay 65, 126, N24 Amani Haydar 22, 77 Nour Haydar 56 Tanya Hennessy CHI4 Alana Hicks 132 Richard Holden 119 Douglas Holgate BBY4, BBY5, CHI10 Sarah Holland-Batt 109, 128, CUR24 Chloe Hooper 62, 133 Jackie Huggins 1, 33, 53, 61, 76 Eliza Hull 30, 91
I
Sharon Ingram-Twyford 120 Muireann Irish 28
J
Bridie Jabour 26, 63, 90 Narelda Jacobs 18 Linda Jaivin 7, 39, N25 Alicia Jasinska N7, YA2 Trish Jean N2 Erik Jensen 74, 116 Ruby Jones 39 Zach Jones YA1 Toni Jordan 50
K
Michaela Kalowski 5, 93 Sarah Kanowski 44 Patricia Karvelas 31 Yumna Kassab 9, 29, 59 Amie Kaufman N12, YA3, YA5 Debra Keenahan 91 Fran Kelly 31, 75 Sean Kelly 56, 74 Melanie Kembrey 100, 117 Gayle Kennedy 30
L
M
Fiona Macdonald 84 Victoria Mackinlay BBY9 Daisy MacLeay YA2 Tobias Madden YA5 Jacqueline Maley 113 Sarah Malik 118, 132 Frances Mao 7 Mark Mariano 124 David Marr 127 Maeve Marsden 70, 73, 90 Phillip Marsden BBY9 Hannah Marshall 116 Liz Martin 30 Mark Marusic N2 Chris Masters 116 Thomas Mayor 65 Wendy McCarthy 18, 44 Kate McClymont 6, 39, 116 Charlotte McConaghy 29 Jane McCredie N20 Cassie McCullagh 44, 53 Siobhán McHugh W4 Dinuka McKenzie 42 Dervla McTiernan 99 Guido Melo 124 Shaun Micallef CHI9 Karen Middleton 39 Patti Miller 20 Louise Milligan 25 Jazz Money 37, 49, 73, 124, 128, CUR81, N24, W6, W11 Kylie Moore-Gilbert 103 Liane Moriarty 122 Rick Morton 26, 74, 105 Ann Mossop 103 Sisonke Msimang 35, 68, 96 Lorna Munro 33, 94 Fiona Murphy 30, 73, 105, 129, CUR10, W1 Alison Murphy-Oates 98 Kate Murray YA3 Omar Musa 37, 70, 89, 128 Melissa Mylchreest BBY7
N
Indira Naidoo 111 Claire Nichols 106 Aunty Barbara Nicholson 120, N27 SJ Norman 41, 73 Malla Nunn YA3
O
Matt Okine 35 Paddy O’Reilly 50 Jason Om 19 Cheryl Orsini BBY1, BBY5 Caroline Overington 8, 23, 99, 122
P
C.S. Pacat YA2, YA5 Aura Parker BBY4 Luke Patterson 79, 94, 120 Suneeta Peres da Costa 114 Torrey Peters 36
Bich Thuy Pham 84 Ailsa Piper 2, 85 J.P. Pomare 8, CUR17, W9 Derecka Purnell 32 Josh Pyke CHI3
Q
Sana Qadar 28
R
Jioji Ravulo 73, 112 Yves Rees 45, 66 Diana Reid 117 Teela Reid 65 Hannah Reilly 38 Amy Remeikis 123 Carl Rhodes 58 Allee Richards 117 Benjamin Riley 26 Peter Rose 16 Steven Ross 98 Leila Rudge BBY4, BBY5, BBY9 Gina Rushton 63, 109 Claudine Ryan 78
S
Omar Sakr 35, 118 Sara M. Saleh 58, 128 Merryana Salem 87 Mykaela Saunders 29, 65, 87 Niki Savva 75 Jo Schofield 84 Astrid Scholte N17, YA5 Julianne Schultz 21 Hayley Scrivenor 92 Jasmine Seymour 98 Lisa Shanahan BBY9 Greg Sheridan 13 Michaela Simoni N2 Kate Simpson BBY9 Nardi Simpson 1 Judith Sloan 119 Rebecca Solnit 110 Art Spiegelman 40 Emma Stevens YA2 Yumi Stynes 78 Dhishana Sutharshan YA5
T
Litia Taulawakeiaho YA1 Anne-Marie Te Whiu 49, 112 Jared Thomas YA1 Amy Thunig 63, 101, 105 Willem Tibben N2 Tom Tilley 27 Laura Tingle 68 Steve Toltz 55 Mark Tredinnick N3 Christos Tsiolkas 48, 101 Nessa Turnbull-Roberts 25 Corey Tutt CHI7
V
Adriana Verges 64
W
Sarah Walker 62, CUR54 Toby Walsh 86 Chelsea Watego 33, 37, 76 Meredith Wattison N3 Christian White 99, N26 Sue Whiting CHI8 Alison Whittaker N14 Kip Williams N23 David Williamson 70, 131 Ruth Wilson 9 Sarah Winman 2 Charlotte Wood 85 Stephanie Wood 6, W5 Laura Elizabeth Woollett 42 Clare Wright 45, 68, 78 Fiona Wright 79, 129 Susan Wyndham 61, 83, 97
X
Murong Xuecun 7
Y
Hanya Yanagihara 37, 72 Gyan Yankovich 6 Cat Yen 132
Z
Adrian Todd Zuniga 35
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We’re with you.
Important cultural events like the Sydney Writers’ Festival could not happen without the support of the people of Sydney. Your participation makes all the difference. We’re pleased to join you in keeping creativity alive and well in our city. Find more events at whatson.sydney
PRECINCT & BOOKING
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TRAVELLING TO THE FESTIVAL PRECINCT Carriageworks is located at 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh. This is a 10-minute walk from Redfern Station, City Road bus stops and Macdonaldtown Station. Catching public transport is strongly recommended as residential parking in the area is strictly limited. For more information on transport, visit transportnsw.info. WALKING FROM REDFERN STATION TO CARRIAGEWORKS Exit the station onto Lawson Street and turn left. Turn left at Little Eveleigh Street and continue on until you reach Wilson Street on your left. Turn onto Wilson Street and continue for approximately seven minutes until you arrive at Carriageworks. BICYCLES AND PARKING Bicycle parking is available at Carriageworks. Street parking is strictly limited in Eveleigh. Casual parking is available at Shepherd Street Carpark, a 10-minute walk from Carriageworks, in the evenings and on the weekend.
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Bay 25 Blacksmith’s Workshop Elston Workshop Space
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Festival Hub & Curiosity Stage (Bays 22–24)
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COVID INFORMATION
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ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS City Recital Hall and Riverside Theatre, Parramatta are fitted with assistive listening systems.
For the latest information about COVID Safety at the Festival, please visit swf.org.au/stay-covid-safe.
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To book accessible seats for events at Carriageworks and Sydney Town Hall (including for Auslan-interpreted and open-captioned events), please contact the Sydney Writers’ Festival Box Office on (02) 9256 4200 or ticketing@swf.org.au.
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OPEN CAPTIONING All events in Bay 17 will be open captioned.
For more information on the Festival’s accessibility and inclusion practices, visit swf.org.au/access.
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ACCESSIBLE SEATS All Festival venues are accessible and have wheelchair and level access.
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ACCESS AND INCLUSION
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AUSLAN-INTERPRETED EVENTS The following events will be Auslan interpreted: • 1 Opening Night Address • 30 The Accessible Writer • 37 Change My Mind Storytelling Gala • 38 I’d Like to Say a Few Words • 69 Damon Galgut: The Promise • 72 Hanya Yanagihara: To Paradise • 73 Queerstories • 79 Breaking and Entering • 91 We’ve Got This • 105 On Second Thought • 129 Paying Attention • 133 Closing Night: Chloe Hooper
COMPANION CARD Companion Card holders qualify for a complimentary ticket for their companion.
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ACCESSIBLE PARKING Accessible parking is available at Carriageworks. Please call (02) 8571 9099 for information.
Bay 17
Darlington Rd
TTY users can phone 133 677 and ask for (02) 9256 4200. Speak and Listen users can phone 1300 555 727 and ask for (02) 9256 4200.
Track 12
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To read our terms and conditions, please visit swf.org.au/ticketing-tcs.
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Please contact Sydney Writers’ Festival Box Office at least one hour prior to your event if you cannot access your e-ticket(s).
NATIONAL RELAY SERVICE Sydney Writers’ Festival accepts phone calls via the National Relay Service. Registration is required for this service. Visit relayservice.gov.au for more information.
Wilson St
E-TICKETS – Print at home or show on mobile All tickets for the 2022 Festival are issued via email. Please consult your booking confirmation email for e-ticket delivery dates. You can either bring a physical printout of your e-ticket(s) or show it on a mobile device at the door.
CARRIAGEWORKS:
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CONCESSIONS – Proof required Concession prices are available for: children under the age of 16, full-time students, Health Care Card holders and Pensioner Concession Card holders. Please have valid proof with you at the venue.
Riverside Theatres (02) 8839 3399 boxoffice_riverside@ cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
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ONLINE – swf.org.au PHONE – (02) 9256 4200 Monday–Friday: 9am–5pm Select weekends: 10am–4pm, March 26 & 27; May 14 & 15; May 21 & 22 (Closed Good Friday–Easter Monday, ANZAC Day) IN PERSON Carriageworks Box Office Wednesday 18–Sunday 22 May: 9am until the last event of the day starts. Box offices at other venues Available only on days of events. Open one hour prior to event start times.
City Recital Hall (02) 8256 2222 admin@cityrecitalhall.com
AREA MAP
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Tickets for events at Carriageworks, City Recital Hall and Sydney Town Hall can be booked directly through Sydney Writers’ Festival. For all other tickets, please refer to the individual event listings in the guide. Transaction fees apply for all tickets purchased online and over the phone, excluding Children’s and YA events. Free events at Carriageworks are general admission and do not require bookings (apart from ABC Radio Sydney and ABC RN events).
To book accessible seats for events at City Recital Hall and Riverside Theatres, please contact the venue box offices directly.
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HOW TO BOOK
FESTIVAL SHUTTLE BUS Our wheelchair-accessible Festival shuttle bus operates every 15–20 minutes between 9am and 6pm from Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 May, and travels between Carriageworks and Redfern Station. Buses set off from the Festival Bus Stop (Stand A) on Gibbons Street in Redfern. In lieu of payment, we welcome tap-and-go donations onboard. These donations help ensure the Festival is an accessible event.
Shepherd Street Car Park (parking on weekday evenings and all day on weekends) Suggested walking routes (each approx. 10 mins)
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FESTIVAL PRECINCT & CITY
TUESDAY APRIL 27–SUNDAY MAY 2
Principal Partner of the Sydney 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 the Sydney 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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