2016 Perth Writers Festival | 2016 Perth International Arts Festival

PERTH WRITERS FESTIVAL

18–21 February 2016 perthfestival.com.au

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Welcome

Image: Frances Andrijich

Bookings and Festival info 08 6488 5555 | perthfestival.com.au

WENDY MARTIN ARTISTIC DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE During the 2016 Perth International Arts Festival, we will host artists from across the globe – visionaries, mavericks and dreamers who, through their exceptional talents, show us ways to see, understand and reimagine our world. At the forefront of these artists are writers – creatives whose skill is to move and affect us with their words.

This year, the Perth Writers Festival has stronger connections across PIAF than ever before. A thread that runs through the entire program is empathy and, at the Writers Festival, it is front and centre in the opening address by empathy expert and founder of the Empathy Museum, Roman Krznaric.

Also presented in partnership with the Empathy Museum is the Human Library, which invites us to view life from the perspectives of ‘living books’ – people, just like us, with stories to share. In Artist as Activist, we join Festival navigator Ruth Little, writer Anthony Marra and Roman Krznaric to look at the artist’s role in provoking empathic responses and effecting positive social change.

Throughout the Perth Writers Festival, we will also connect with the worlds of film, music and visual arts. There is so much to discover and I’m sure you will find sessions that will provide delight and provoke discussion.

KATHERINE DORRINGTON PROGRAM MANAGER'S MESSAGE This year, the Perth Writers Festival is bookended by two events focusing on empathy – Roman Krznaric’s enlightening opening address and Lisa Genova’s compelling closing event which highlights how important literature is in speaking to our common humanity. The connections we make through literature are powerful and allow us to feel compassion for one another. Throughout the program, there are many sessions that look at the way we live our lives, the choices we make and the relationships we nurture. We consider what an empathic government might look like, the importance of home and the ways that food can bring us together.

our series exploring music and literature, Fine-Tuning, and introduce a new series, The Big Picture, which celebrates the medium of film.

We join forces with Barefaced Stories for a special Festival edition of their strippedback storytelling event, as Festival authors share real-life tales around the theme, ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’. And on Saturday 20 February, we explore great food writing, beautiful cookbooks and our penchant for cooking blogs and television programs with our series, From Paddock to Print.

In 2016, we welcome back to the Festival

So bring a friend and an appetite for discussion, and join us for another richly layered Perth Writers Festival.

TICKET INFORMATION

FESTIVAL ONLINE

WRITERS CENTRAL

VENUE INFORMATION

FREE EVENTS Events in the Alexander Lecture Theatre, Murdoch Lecture Theatre, Romeo Tent (excluding Sketch the Rhyme, Sat 20 Feb, 6.30–7.30pm), Sunken Garden, Tropical Grove, Woolnough Lecture Theatre and Writers Central are free. Bookings for free events are not required, unless otherwise stated. Please arrive early as capacity is limited.

Visit perthfestival.com.au for the latest details about the 2016 Perth Writers Festival or to purchase tickets in advance.

Writers Central is the place to relax before and after Festival events. Enjoy a cool drink, coffee, glass of wine or a bite to eat from one of the food outlets.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT We recommend you catch the bus to the Perth Writers Festival. For timetables and information, visit transperth.wa.gov.au or call 13 62 13.

TICKETED EVENTS Events in the Dolphin and Octagon theatres, University Club Theatre and Winthrop Hall are ticketed unless otherwise stated. For ticketed events, we recommend booking in advance. Entry is by general admission Door sales are subject to availability. Student prices are for full-time students.

BOOKINGS Online perthfestival.com.au Phone 08 6488 5555 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm & Sat, 9am–1pm; additional hours during the Festival, 11 Feb–6 March).

E-NEWS Sign up to our e-news for regular updates and special offers.

BLOG Follow our blog for author profiles, interviews, book extracts, reviews and competitions.

EVENT UPDATES Event information is correct at the time of printing. Check our website for changes to the program closer to the date.

GET CONNECTED Stay close to the action by following us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

#perthfest #pwf16 @perthfest twitter.com/perthfest facebook.com/perthfest @perthfest

FESTIVAL BOOKSHOP Dymocks is the official bookseller for the Festival. Titles from participating authors are available for purchase at the Festival bookshop located in the Undercroft, adjacent to Writers Central. Authors will sign books at the bookshop immediately after events.

EAT AND DRINK The University Club Café offers a range of drinks, hot foods, takeaway sandwiches, salads and light snacks.

Fri 19 Feb, 7.30am–8pm Sat 20 Feb, 7.30am–6pm Sun 21 Feb, 9am–7pm Perth International Arts Festival acknowledges that our events take place on the traditional lands of the Noongar people and we wish to pay our respects to the traditional custodians of this Country.

SUMMER WEATHER Remember to be prepared for the hot weather with sunscreen and a hat.

PARKING See the back cover for parking information. For detailed maps, see perthfestival.com.au or call 08 6488 5555. As parking will be limited on Friday 19 February, we recommend you park for free at Paul Hasluck Reserve.

A free shuttle bus will operate between this car park and Writers Central from 9am–7pm (Friday 19 February only).

PERTH WRITERS FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE The box office is located at Writers Central – see map on back cover.

Fri 19 Feb, 9am–6.30pm Sat 20 Feb, 9am–6.30pm Sun 21 Feb, 9am–6.30pm Cover image: Katherine Dorrington

Featured Events

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Bookings and Festival info 08 6488 5555 | perthfestival.com.au

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Image: Kate Raworth

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OPENING ADDRESS

CLOSING ADDRESS

Cultural thinker and founder of the Empathy Museum, Roman Krznaric, has been named by The Observer as one of Britain’s leading popular philosophers.

An internationally recognised expert on empathy, he advises organisations, as well as Britain’s top judges, on using empathy and conversation to create social change.

He proposes empathy has the power to transform our own lives and bring about fundamental change.

Drawing on her PhD in neuroscience from Harvard University, Lisa Genova vividly depicts the heartbreaking impact of neurological disease on an individual’s life. Her novel, Still Alice, spent 59 weeks on The New York Times’ best-seller list, touching the hearts of readers with its beautiful and empathic account of life with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Her recent literary work, Inside the O’Briens, became an instant best seller on its release. In this closing address, Genova speaks about the artist’s role in finding moments of light, hope and connection when writing about issues central to our humanity.

2 ROMAN KRZNARIC

OCTAGON THEATRE Thur 18 Feb, 7pm Perth Writers Festival opening party commences 8.15pm $39.50/Friends $35.50/Students $25 Opening Address & Party $88/ Friends Opening Address & Party $79

UT

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124 LISA GENOVA

OCTAGON THEATRE Sun 21 Feb, 7pm $39.50/Friends $35.50/Students $25

SPECIAL EVENT

125 RICHARD DAWKINS One of the most influential thinkers of our time, Richard Dawkins has spent his intellectual life kick-starting new conversations about science, culture and religion. From his iconic work, The Selfish Gene, published in 1976, to the worldwide best seller, The God Delusion, Dawkins’ infectious sense of wonder at the natural world and bracing awareness of life’s brevity has left a deep imprint on our culture. Join him for a reflection on a lifetime of tireless intellectual adventure.

PERTH CONCERT HALL Mon 22 Feb, 7pm C $29.50/Friends $26.50/Students $22.50 Presented in association with the Law Society of Western Australia.

56, 97 HUMAN LIBRARY A human library is like any other library, except that the books are people with stories to share – ‘living' books. During the Perth Writers Festival, the UK’s Empathy Museum presents two human libraries, each consisting of 20 living books, who will share personal stories and experiences centred around the topics of ‘food’ and ‘age’. Living books are the kind of people you may not have the opportunity to talk to in everyday life – an organic farmer, a neuroscientist or a beekeeper. Visitors to the library are invited to view life from the perspective of three living books over an hour-long session.

An Empathy Museum project curated by artistic team, Clare Patey and Kitty Ross, with Perth International Arts Festival.

SUNKEN GARDEN Sat 20 Feb, 11am, 1 & 2.30pm (Theme: Food) Sun 21 Feb, 11am, 1 & 2.30pm (Theme: Age) Free, bookings required (capacity is limited)

RN DRIVE LIVE FROM PERTH WRITERS FESTIVAL

23 AFTERNOONS LIVE WITH GILLIAN O’SHAUGHNESSY

FINE-TUNING: CONNECTIONS BETWEEN LITERATURE AND MUSIC THE BIG PICTURE

RN Drive returns to the Perth International Arts Festival for two special live broadcasts. Join host Patricia Karvelas for conversations with journalist and author, Masha Gessen, the Empathy Museum’s Roman Krznaric, and PIAF artist-in-residence, Claire Cunningham, plus live music from Dub Pistols and other special guests.

The 720 ABC Perth Afternoons team broadcasts live from the Tropical Grove.

Listen to Gillian O’Shaughnessy chat to 2016 Perth Writers Festival guests, and if you register for the event through the 720 Bookshelf book club, you can also join O’Shaugnessy for afternoon tea. Head online to abc.net.au/perth, sign up to the 720 Bookshelf and be part of regular literary events and giveaways.

Over three days, Writers Central hosts a series of live music events, curated by songwriter and musician Jae Laffer (The Panics). Join Australian and international musicians and writers as they discuss literature and how it has fuelled their work.

PERTH WRITERS FESTIVAL PRECINCT Thur 18–Fri 19 Feb, 3–5pm Free, no bookings

TROPICAL GROVE Fri 19 Feb, 1–3pm Free, no bookings

WRITERS CENTRAL Fri 19 Feb, 5–6.30pm Gregory Day | Lucky Oceans Sat 20 Feb, 5–6.30pm Peggy Frew and Mick Turner | Jill Birt Sun 21 Feb, 5–6.30pm Patrick Gale and Emma Viskic | Joel Rapaport (Sketch the Rhyme) Free, no bookings

During the Perth Writers Festival and in collaboration with the PIAF’s film program, we ask three writers to select a film – from any era – that has inspired them. Each writer will give a brief introduction to the film and explain how it has influenced them before it is screened at the Dolphin Theatre.

DOLPHIN THEATRE Fri 19 Feb, 5.30–7.30pm James Bradley | A Hard Day’s Night Sat 20 Feb, 5.30–7.30pm Patrick deWitt | The Servant Sun 21 Feb, 5.30–7.30pm Lauren Groff | The Philadelphia Story Free, no bookings

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Friday 19 February Bookings and Festival info 08 6488 5555 | perthfestival.com.au

3 A FEAST FOR THE SENSES Fri 19 Feb, 10–11am Alexander Lecture Theatre Fran Bryson has spent years soaking up the sights and sounds of Brazil, taking psychedelic drugs in the Amazon and dancing the samba in Rio; Diane Fresquez embarked on a year-long journey to investigate the links between taste, memory and the molecular building blocks of what we eat. They talk to Di Darmody about their sensory research.

Free, no bookings

4 WINTER IS COMING Fri 19 Feb, 10–11am Dolphin Theatre Icy water, snow, winter and wolves set the scene in new books by David Dyer, Katherine Rundell and Patrick Gale.

They talk to Rosemary Sayer about their atmospheric novels and the importance of place in their narratives.

8 POINTED

13 ARTIST AS ACTIVIST

18 KILLER STORIES

Fri 19 Feb, 10–11am Woolnough Lecture Theatre

Fri 19 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Octagon Theatre

Fri 19 Feb, 1–2pm Alexander Lecture Theatre

Susan Midalia, Fiona McFarlane and Michelle Michau-Crawford have written short fiction that is evocative, irresistible and beautifully fashioned. They talk to AS Patri about stories that can be read in one sitting but linger in the mind for much longer.

Art and literature can teach us how to contribute to society and make our world a better place. Michael Cathcart talks to Ruth Little, Anthony Marra and Roman Krznaric about the artist’s role in championing big issues and provoking empathic reactions.

Caroline de Costa and Emma Viskic are two powerful new voices in crime fiction. They talk to Ara Jansen about the development of their thrilling new tales.

Free, no bookings

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

9 CHARACTER FLAW

14 THIS SUBURBAN LIFE

Fri 19 Feb, 10–11am Writers Central

Fri 19 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Romeo Tent

Flawed characters are some of the most interesting to read and allow a writer room to explore big themes.

Todd Alexander, Peggy Frew and Virginia Reeves discuss compassion, belonging and characters existing on the margin with Donna Ward.

The recent books by Tony Birch, Steven Carroll and Martin McKenzie-Murray are very much about the fabric of suburbia – drama played out against the backdrop of everyday life. They talk to Rachel Robertson.

Free, no bookings

Free, no bookings

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

10 A READER’S LIFE

15 AN HOUR WITH JASPER FFORDE

5 BREAKING THE MOULD

Fri 19 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Alexander Lecture Theatre

Fri 19 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Winthrop Hall

Fri 19 Feb, 10–11am Murdoch Lecture Theatre

We can measure our life in books and the experiences we’ve had on the page. Three writers, Tracy Farr, Debra Adelaide and Peter Rose, share their reading lives with Sarah McNeill.

Jasper Fforde has quickly built a fanatical readership with his inimitable Thursday Next novels. His new book, Early Riser, features the imagination, wit and intelligence that have made his books best sellers around the world. With Ara Jansen.

Three new books by Helen Ellis, Guinevere Glasfurd and Charlotte Wood subvert traditional stereotypes of women in literature. They talk to Amanda Curtin about breaking the mould.

Free, no bookings

6 FACING THE FEAR Fri 19 Feb, 10–11am Octagon Theatre

Free, no bookings

11 UNDERMAJORDOMO MINOR Fri 19 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Dolphin Theatre

Some stories can be so hard to tell that putting them into the public sphere is an almost tortuous exercise. Jane Caro, Magda Szubanski and Rosie Waterland talk to Jane Cornes about being perfectly imperfect.

Patrick deWitt’s new novel is a triumphant, ink-black comedy of manners. It is an adventure story, a mystery and a searing portrayal of rural Alpine bad behaviour with a brandy tart, but, above all, it is a love story. He talks to Annabel Smith about his poignant masterpiece.

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

Free, no bookings

19 THE MITFORD SISTERS Fri 19 Feb, 1–2pm Dolphin Theatre The contrasting lives of the Mitford sisters – by turns, stylish, scandalous and tragic – hold up a mirror to upper-class life before and after the Second World War. Laura Thompson recounts their intertwined stories to Geraldine Blake. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

20 ICONS Fri 19 Feb, 1–2pm Murdoch Lecture Theatre Many of us will have grown up with the iconic Penguin and Puffin books.

Stuart Kells takes us behind the scenes of one of the 20th century’s greatest publishing houses in Penguin and the Lane Brothers, while Nancy Underhill digs through the myths that surround one of Australia’s most famous artists in Sidney Nolan: A Life. They talk to Donna Ward.

Free, no bookings

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

21 THE ROMANOVS

16 COMMON THREADS

Fri 19 Feb, 1–2pm Octagon Theatre

Fri 19 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Woolnough Lecture Theatre

From Peter the Great's brilliant brutality to Catherine the Great’s imperial triumphs, Simon Sebag Montefiore reveals how the Russian empire was built by a family of geniuses, tyrants, madmen and nymphomaniacs, and examines Russian leaders, from Ivan the Terrible to Putin.

With Bron Sibree.

A Guide to Berlin by Gail Jones is a brilliant examination of the strength and fragility of our connections; The World Without Us

by Mireille Juchau is a moving account of a family making sense of love and loss.

They talk with William Yeoman about the common threads in their writing.

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

Free, no bookings

7 DISRUPTION

12 CRIMINALLY MINDED

Fri 19 Feb, 10–11am Romeo Tent

Fri 19 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Murdoch Lecture Theatre

The protagonist of Catherine Lacey’s new novel disrupts her life in Manhattan to hitchhike around New Zealand; Stephanie Bishop’s characters move from London to Perth in the 60s, looking for happiness. They talk to Angela Meyer about the search for contentment.

Three masters of the crime genre, Peter May, Alan Carter and Garry Disher, have spent their literary lives getting inside the heads of criminal masterminds. They discuss writing about the underbelly of society with Dawn Barker.

Free, no bookings

Free, no bookings

17 ON THE HEARTS OF MEN Fri 19 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Writers Central

22 CALL TO ARMS Fri 19 Feb, 1–2pm Romeo Tent

The new books by Gregory Day, Stephen Daisley and Lucy Treloar explore masculinity and what it means to be a man in Australia between the mid-1800s and mid-1900s, from lives spent working the land to the impact and after-effects of war. They talk to Jane Cornes.

The majority of the world’s scientists agree that we are headed towards an environmental calamity if we don’t dramatically cut greenhouse emissions, yet there is a distinct lack of public interest on the subject. Peter Doherty, James Bradley and Paolo Bacigalupi consider the role fiction can play in getting the message across with David Cohen.

Free, no bookings

Free, no bookings

Friday 19 February

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Bookings and Festival info 08 6488 5555 | perthfestival.com.au 24 ELECTION STORIES

28 COMING INTO FOCUS

Fri 19 Feb, 1–2pm Winthrop Hall

Fri 19 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Murdoch Lecture Theatre

Politicians and their advisers are savvier than ever when it comes to crafting an image. They’re using social media to sidestep journos and engage directly with voters – and voters are engaging right back in a way once reserved for lobbyists.

It’s all rich pickings from which journalists can construct their own narratives. So why do so many believe the system is broken? George Megalogenis and Laura Tingle speak with Michael Beach.

Presented by the Walkley Foundation.

The new fiction by Catherine Lacey, Miles Allinson and Laura van den Berg features protagonists searching for answers about themselves. They speak to Emily Paull about introspective characters.

Free, no bookings

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

34 FAMILY DYNAMICS

Fri 19 Feb, 1–2pm Woolnough Lecture Theatre

26 IN BRAZIL Fri 19 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Alexander Lecture Theatre Seven years of travel in Brazil saw Fran Bryson develop a fascination with the country that turned into an obsession.

From the Amazon jungle to the glittering modern city of Brasília, Brazil revealed itself as a colourful and contradictory nation. She talks to David Cohen.

Free, no bookings

27 IN LOVE AND WAR Fri 19 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Dolphin Theatre In the aftermath of the Battle of Britain, airmen filled a small English town where pioneering plastic surgeon, Archibald McIndoe, established revolutionary surgery. For a young Liz Byrski growing up in East Grinstead, the burnt faces of these airmen filled her nightmares. In her late 60s, Byrski returned to make peace with her memories and to speak with the survivors, known as the Guinea Pig Club. She and William Yeoman read from Byrski’s new book, In Love and War, and Richard Hillary’s The Last Enemy. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

33 THE CREATIVES Pip Lincolne is one of Australia’s best known bloggers, infusing her life with creativity and optimism; Beci Orpin is an internationally adored illustrator, designer and artist. They talk to Meri Fatin about being creative every day.

25 THIS PLACE CALLED HOME

Free, no bookings

Free, no bookings

Fri 19 Feb, 4–5pm Dolphin Theatre

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

What does home mean to you? Is it a physical space, a refuge, a place of comfort or a state of mind? We ask Hyeonseo Lee, David Carlin and Diane Fresquez to share their ideas of home.

With Vivienne Glance.

Dennis Haskell’s Ahead of Us contains poems of love and partnership; The Subject of Feeling by Peter Rose meditates on youth and maturity, love and infatuation, memory, music and loss. They share their new poetry with Kate Noske.

29 DOMESTICATED? Fri 19 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Octagon Theatre Novelist Kate Mosse wrote, ‘When men write about domesticity, it’s seen as great literature. When women do it, it’s seen as women’s issues.’ Susan Johnson, Helen Ellis and Lauren Groff consider the power of the domestic with Susan Midalia. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

30 ARCADIA Fri 19 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Romeo Tent Originally conceived as an interactive app, Iain Pears’ Arcadia is an incredible work of imagination. With multiple narratives and interconnected universes, it is a feat of storytelling. He talks to Annabel Smith.

Fri 19 Feb, 4–5pm Woolnough Lecture Theatre Great literature makes us see things differently, illuminating the human experience. Three new novels by Tony Birch, Stephen Daisley and Virginia Reeves explore the breadth of our humanity. They talk to Amanda Curtin.

Family relationships can be such rich sources of subject matter. Peggy Frew, Myfanwy Jones, Sara Foster and Michelle Michau-Crawford contemplate the thread of family in their writing. With John Harman.

39 FINE-TUNING: CONNECTIONS BETWEEN LITERATURE AND MUSIC

Free, no bookings

Author Gregory Day talks to Jae Laffer about the parallels between his novel writing and songwriting before an intimate performance (5–5.40pm).

Lucky Oceans is a radio presenter and musician, who also writes for film and television. He discusses the literature that has shaped his music and songwriting, before performing live (5.50–6.30pm).

35 A NATURAL PERSPECTIVE Fri 19 Feb, 4–5pm Octagon Theatre Don Watson’s The Bush is an epic portrait of Australia’s landscape and examines how the bush has shaped our cultural identity. Simon Winchester‘s biography of the Pacific Ocean explores this imposing force of nature and its role in our world.

They talk to Vivienne Glance. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

31 IN THE BEGINNING …

Fri 19 Feb, 4–5pm Romeo Tent

When writing historical fiction, what comes first – the story or the research?

Guinevere Glasfurd and Patrick Gale talk about the genesis of their recent novels with Natasha Lester.

Alice Nelson and Leah Kaminsky are two writers chronicling uncomfortable truths with grace notes of beauty and hope. They are in conversation about the importance of subject matter that challenges us and why they, as writers, are compelled to explore it.

With Donna Ward.

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

Free, no bookings

32 POETICA

37 BOOK LAUNCH: A MURDER WITHOUT MOTIVE

Lucy Dougan’s The Guardians explores the intrusions of ‘the wild’ into daily life;

38 CHANGING THE WORLD

Free, no bookings

36 BEARING WITNESS

Fri 19 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Woolnough Lecture Theatre

Free, no bookings

Fri 19 Feb, 4–5pm Murdoch Lecture Theatre

Free, no bookings

Fri 19 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Winthrop Hall

A Murder Without Motive is a police procedural, a meditation on suffering and an exploration of how parts of the justice system make sense of the senseless. It is also a memoir – a mapping of the suburbs in which the author grew up and a revelation of the dangerous underbelly of adolescent ennui. Join Martin McKenzieMurray for the launch of his new book.

Fri 19 Feb, 4–5pm Tropical Grove

Fri 19 Feb, 5–6.30pm Writers Central

Free, no bookings

40 THE BIG PICTURE Fri 19 Feb, 5.30–7.30pm Dolphin Theatre Clade author James Bradley shares his love for A Hard Day’s Night with Sarah McNeill. The Beatles’ first film is a joyous 1964 escapade from Liverpool to London and reveals the amazing dynamic between the ‘fab four’.

Free, no bookings

41 BAREFACED STORIES Fri 19 Feb, 6.30–8.30pm Octagon Theatre Barefaced Stories is Australia’s longestrunning live storytelling series. Kerry O’Sullivan and Andrea Gibbs host writers from Australia and around the globe as they take to the stage armed only with true-life tales. Theme: ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’.

Full line-up at perthfestival.com.au. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

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Saturday 20 February Bookings and Festival info 08 6488 5555 | perthfestival.com.au 42 THE TSARNAEV BROTHERS Sat 20 Feb, 10–11am Alexander Lecture Theatre Masha Gessen draws on her unique insight to discover the reasons for the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing by the Tsarnaev brothers. How did such a nightmare come to pass? With Kirsti Melville.

FROM PADDOCK TO PRINT 43 DARE TO DREAM Sat 20 Feb, 10–11am Dolphin Theatre Michelle Crawford ditched the bright lights of Sydney for a rambling farmhouse in the Tasmanian countryside; Sophie Zalokar teaches cooking classes and runs a restaurant focusing on the incredible produce of WA’s South West; Alice Zaslavsky brings her message of edible adventure and positive engagement through food to little people across the country. They talk about turning your food dreams into reality with Jane Cornes. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

45 ON TREND Sat 20 Feb, 10–11am Octagon Theatre We’ve foraged for wild samphire, dined head to tail, searched for food trucks and feasted on dude food. So what’s the next big trend and should we pay attention to it? Valli Little and Anna Jones consider.

levels of obesity; we’re told daily to eat less sugar, eat less fat, eat more good fat, go paleo, eat protein, drop carbs, don’t eat meat and so on. Do we need to analyse every mouthful or will moderation suffice?

Damon Gameau and Simon Bryant give Jane Cornes the skinny on healthy living. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

62 SOUTHERN BOUNTY Sat 20 Feb, 1–2pm Dolphin Theatre As consumers, we are starting to pay attention to the importance of locally sourced produce for ethical and quality reasons. We are lucky to have an abundance of high-quality fresh food growers working in the south-west of Western Australia. Sophie Zalokar and Danielle Costley have scoured the region for some of the best and most interesting producers in their new books; they share their culinary journeys with Danielle Benda.

Sat 20 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Dolphin Theatre Indira Naidoo, Paul West and Chris Ferreira are three foodies with environmental concerns at the forefront of their endeavours, from kitchen gardens to hobby farms. They talk to Di Darmody about sustainable cooking and the grassroots revolution underway in Australian food production. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

72 COMFORT FOOD Sat 20 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Octagon Theatre Some of our earliest memories are intricately connected to food, the taste and smell of food being incredibly evocative. Food is also present in some of the biggest moments of our lives – a meal shared on a first date, a celebratory birthday dinner, a wedding cake.

Diane Fresquez and Sophie Zalokar talk to Jane Cornes about the importance of food to memory-making. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

79 THE NEW VEGETARIANS

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

Sat 20 Feb, 4–5pm Dolphin Theatre

64 EATING WITH THE EYES

At a time when the World Health Organisation has warned that we are eating too much meat, Simon Bryant and Anna Jones’ refreshing take on vegetarian cooking provides an exciting alternative.

They talk to Vivienne Glance about the new stars of contemporary cooking.

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

52 THE SUSTAINABLE TABLE

13th-floor balcony into a bountiful kitchen garden, it changed her life forever. Join her as she shares some of Australia’s most innovative kitchen gardens.

Sat 20 Feb, 1–2pm Octagon Theatre The old adage that we eat with our eyes couldn’t be more relevant given that, these days, our first response when a dish is served is often to whip out a smartphone, photograph the meal and share it online.

How does the presentation of our food affect our enjoyment of it? Three masters of food styling, Michelle Crawford, Anna Jones and Valli Little, share their experience with Sarah Schladow. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

54 IT’S ALL COMMON SENSE

70 THE EDIBLE CITY

Sat 20 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Octagon Theatre

Sat 20 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Dolphin Theatre

Our country is facing unprecedented

When Indira Naidoo transformed her tiny

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

Free, no bookings

44 LITERARY IDENTITIES Sat 20 Feb, 10–11am Murdoch Lecture Theatre Stuart Kells has written the portrait of a remarkable family and publishing powerhouse in Penguin and the Lane Brothers; Suzanne Falkiner unravels the reasons behind Randolph Stow’s quiet retreat from Australia and the wider literary world in Mick: A Life of Randolph Stow. They share their rich literary biographies with Geraldine Blake.

Free, no bookings

46 WE ARE AUSTRALIAN Sat 20 Feb, 10–11am Romeo Tent What does it mean to be Australian today? Australia has prided itself on being a tolerant, multicultural nation where anyone can succeed regardless of their background. Stan Grant, Rosemary Sayer and Yassmin Abdel-Magied consider whether this is still the case.

With George Megalogenis.

Free, no bookings

47 HOT DEBUTS Sat 20 Feb, 10–11am Tropical Grove Laura Barnett, Portland Jones and Aoife Clifford are three writers who’ve garnered lots of publication buzz. They talk to Bron Sibree about their exciting new novels and the path to publication.

Free, no bookings

81 THE MASTERCHEF EFFECT

48 LIFE IS MESSY

Sat 20 Feb, 4–5pm Octagon Theatre

Sat 20 Feb, 10–11am University Club Theatre

We have an insatiable appetite for cooking programs, food blogs, cookbooks and food magazines. What is it about food in the public sphere that has us entranced?

Valli Little, Alice Zaslavsky and Paul West share their insights.

We humans are imperfect beings; we have messy relationships, awkward moments and complicated internal lives, all of which make for brilliant material to explore in novels. Lisa Genova, Richard McHugh and Debra Oswald delve into human nature with Danielle Benda.

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

Saturday 20 February

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Bookings and Festival info 08 6488 5555 | perthfestival.com.au 49 THE PACIFIC Sat 20 Feb, 10–11am Winthrop Hall The Pacific Ocean occupies roughly 165 million square kilometres and nearly one third of the world’s surface. It has the Earth’s deepest trenches and is the generator of much of the world’s weather.

Simon Winchester takes us on a thrilling journey through the astonishing recent past, an uncertain present and the future of this incredible body of water. With Michael Cathcart. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

50 MINUTIAE

57 AUSTRALIAN POETS FESTIVAL: 9x5 THE BIG READ WA

77 ECONOBABBLE

Sat 20 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Tropical Grove

What is ‘econobabble’? We hear it every day – when public figures and commentators use incomprehensible economic jargon to dress up their selfinterest as the national interest, to make the absurd seem inevitable or the inequitable seem fair. Join Richard Denniss for an entertaining and enlightening journey through the world of econobabble.

Feel free to bring in any examples you come across to share in the session.

Nine poets, five minutes each. Experience the latest in Australian poetry and some classics from the Western Australian archive. Each poet reads a favourite work by the likes of Randolph Stow, Dorothy Hewett, Jack Davis and others, and follows it up with a poem, or two, of their own. Featuring poets Fay Zwicky, Lucy Dougan, Steven Finch, Miriam Wei Wei Lo, Amy Hilhorst, Cassandra Atherton, Kevin Brophy, Charmaine PapertalkGreen and David Musgrave.

Sat 20 Feb, 10–11am Woolnough Lecture Theatre

Free, no bookings

Gripping literature hinges on getting the little details right, from the baking heat of a Perth summer to words shared in a marriage. Susan Midalia, Steven Carroll and Stephanie Bishop consider the influence of ordinary moments on their writing. With Donna Ward.

58 HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Free, no bookings

51 COMING OF AGE Sat 20 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Alexander Lecture Theatre Growing up is an awkward business, particularly if you’re not one of the cool crowd. What advice would you give your younger self? We’ve asked Rosie Waterland, Todd Alexander and David Burton to share theirs. With AJ Betts.

Free, no bookings

53 PLOTTING AND PLANNING Sat 20 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Murdoch Lecture Theatre Twists and turns, surprises and discoveries are essential elements of crime fiction.

Caroline de Costa, Alan Carter and Ann Turner share how they keep their stories straight with Ray Glickman.

Free, no bookings

55 LITERARY LOVERS Sat 20 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Romeo Tent Some books wear their literary hearts on their sleeves, referencing, playing and meditating on writing and literature.

Gail Jones, Miles Allinson and Debra Adelaide share their new novels and the literary traditions that have influenced them. With Rose Michael.

Free, no bookings

Sat 20 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm University Club Theatre What’s the key to a happy marriage? In her dazzling new novel, Fates and Furies, Lauren Groff examines what it takes to keep a marriage alive and healthy. She talks to Emily Paull about happiness and discontent, secrets and truth. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

59 EMPATHY DEFICIT Sat 20 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Winthrop Hall Empathy is a buzzword at the moment – Malcolm Turnbull has talked about the importance of emotional intelligence while Barack Obama has spoken often about the pressing problem of America’s empathy deficit. Can we take heart from these declarations that governments are changing? Karen Hitchcock, Roman Krznaric and Clare O’Neil consider what an empathic government could achieve.

With Meri Fatin. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

60 A WRITERLY CONVERSATION Sat 20 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Woolnough Lecture Theatre Work Like Any Other by Virginia Reeves is an astonishingly accomplished, morally complicated debut; The High Places by Fiona McFarlane is a richly nuanced collection of 14 brilliantly inventive stories.

They speak with Angela Meyer about their writing and influences.

Free, no bookings

Sat 20 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Writers Central

Free, no bookings

61 WROUGHT BY WAR Sat 20 Feb, 1–2pm Alexander Lecture Theatre Anthony Marra, AS Patri and Leah Kaminsky are three writers exploring the terrain of war and the damage caused by conflicts in Chechnya, Bosnia and Israel. They share their moving and powerful writing with Kathryn Shine.

Free, no bookings

others become the lifeblood of poetry communities across Australia, working as poets as well as publishers, editors, academics, or all of the above. Join four such poets as they read their poetry and discuss how it works (and how they work).

Featuring David Musgrave (Puncher & Wattmann), Lucy Dougan (Westerly), Peter Rose (Australian Book Review), Alexis Lateef (Writ Poetry Review) and chaired by Terri-ann White (UWA Publishing).

Free, no bookings

67 WORST WORDS Sat 20 Feb, 1–2pm University Club Theatre As the language of business and work grows ever more depleted and politicians hide in thickets of endless repeated messages, platitudes and clichés, the inimitable Don Watson returns to highlight the decline of public language.

Calling into question the meaning of such phrases as ‘cluster deployment’ or the ubiquitous ‘operational matters’, he will make you cringe and laugh at the same time. With Stuart Kells.

63 NOSTALGIA

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

Sat 20 Feb, 1–2pm Murdoch Lecture Theatre

68 THE MAP OF CHAOS

Stephanie Bishop beautifully captures the longing for home of dislocated characters in The Other Side of the World, while Tony Birch’s Ghost River is a lament for the Yarra River of the 60s, lost to encroaching suburbia. They talk to Natasha Lester about nostalgia.

Free, no bookings

65 TRUE CRIME Sat 20 Feb, 1–2pm Romeo Tent Kidnapped by Mark Tedeschi is the riveting account of Australia’s only known kidnapping of a child for ransom; A Murder Without Motive by Martin McKenzie-Murray examines the killing of Perth girl, Rebecca Ryle. They talk to Amanda Ellis about senseless crimes.

Free, no bookings

66 AUSTRALIAN POETS FESTIVAL: MYSTERIOUS WAYS Sat 20 Feb, 1–2pm Tropical Grove Poets work in mysterious ways, not only in their poetry but also in their vocations. While some tinker with words for the Macquarie Dictionary, or work in an assortment of odd jobs, many

Sat 20 Feb, 1–2pm Woolnough Lecture Theatre Felix J Palma has been acclaimed by critics as one of the most brilliant and original storytellers of our time. A master of ingenious plotting, he brings together a cast of real and imagined literary characters in Victorian London. He talks to Ara Jansen. This session is in Spanish with an English translation.

Free, no bookings

69 FOREBODING Sat 20 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Alexander Lecture Theatre Tropical Noosa and an enigmatic antihero; England’s ruggedly beautiful Lake District and a 17-year-old with a secret; and a wretchedly cold night in the North Atlantic and a ship that looks on as the Titanic sinks – three new novels by Garry Disher, Sara Foster and David Dyer will have you gripped with suspense. With Ara Jansen.

Free, no bookings

8

Saturday 20 February Bookings and Festival info 08 6488 5555 | perthfestival.com.au

71 A NOVEL FORM

76 SHARED NARRATIVES

Sat 20 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Murdoch Lecture Theatre

Sat 20 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Woolnough Lecture Theatre

What’s the best way to tell a story and does it depend on the subject? Three writers working between novels, short stories, songwriting and poetry share their take on form. Gregory Day, Fiona McFarlane and Laura van den Berg talk to Laurie Steed.

Liz Byrski, Melinda Tognini, Rosemary Sayer and Alice Nelson have recently spent time recording and transcribing incredible true stories. They talk to Bruce Russell about stories told in the oral tradition.

Free, no bookings

78 SCREEN STARS

73 THE WINTER OF OUR LIVES

Sat 20 Feb, 4–5pm Alexander Lecture Theatre

Sat 20 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Romeo Tent By 2042, Australia can expect to have more than one million people over the age of 85. While this is a triumph of modern medicine, both our health system and society are struggling to adapt. Karen Hitchcock, in her recent Quarterly Essay piece, and Lisa Genova, through her much-loved novels, are two writers providing compelling insight about the end of life. They speak to Kirsti Melville.

Free, no bookings

74 DOROTHY HEWETT UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPT AWARD Sat 20 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Tropical Grove The Dorothy Hewett Award for an unpublished manuscript was established last year in response to the diminution of the WA Premier’s Awards. Join Gillian O’Shaughnessy for a celebration of Western Australian writing at the announcement of this $10,000 prize. The award is administered by UWA Publishing and supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund and 720 ABC Perth.

Free, no bookings

75 BHARTI KHER: IN HER OWN LANGUAGE Sat 20 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm University Club Theatre Internationally acclaimed artist, Bharti Kher, presents an illustrated talk on her art, offering insights into what has informed her compelling creative language and imagery. Kher’s global career stems from the pulse of her studio in New Delhi.

She was born in the UK to Indian parents and moved to India after graduating from art school in 1991. This session is presented in association with the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery, host of Kher’s first solo exhibition in Australia for PIAF. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

Free, no bookings

Known for his frequent contributions to The New Yorker and National Public Radio’s This American Life, Etgar Keret is a master storyteller. Moving deftly between the personal and the political, the playful and the profound, his hilarious memoir is a tender and entertaining tale of a father bringing up his son in a country beset by wars and alarms. He talks to Michael Cathcart. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

82 BREAKING THE IMPASSE Sat 20 Feb, 4–5pm Romeo Tent We’re at a tipping point when it comes to global warming and yet political discourse on the subject is often reduced to point scoring. How do we overcome the leftright impasse to achieve a collective will for action? Peter Doherty, Richard Denniss and Laura Tingle talk to Di Darmody.

Free, no bookings

83 LOVE STORIES Sat 20 Feb, 4–5pm Tropical Grove Love is one of literature’s great subjects, from heartbreak to lust and true love.

Shirley Barrett, Laura Barnett and Susan Johnson consider love in all its forms with Ara Jansen.

Free, no bookings

84 THE SEVEN GOOD YEARS Sat 20 Feb, 4–5pm University Club Theatre

Sat 20 Feb, 5.30–7.30pm Dolphin Theatre

89 PURPLE PROSE LAUNCH

80 THIS FRAGILE LIFE

Free, no bookings

88 THE BIG PICTURE

Free, no bookings

Free, no bookings

Dennis Haskell’s new poetry celebrates life and the fragile thread that holds us here; Mireille Juchau explores the impact of the loss of a child on a family and community; Myfanwy Jones looks at the transformative power of grief. They talk to Susan Midalia.

Free, no bookings

Undermajordomo Minor author, Patrick deWitt, introduces Hollywood exile Joseph Losey’s 1963 London-set comedic psychodrama, The Servant, in which Dirk Bogarde’s obsequious servant invades the life and mind of a louche aristocrat. The film screens after the discussion.

Debra Oswald, Fiona Wood and Peter May honed their craft as screenwriters before moving to literature.

Common to all media is the need for a strong story – they talk to Ann Turner about the move from screen to book.

Sat 20 Feb, 4–5pm Murdoch Lecture Theatre

of 1980s Perth band, The Triffids, chats to Laffer about her music career and how she finds inspiration for her writing. Birt also reflects on the literature that has had an impact on her life and the books she treasures. Laffer accompanies Birt as she plays a couple of songs live (5.50–6.30pm).

85 OPEN DOORS Sat 20 Feb, 4–5pm Winthrop Hall In his new book, Australia’s Second Chance, George Megalogenis suggests that Australia has prospered most when we have opened our doors to migrants.

He talks to Richard Fidler about what we can gain by welcoming new arrivals. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

86 TIME SHIFTS Sat 20 Feb, 4–5pm Woolnough Lecture Theatre Felix J Palma’s The Map of Chaos is the final in his award-winning trilogy, spanning time and space; Iain Pears’ Arcadia is a richly imagined adventure story with interlocking worlds and time shifts. They talk to Andrew Cameron about their inventive fiction.

Free, no bookings

Sat 20 Feb, 5.30–6.30pm Tropical Grove What do pigeon fanciers, Dockers fans and King George all have in common?

In Purple Prose, Liz Byrski and Rachel Robertson introduce 15 new works by Australian women, each responding to the colour purple. Contributors include Hanifa Deen, Tracy Farr, Annamaria Weldon and Jacqueline Wright. Sponsored by Fremantle Press.

Free, no bookings

90 RECKONING Sat 20 Feb, 6.30–7.30pm Octagon Theatre Magda Szubanski has spent years making us laugh. Now she shares her personal story, from a suburban childhood, haunted by the demons of her father’s espionage activities in wartime Poland, to the complex dramas of adulthood.

Szubanski’s memoir is honest, poignant and utterly captivating. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

87 FINE-TUNING: 91 SKETCH THE RHYME CONNECTIONS BETWEEN Sat 20 Feb, 6.30–7.30pm LITERATURE AND MUSIC Sat 20 Feb, 5–6.30pm Writers Central Peggy Frew, author and member of Melbourne band, The Art of Fighting, and Mick Turner, artist and mainstay guitarist for Dirty Three, join Jae Laffer to reflect on their literary influences. Frew and Turner perform together, and discuss the blend between art forms and the passion that drives their creativity (5–5.40pm). Jill Birt, keyboardist and sometimes vocalist

Romeo Tent

Join Sketch the Rhyme’s MC Rapaport, MC P Smurf, artist Sam Clouston and music director Josh Ahearn as they play off against each other in a game show, inspired by Pictionary, Celebrity Heads and Mr Squiggle. This energy-fuelled event combines poetry, rap, visual art and music. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

Sunday 21 February

9

Bookings and Festival info 08 6488 5555 | perthfestival.com.au 98 TRADE SECRETS

Sun 21 Feb, 10–11am Alexander Lecture Theatre

Sun 21 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Alexander Lecture Theatre

There is a general unease about the state of Australian politics with anxiety about the economy, a lack of long-term planning and the dominance of the five-minute news cycle. So what’s the way forward?

Laura Tingle, Clare O’Neil and Richard Denniss talk to Gene Tilbrook.

Disturbing discoveries, hidden secrets and flawed narration are hallmarks of gripping thrillers. Ann Turner, Aoife Clifford and Peter May share their tools of the trade when it comes to spellbinding fiction. With John Harman.

Free, no bookings

Free, no bookings

93 THE BUSH

99 BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS

Sun 21 Feb, 10–11am Dolphin Theatre

Sun 21 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Dolphin Theatre

The bush is intricately connected to our sense of identity and features prominently in Australian art and literature. Victoria Laurie, Don Watson and Charlotte Wood consider this symbol of Australian identity.

With Gregory Day.

Robert Wainwright has written the first full-length biography of George Ingle Finch – maverick Australian mountaineer, scientist, concert pianist and little known World War I hero; Laura Thompson has explored the lives of the Mitford sisters – eccentric, bright young things of interwar London. They talk to Sarah Schladow about their fascinating subjects.

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

94 WHAT’S IN A NAME? Sun 21 Feb, 10–11am University Club Theatre How important is the title of a book in setting the tone and does the author have anything to do with it? Clade, Fates and Furies and Nobody Is Ever Missing are the three new titles from James Bradley, Lauren Groff and Catherine Lacey. They share their stories with Annabel Smith. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

95 SILENCED Sun 21 Feb, 10–11am Winthrop Hall Hyeonseo Lee grew up in North Korea where dissention was punishable by death or imprisonment; Masha Gessen is a writer noted for her vocal opposition to Vladimir Putin; Thor Kerr is a Perthbased academic prevented from speaking on an environmental panel at the recent Ubud Writers and Readers Festival; Janet DeNeefe is the director of that Festival and was forced to cancel a number of events.

They talk to Krishna Sen about censorship. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

100 IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA Sun 21 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Octagon Theatre Paul West is the face of River Cottage Australia, sharing with us his life and food journey; Damon Gameau is an Australian actor-turned-sugar-free-crusader, documenting the effects of sugar in his recent documentary; Marc Fennell is ‘that movie guy’ and the host of SBS’s The Feed. They talk to Tony Malkovic about life in front of the camera. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

101 LIFE STORIES Sun 21 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm University Club Theatre Luminous, profound and hugely enjoyable, The Waiting Room by Leah Kaminsky depicts the life of a doctor in the melting-pot of Haifa, Israel. She discusses writing about people behind the headlines with Jane Cornes. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

96 REIMAGINING Sun 21 Feb, 10–11am Woolnough Lecture Theatre A 17th-century maid, a family of whalers, graziers working the harsh Australian land – three historical moments reimagined.

Guinevere Glasfurd, Shirley Barrett and Lucy Treloar talk to Ian Reid about their new fiction.

Free, no bookings

102 WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THIS Sun 21 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Winthrop Hall Jane Caro’s deeply personal memoir depicts her battle with anxiety; Stan Grant was compelled to write his forthright new book as a result of racismrelated incidents in the AFL; Lindsay

Tanner is interested in giving a voice to members of society who are often without one. They talk to Kathryn Shine about the importance of public conversation. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

103 RAISING THE BAR Sun 21 Feb, 11.30am–12.30pm Woolnough Lecture Theatre Mark Tedeschi and Richard McHugh are successful lawyers who’ve recently written acclaimed books. What is it about the discipline of law that nurtures writing talent? They talk to David Cohen about their love of law and literature.

Free, no bookings

104 ON THE FRINGE Sun 21 Feb, 1–2pm Alexander Lecture Theatre Black Rock White City by AS Patri explores the immigrant experience with ferocity, beauty and humour; Comfort Zone by Lindsay Tanner is an astute novel about Australian racism; and Resurrection Bay by Emma Viskic features a profoundly deaf protagonist who has always lived on the outside. They share their new novels with Dawn Barker.

Free, no bookings

106 THE WATER KNIFE Sun 21 Feb, 1–2pm Octagon Theatre Paolo Bacigalupi’s The Windup Girl was one of the most celebrated science-fiction debuts of all time, winning both the Hugo and Nebula awards. His new novel, The Water Knife, is a thrilling exploration of a future blighted by drought. Bringing the potential effects of climate change to life, Bacigalupi weaves a compelling tale that calls into question our moral obligations in caring for the planet. He talks to Michael Cathcart about his new book. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

107 IT’S A STRANGE WORLD Sun 21 Feb, 1–2pm University Club Theatre Novelist Jasper Fforde is the creator of the much-loved Thursday Next series, a magic blend of fantasy, comedy and crime; Felix J Palma burst onto the publishing scene with his highly original novel, The Map of Time, a genre-bending delight. They talk to Amanda Ellis. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

108 RUSSIA THEN AND NOW Sun 21 Feb, 1–2pm Winthrop Hall

Image cr. Elsa Crawford

92 FUTURE GAZING

105 HYGGE Sun 21 Feb, 1–2pm Dolphin Theatre The Danish word ‘hygge’ is usually translated into English as 'social cosiness' or 'wellbeing'. It’s a way of life rooted in togetherness and appreciating life’s joys, and it’s one of the reasons the people of Denmark are some of the happiest in the world. Should Australians take a leaf out of the Danes' book? Michelle Crawford and Pip Lincolne consider their recipe for happiness with Geraldine Blake. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

Historian Simon Sebag Montefiore has spent years studying the history of Russia, from the Romanov dynasty to Stalin; Russian-American journalist Masha Gessen has written extensively on Russian society and politics, including a critical biography of Vladimir Putin. They share their insights with David Cohen. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

109 IN THE STORYTELLER’S HANDS Sun 21 Feb, 1–2pm Woolnough Lecture Theatre Laura Barnett, Debra Adelaide and Iain Pears play with narrative in their recent novels. They talk to Rachel Robertson about the way they shape their stories.

Free, no bookings

110 INTERCONNECTED Sun 21 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Alexander Lecture Theatre Laura van den Berg’s Find Me is a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of a dystopian future and an exploration of loneliness; Mireille Juchau’s The World Without Us is an evocative

10

Sunday 21 February Bookings and Festival info 08 6488 5555 | perthfestival.com.au

exploration of secrets and survival, family and community, loss and renewal; Anthony Marra’s A Constellation of Vital Phenomena weaves an intricate tale about the transcendent power of love in wartime. They talk to Rose Michael about their standout fiction.

Free, no bookings

111 THROUGH THE MOVIE REEL Sun 21 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Dolphin Theatre Join Australia’s most listened-to film critic, Marc Fennell, as he tells the hidden stories behind the movies you know and love, and introduces you to a world of cinema you never knew existed. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

112 THE GIRL WITH SEVEN NAMES

114 ON THE FUNNY SIDE Sun 21 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm University Club Theatre The new books by Patrick deWitt, Etgar Keret and Helen Ellis span the darkly absurd to the profoundly funny. They will have you laughing along as they talk to Laurie Steed about writing humour. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

115 ABSTRACT PURSUITS Sun 21 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Woolnough Lecture Theatre Miles Allinson’s Fever of Animals is an utterly original novel that plays with truth and fiction, while The Abyssian Contortionist by David Carlin is an engaging joint memoir that is self-reflective and creative in scope. They talk to Angela Meyer about their compelling writing.

Free, no bookings

118 KNOWLEDGE IS EVERYTHING Sun 21 Feb, 4–5pm Octagon Theatre As we hurtle towards a future where climate change has impacted our day-today lives, racism continues to confront us and the food we buy comes from megacorporations that have squeezed out the small independent producer, it is hard not to feel despondent. Peter Doherty and Yassmin Abdel-Magied talk about people power and the importance of knowledge.

With Sarah Schladow.

121 USEFUL Sun 21 Feb, 4–5pm University Club Theatre Debra Oswald, creator of Australian television series Offspring, has written a smart and moving portrait of one man’s desire to give something of himself in her novel, Useful. She talks to Jane Cornes. $13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

122 FINE-TUNING: CONNECTIONS BETWEEN LITERATURE AND MUSIC

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

Sun 21 Feb, 5–6.30pm Writers Central

119 RANDOLPH STOW: LETTERS, PICTURES AND CONVERSATIONS

Patrick Gale is a highly acclaimed author and accomplished cello player, while Emma Viskic is a crime writer and classical clarinettist. They talk to Jae Laffer about the role of music in their lives and how it impacts their writing (5–5.40pm). Joel Rapaport is a rapper, producer and guitarist from Sydney.

Founder of performance group, Sketch the Rhyme, he plays with language and form, and uses words to communicate and inspire. Rapaport performs live and reflects on the poets and artists who have influenced his music and writing (5.50–6.30pm).

Sun 21 Feb, 4–5pm Romeo Tent

Sun 21 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Octagon Theatre

116 LOOKING SOUTH

As a child growing up in North Korea, Hyeonseo Lee was one of millions trapped by a secretive and brutal communist regime. Aged 17, she escaped to China and 12 years later, she was reunited with her family. She shares her story with Rosemary Sayer.

Western Australia’s South West is a global hotspot of biodiversity. Ruth Little talks to Victoria Laurie about the culture and ecology of this extraordinary region.

In presenting this year’s Westerly Centre Randolph Stow Memorial Lecture, Suzanne Falkiner offers a rich insight into the author's life and writing. The lecture is supported by research for her new biography, Mick: A Life of Randolph Stow, and features a presentation of related photographs. Join us for this celebration of one of WA’s finest writers.

Free, no bookings

Free, no bookings

Free, no bookings

117 LARGER THAN LIFE

120 BOOK LAUNCH: SEEING THE ELEPHANT

123 THE BIG PICTURE

Sun 21 Feb, 4–5pm Alexander Lecture Theatre

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

113 BOOK LAUNCH: ALL THAT IS LOST BETWEEN US Sun 21 Feb, 2.30–3.30pm Tropical Grove Set against the rugged beauty of England’s Lake District, All That Is Lost Between Us is a timeless thriller with a modern twist. Join Sara Foster for the launch of her suspenseful new novel.

Free, no bookings

Sun 21 Feb, 4–5pm Dolphin Theatre One of Australia’s most famous cultural figures, Sidney Nolan, was a complicated artistic genius; Australian mountaineer, George Ingle Finch, was, in his day, one of the most famous men in the world. Their biographers, Nancy Underhill and Robert Wainwright, talk to William Yeoman about writing the lives of legendary subjects.

Sun 21 Feb, 4–5pm Tropical Grove Exploring trauma and memory, friendship and joy, Portland Jones’ novel, Seeing the Elephant, was shortlisted for the 2014 TAG Hungerford Award. Join us for its launch.

Free, no bookings

Sun 21 Feb, 5.30–7.30pm Dolphin Theatre Fates and Furies author, Lauren Groff, introduces a delicious Hollywood battle of the sexes. The Philadelphia Story is a romantic farce about a divorcee socialite threatened with scandal. Were Grant and Hepburn ever better? We think not. The film screens after the discussion.

Free, no bookings

$13.50/Friends $12.50/Students $10.50

LOTTERYWEST FESTIVAL FILMS

THE END OF THE TOUR

Cast: Jason Segel, Jesse Eisenberg, Joan Cusack, Anna Chlumsky DIRECTOR JAMES PONSOLDT, 106 mins, M Mon 15–Sun 21 Feb, 8pm | UWA Somerville Tue 23–Sun 28 Feb, 8pm | ECU Joondalup Pines

USA

This film relives the 1996 meeting-of-minds between author, David Foster Wallace, who was hurtling towards unprecedented fame for Infinite Jest, and hotshot journalist, David Lipsky. During their road trip through the wintry beauty of the American Midwest, these two smart but fragile minds debate everything, from art, writing and ego to candy, television and Die Hard.

FRIDAY 19 FEBRUARY Pages 4–5

Alexander Lecture Theatre

Dolphin Theatre

Murdoch Lecture Theatre

Octagon Theatre

Romeo Tent

Tropical Grove

Winthrop Hall

Woolnough Lecture Theatre

Writers Central

FREE

TICKETED

FREE

TICKETED

FREE

FREE

TICKETED

FREE

FREE

10–11am

3 A FEAST FOR THE SENSES

4 WINTER IS COMING

5 BREAKING THE MOULD

6 FACING THE FEAR

7 DISRUPTION

8 POINTED

9 CHARACTER FLAW

11.30am– 12.30pm

10 A READER’S LIFE

11 UNDERMAJORDOMO MINOR

12 CRIMINALLY MINDED

13 ARTIST AS ACTIVIST

14 THIS SUBURBAN LIFE

15 AN HOUR WITH JASPER FFORDE

16 COMMON THREADS

17 ON THE HEARTS OF MEN

1–2pm

18 KILLER STORIES

19 THE MITFORD SISTERS

20 ICONS

21 THE ROMANOVS

22 CALL TO ARMS

1–3pm 23 AFTERNOONS WITH GILLIAN O’SHAUGHNESSY

24 ELECTION STORIES

25 THIS PLACE CALLED HOME

2.30– 3.30pm

26 IN BRAZIL

27 IN LOVE AND WAR

28 COMING INTO FOCUS

29 DOMESTICATED?

30 ARCADIA

31 IN THE BEGINNING …

32 POETICA

4–5pm

33 THE CREATIVES

34 FAMILY DYNAMICS

35 A NATURAL PERSPECTIVE

36 BEARING WITNESS

37 BOOK LAUNCH: A MURDER WITHOUT MOTIVE

38 CHANGING THE WORLD

5pm onwards

5.30–7.30pm 40 THE BIG PICTURE (FREE)

6.30–8.30pm 41 BAREFACED STORIES

5–6.30pm 39 FINETUNING: CONNECTIONS BETWEEN LITERATURE AND MUSIC

SATURDAY 20 FEBRUARY Pages 6–8

Octagon Theatre

Romeo Tent

Sunken Garden

Tropical Grove

University Club Theatre

Winthrop Hall

Woolnough Lecture Theatre

Writers Central

TICKETED

FREE

FREE

FREE

TICKETED

TICKETED

FREE

FREE

44 LITERARY IDENTITIES

45 ON TREND

46 WE ARE AUSTRALIAN

47 HOT DEBUTS

48 LIFE IS MESSY

49 THE PACIFIC

50 MINUTIAE

52 THE SUSTAINABLE TABLE

53 PLOTTING AND PLANNING

54 IT’S ALL COMMON SENSE

55 LITERARY LOVERS

11am–12pm 56 HUMAN LIBRARY

57 AUSTRALIAN POETS FESTIVAL: 9x5 THE BIG READ WA POETRY

58 HAPPILY EVER AFTER

59 EMPATHY DEFICIT

60 A WRITERLY CONVERSATION

61 WROUGHT

BY WAR

62 SOUTHERN BOUNTY

63 NOSTALGIA

64 EATING WITH THE EYES

65 TRUE CRIME

56 HUMAN LIBRARY

66 AUSTRALIAN POETS FESTIVAL: MYSTERIOUS WAYS

67 WORST WORDS

68 THE MAP OF CHAOS

2.30– 3.30pm

69 FOREBODING

70 THE EDIBLE CITY

71 A NOVEL FORM

72 COMFORT FOOD

73 THE WINTER OF OUR LIVES

56 HUMAN LIBRARY

74 DOROTHY HEWETT AWARD CEREMONY

75 BHARTI KHER: IN HER OWN LANGUAGE

76 SHARED NARRATIVES

4–5pm

78 SCREEN STARS

79 THE NEW VEGETARIANS

80 THIS FRAGILE LIFE

81 THE MASTERCHEF EFFECT

82 BREAKING THE IMPASSE

83 LOVE STORIES

84 THE SEVEN GOOD YEARS

85 OPEN DOORS

86 TIME SHIFTS

5.30–7.30pm 88 THE BIG PICTURE (FREE)

6.30–7.30pm 90 RECKONING

6.30–7.30pm 91 SKETCH THE RHYME (TICKETED)

5.30–6.30pm 89 PURPLE PROSE LAUNCH

Alexander Lecture Theatre

Dolphin Theatre

FREE

TICKETED

Murdoch Lecture Theatre FREE

10–11am

42 THE TSARNAEV BROTHERS

43 DARE TO DREAM

11.30am– 12.30pm

51 COMING OF AGE

1–2pm

5pm onwards

77 ECONOBABBLE

5–6.30pm 87 FINE-TUNING: CONNECTIONS BETWEEN LITERATURE AND MUSIC

SUNDAY 21 FEBRUARY Pages 9–10

Octagon Theatre

Romeo Tent

TICKETED

FREE

Sunken Garden FREE

Alexander Lecture Theatre FREE

Dolphin Theatre TICKETED

10–11am

92 FUTURE GAZING

93 THE BUSH

F5 THE 65-STOREY TREEHOUSE (FREE)

11.30am– 12.30pm

98 TRADE SECRETS

99 BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS

100 IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA

11am–12pm 97 HUMAN LIBRARY

1–2pm

104 ON THE FRINGE

105 HYGGE

106 THE WATER KNIFE

2.30– 3.30pm

110 INTERCONNECTED

111 THROUGH THE MOVIE REEL

112 THE GIRL WITH SEVEN NAMES

4–5pm

116 LOOKING SOUTH

117 LARGER THAN LIFE

118 KNOWLEDGE IS EVERYTHING

5pm onwards

5.30–7.30pm 123 THE BIG PICTURE (FREE)

7–8pm 124 CLOSING ADDRESS: LISA GENOVA

FAMILY DAY EVENTS (SEE PAGE 12)

Tropical Grove FREE

FAMILY DAY EVENTS (SEE PAGE 12)

97 HUMAN LIBRARY

TICKETED

Woolnough Lecture Theatre FREE

94 WHAT’S IN A NAME?

95 SILENCED

96 REIMAGINING

101 LIFE STORIES

102 WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THIS

103 RAISING THE BAR

107 IT’S A STRANGE WORLD

108 RUSSIA THEN AND NOW

109 IN THE STORYTELLER’S HANDS

University Club Theatre TICKETED

Winthrop Hall

Writers Central FREE

FAMILY DAY EVENTS (SEE PAGES 12 & 13)

97 HUMAN LIBRARY

113 BOOK LAUNCH: ALL THAT IS LOST

114 ON THE FUNNY SIDE

2–3pm F5 THE 65-STOREY TREEHOUSE (FREE)

115 ABSTRACT PURSUITS

119 RANDOLPH STOW: LETTERS, PICTURES AND CONVERSATIONS

120 BOOK LAUNCH: SEEING THE ELEPHANT

121 USEFUL

5–6.30pm 122 FINETUNING: CONNECTIONS BETWEEN LITERATURE AND MUSIC

12

Sunday 21 February | Family Day Sessions Bookings and Festival info 08 6488 5555 | perthfestival.com.au

Images: Jessica Wyld

F1 SILLY BIRDS Join storyteller and artist Gregg Dreise as he takes you on a journey into the dreamtime with his beautiful books, Silly Birds and Kookoo Kookaburra. (Ages 3–7)

levels to his wacky, fun-packed treehouse.

There are exploding eyeballs, a lollipop shop and a room where it’s always your birthday. This much-loved storyteller will have you laughing out loud as he pushes the boundaries of possibility. What are you waiting for? Come on up! (All ages) Please arrive early as capacity is limited.

find adventure. Look for a dinosaur, a bucket and spade, something to draw with and pink lemonade! This talented illustrator and designer shares her fresh interpretation of the look-and-find book.

(Ages 3–7)

Free, no bookings

Free, no bookings

F10 THE WOLF WILDER

F2 STAR OF DELTORA

F6 MAISY PARTY

Sun 21 Feb, 9–9.40am Tropical Grove

Sun 21 Feb, 11–11.40am Writers Central

Sun 21 Feb, 10–10.40am Tropical Grove

Britta is an ambitious and fiery heroine who is determined to win back her future, whatever the cost. Highly acclaimed fantasy writer, Emily Rodda, takes us back into the magical world of Deltora in her new, spellbinding series. (Ages 7–12)

Join us as we welcome the talented Lucy Cousins and the one and only Maisy Mouse for drawing and story time. This is a rare opportunity to meet the adorable mouse and her creator. (Ages 3–7)

UK author Katherine Rundell starts every day with a cartwheel and believes that reading is almost the same as cartwheeling – it turns your world upside down and leaves you breathless. Rundell shares with us her latest novel about a brave heroine, Feo, and the wolves that love her. (Ages 9–12)

Sun 21 Feb, 9–9.40am Romeo Tent

Free, no bookings

F3 HAROLD AND GRACE Sun 21 Feb, 9–9.40am Writers Central Sean E Avery’s latest picture book is a charming tale of discovery and unlikely friendship. Harold doesn’t look like the other fish in the pond and Grace is laughed at by the other insects. Together, they find a place where they belong.

(Ages 3–7)

Free, no bookings

Free, no bookings

F7 THE BORROWERS Sun 21 Feb, 10–10.40am | Writers Central Sun 21 Feb, 12–12.40pm | Writers Central Mary Norton’s The Borrowers continues to captivate the imaginations of young and old. Join us in Writers Central for an interactive reading of this classic piece of children’s literature. (All ages) Free, no bookings

Free, no bookings

F8 BELLA AND THE WANDERING HOUSE

F4 BILLIE & JACK

Sun 21 Feb, 11–11.40am Romeo Tent

Sun 21 Feb, 10–10.40am Romeo Tent Sally Rippin is the creator of the popular Billie B Brown and Hey Jack! series. She talks about finding inspiration for her stories and how she keeps Billie and Jack busy with exciting adventures. (Ages 5–7)

Houses don’t move in the middle of the night! Or do they? Bella and her family wake up every morning in a new location as, night after night, their house goes wandering. Come on an adventure with author, Meg McKinlay, and help Bella solve this baffling mystery. (Ages 6–10)

Free, no bookings

Free, no bookings

F5 THE 65–STOREY TREEHOUSE

F9 FIND ME A CASTLE

Sun 21 Feb, 10–11am | Octagon Theatre Sun 21 Feb, 2–3pm | Winthrop Hall Andy Griffiths has added another 13

Free, no bookings

Sun 21 Feb, 11–11.40am Tropical Grove Step between the pages with Beci Orpin as she takes you on a look-and-

F11 COUNTDOWN TO DANGER

F13 DRAGONKEEPER Sun 21 Feb, 1–1.40pm Romeo Tent Award-winning author, Carole Wilkinson, has a passion for history and a longstanding fascination with dragons. She discusses how she transports her readers to different times and places through her stories, which blend history with fantasy.

(Ages 7–12) Free, no bookings

F14 THE WORLD OF LUCY COUSINS Sun 21 Feb, 1–1.40pm Tropical Grove Join acclaimed author-illustrator, Lucy Cousins, creator of Maisy Mouse, as she shares her incredible talent on stage and demonstrates her drawing live. This is a wonderful opportunity to listen to your favourite Maisy stories and watch Cousins bring them to life. (All ages)

Sun 21 Feb, 12–12.40pm Romeo Tent

Free, no bookings

Jack Heath takes us on a racy adventure where you decide your fate – will you choose the best path to escape the danger? Or will you take a wrong turn?

Prepare to battle against the clock in these adrenaline-filled tales. (Ages 7–12)

F15 STORYTELLING WITH GREGG DREISE

Free, no bookings

F12 A–Z WITH ALICE’S FOOD Sun 21 Feb, 12–12.40pm Tropical Grove Join former teacher, MasterChef contestant and host of TV quiz show, Kitchen Whiz, Alice Zaslavsky, as she takes you on an edible adventure. Her new book, Alice’s Food A-Z, is packed with clever cooking tips, mouth-watering recipes and all the things you ever wanted to know about food. (All ages) Free, no bookings

Sun 21 Feb, 1–2pm Writers Central Join Gregg Dreise as he shares his extraordinary talent on the guitar and didgeridoo in an hour of music and storytelling. (All ages) Free, no bookings

F16 SKETCH THE RHYME Sun 21 Feb, 2–3pm Romeo Tent Sketch the Rhyme is a fresh, fun, interactive, hip-hop game show where speed-drawing meets freestyle rapping to the sounds of a live band. Come along and witness Sketch the Rhyme in action with games inspired by Pictionary, Mr Squiggle and Celebrity Heads. This fast-paced, entertaining event will enthral the whole family. (All ages) Free, no bookings

Sunday 21 February | Family Day Workshops

13

Bookings and Festival info 08 6488 5555 | perthfestival.com.au FW1 THE ART OF WRITING ACTION Sun 21 Feb, 9–10.30am Fox Lecture Theatre Jack Heath’s narratives pack a punch and leave his readers hanging on his every word. So how does he manage to inject so much action and intrigue into his stories? Heath shares his tips and tricks for writing gripping tales in this practical writing workshop. Bring along your pens and paper and be prepared for an energyfilled writing hour. (Ages 7–12) $12, bookings required

FW2 A MAZE OF STORY Sun 21 Feb, 9.30–11.30am Arts Lecture Room 6 Words are amazing. They can make readers laugh or cry, and even scare the pants off them! They can create a world in which people turn into crocodiles or trees or stars. They can do what we can’t do in real life – take us inside a person’s head and show us what they’re afraid of or longing for. Using a range of fun activities, this workshop will show you how to be creative with words in order to write a memorable story or poem. (Ages 9–12) $12, bookings required

Gregg Dreise shares how he makes his pictures so striking and vibrant, and helps you bring your ideas to life on the page.

(Ages 7–12)

FW4 CHARACTER WRITING Sun 21 Feb, 12.30–1.30pm Fox Lecture Theatre Characters are the central element in any kind of storytelling. Join award-winning author and illustrator, Sally Rippin, as she shares her top tips for creating characters that will bring your stories to life in this practical writing workshop. (Ages 7–12)

FAMILY DAY PASSPORTS

BOOKS-TO-GO

Every child who attends Family Day receives their very own Writers Festival passport. Designed to activate children’s literacy skills, the passport unlocks all of the day’s exciting activities. Pick one up from the information tent.

Visit the Book Cubby and make your very own book to take home. You can even publish your work for others to read and enjoy, and add to the growing library of books made by families from all over Australia.

FAMILY DAY MURAL

E-RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

FW5 LOOK AND FIND WITH BECI ORPIN

Our artist-in-residence, Sean E Avery, brings a fire-breathing beast to life. Help him build the dragon by colouring and adding scales to the untamed creature.

Don’t miss the opportunity to add a splash of colour to Family Day.

Sun 21 Feb, 2–3pm Fox Lecture Theatre

HARRY POTTER MURAL

CHILL-OUT ZONE

Armed with a treasure chest brimming with paper and curious objects, Beci Orpin will take young imaginations on a look-and-find adventure, inspiring their creativity. All you need for this workshop is a little imagination and the willingness to explore ideas. (Ages 5–10)

Be transported to Diagon Alley as you help us colour in this incredible mural.

Standing at an impressive two metres high by six metres wide and capturing every detail of the Harry Potter setting, the mural will beckon the whole family.

Play word games, create a Lego poem or relax with a book in our Chill-Out Zone. This special, comfy space is the perfect place to stop during a busy day for families.

$12, bookings required

TREEHOUSE INSTALLATION

$12, bookings required

Family and Education Program Partner

Get creative with the help of an experienced children’s book artist. In this special hands-on illustration workshop,

LD

BETTER BEGINNINGS TENT

SUN 21 FEB, ALL DAY

$12, bookings required

FW3 ILLUSTRATING WITH GREGG DREISE Sun 21 Feb, 11am–12pm Fox Lecture Theatre

WRITERS CENTRAL

SUN 21 FEB, ALL DAY

UT

Discover some fantastic e-resources in this hands-on environment. Learn how to get the most out of the online literacy resources provided by the State Library of Western Australia.

Supported by

Do you love Andy Griffiths’ treehouse books? The team at REmida are creating their own interpretation of the evergrowing treehouse and they need your help. REmida’s creative reuse materials are perfect for making things with. Come along to the REmida tent and get crafty.

THE GREAT ESCAPE (A BORROWER’S TALE)

O

SO

Fri 19 Feb 10–11.15am & 2–3.15pm Sat 20 Feb 10–11.15am, 1–2.15pm & 4–5.15pm Sun 21 Feb 10–11.15am, 1–2.15pm & 4–5.15pm Geography Building Calling all explorers! A secret agency needs your help for an important mission.

Use your super-sleuth skills to uncover evidence that Borrowers exist. Journey through interactive installations, storytelling and a concert performed on miniature handmade instruments to discover the clues and help Borrower Bob escape the evil clutches of the KBD (Keep Borrowers Down) movement. The Great Escape (A Borrower’s Tale) is a magical theatrical adventure for ages 6–11, inspired

by Mary Norton’s much-loved children’s novel, The Borrowers.

A Battersea Arts Centre production.

Recommended for ages 6+. 75mins, no interval. This is a children-only event. Please contact the Info Centre on 08 6488 5555 if you have any access requirements. $20, bookings required Image: James Allan Photography

14

Workshops Bookings and Festival info 08 6488 5555 | perthfestival.com.au

Perth Writers Festival workshop tickets $67.50/Friends $59.50/Students $53* *Except W10 Inspired Learning Program ($50) and W15 Dorothy Hewett Award workshop (free)

W1 PIP’S CREATIVITY SHAKE-UP Fri 19 Feb, 10am–1pm Arts Lecture Room 4 Pip Lincolne talks sparking ideas, making time for creative work, handling creative roadblocks, digital and analogue approaches to making, inspiration gathering, creative heroes and more.

Includes practical exercises and hands-on crafty time too. This session is for the wantto-be-creative or the already-creative.

W2 GETTING CRAFTY WITH BECI ORPIN Fri 19 Feb, 10am–1pm Arts Lecture Room 5

publishing process of Zalokar’s latest book. Covering funding, production, photography and food styling, the pair outlines the journey from the conception of the idea to the finished product.

W6 WRITING FOR CHILDREN Sat 20 Feb, 10am–1pm Arts Lecture Room 4 Join Katherine Rundell in an engaging and practical workshop on writing for young imaginations. Find out how to develop an idea, create appealing characters and move your story forward so that readers keep turning the page.

This workshop is designed for adults.

Acclaimed illustrator, designer and artist, Beci Orpin, takes you through projects from her popular books, Home and Make and Do. Get busy with paper brooches and bon bons under the watchful eye of this inspiring maker.

W7 TEACHING THE MONSTER TO SPEAK: WRITING BELIEVABLE CHARACTERS

W3 EDITING WITH SARA FOSTER

Writing fiction is a licence to invent and transform. Tracy Farr’s novel, The Life and Loves of Lena Gaunt, has been described as ‘a novel which reads like an elegant memoir’. In this workshop, Farr explores ways of inventing believable characters and developing your instincts as a writer.

Fri 19 Feb, 10am–1pm Arts Lecture Room 6 Sara Foster covers the stages of a publisher’s editing process and strategies to help you self-edit your work. Foster also addresses when to stop editing and how to get the most out of feedback. The workshop is most suitable for those who have started to write, whether it be a few chapters or a substantial draft. Attendees are asked to bring in a sample of their writing to work on.

W4 ADVANCED SHORT STORY WRITING Fri 19 February, 2–5pm Arts Lecture Room 4 AS Patri discusses the narrative dynamics that create compelling short stories, from craft and technique, and character development, to narrative function, and voice and tone. You will emerge with the tools you need to write vital stories and a better understanding of the Australian short story market.

W5 GETTING YOUR COOKBOOK PUBLISHED

Sat 20 Feb, 10am–1pm Arts Lecture Room 5

W8 THE LAST FIVE PER CENT Sat 20 Feb, 10am–1pm Arts Lecture Room 6 Do you have a manuscript that you want to get out into the world? In this workshop, Jasper Fforde concentrates on the last five per cent of the art – the intangible ‘sparkle’ that moves a book from solid and professional to moving and enjoyable.

W9 PICTURE BOOK WORKSHOP Sat 20 Feb, 10am–1pm Fox Lecture Theatre Join Sally Rippin as she explains the role of the illustrator and sheds light on how to go about publisher submissions. You will work on drafting your text and creating visual mock-ups of your idea, while acquiring tips on approaching publishers.

Fri 19 Feb, 2–5pm Arts Lecture Room 5

W10 INSPIRED LEARNING PROGRAM

Join chef, writer and teacher, Sophie Zalokar, and UWA Publishing's Kate Pickard as they take you through the

Fri 19 Feb, 1–5.15pm Primary stream – Ross Lecture Theatre Secondary stream – Clews Lecture Theatre

Designed specially for education professionals, as well as aspiring children’s writers and illustrators, this program features a line-up of Australian and international authors. Hosted by AJ Betts and Julia Lawrinson, it explores the challenges of engaging young people in literacy and discusses developments in the world of children’s literature. See perthfestival.com.au for full line-up. $50 (three sessions and afternoon tea)

W11 SONGWRITING WITH KAV TEMPERLEY Sat 20 Feb, 2–5pm Arts Lecture Room 4 Learn about songwriting from the frontman of Eskimo Joe, Kav Temperley, including practical techniques to write, structure and arrange a song. From gaining inspiration for lyrics to the practicalities of working with musicians and progressing to the recording studio, Temperley demystifies the songwriting process.

W12 STEPPING INTO FICTION Sat 20 Feb, 2–5pm Arts Lecture Room 5 Author Catherine Lacey guides you through the basics of fiction writing, from the initial spark of an idea to getting it all down on the page. Discover the elements involved in a great work of fiction.

W13 THE STELLA PRIZE REVIEWING MASTERCLASS Sat 20 Feb, 2–5pm Arts Lecture Room 6 Debra Adelaide provides aspiring literary critics and emerging book reviewers with practical skills, while examining ethical issues and refining elements of the critical practice. Participants are asked to submit a short draft review in advance so that they can receive feedback on the day.

W15 DOROTHY HEWETT AWARD WORKSHOP Sun 21 Feb, 10am–12pm Arts Lecture Room 4 Join the judges and winner of the inaugural Dorothy Hewett Award for a participatory workshop on literary awards and how they work. Designed for aspiring writers, this valuable workshop provides a rare insight into what judges look for in an unpublished manuscript.

Free workshop, bookings required

W16 STATE OF ORIGIN Sun 21 Feb, 10am–1pm Arts Lecture Room 5 Join Melbourne-born, Perth-raised, New Zealand-based writer, Tracy Farr, to consider the multiple connections and affiliations – with place, culture, language, age, gender, occupation and more – that contribute to your identity as a writer.

W17 WRITING A CRIME SERIES Sun 21 Feb, 2–5pm Arts Lecture Room 4 John Rebus, Kay Scarpetta, Jack Irish – the gifts that keep on giving. How do you develop and maintain a crime series to ensure the reader keeps coming back for more? Join author Alan Carter for a practical workshop that explores how to create a cast of characters.

W18 TAMING TWITTER Sun 21 Feb, 2–5pm Arts Lecture Theatre 5 Suitable for both beginners and existing users, this workshop will help you master this infamously brief form of online communication. Annabel Smith takes you through Twitter basics, including creating ‘retweetable’ content, building a following and using hashtags.

W14 ILLUSTRATION MASTERCLASS

W19 HISTORY’S FRAGMENTS, FICTION’S TREASURE

Sat 20 Feb, 2–5pm Fox Lecture Theatre

Sun 21 Feb, 2–5pm Arts Lecture Room 6

Gregg Dreise has been drawing for as long as he can remember. He uses traditional techniques, but adds contemporary elements to further engage his audience.

In this workshop, Dreise shows you how to tell a story through pictures.

UK author Guinevere Glasfurd uses her first novel, The Words in My Hand, to consider the challenges of writing about real historical figures – those who are wellknown and those about which we know very little. Learn how to bring characters and settings to life, and explore the interplay between fact and fiction.

Publishing Seminar and Index

15

Bookings and Festival info 08 6488 5555 | perthfestival.com.au

1 PUBLISHING SEMINAR Thur 18 Feb | Woolnough Lecture Theatre | Full-day tickets only | $75/Friends $67.50/Students $57 | Event MC: Rosemary Sayer WRITERS ARE READERS FIRST 9.30–10.15am There are many benefits to reading widely – it can help you improve your own writing, allow you to learn more about the market, serve as a common language in which to communicate within the industry and make you familiar with a publisher or magazine’s list. Mary Ellen Jordan, Rose Michael, Donna Ward and Fran Bryson discuss the importance of reading to a writer’s success.

THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF PUBLISHING 10.30–11.30am The publishing landscape has changed significantly in the last five years with many books starting off as e-books before being printed. Authors Shona Husk, Michelle Diener, Nikki Logan and Claire Boston have had experiences with traditional, multi-national publishing houses, digital publishing and selfpublishing. In this session, they discuss the old and new frontiers.

CASE STUDIES 11.45am–12.30pm How important is the relationship between author and editor, author and publisher or even editor and publisher?

Emma Viskic and Angela Meyer share some of the books they’ve worked on as author, editor and publisher.

THE PITCH 2.45pm–4pm

SECRET PUBLISHERS’ BUSINESS 1.15pm–2.30pm Donna Ward, publisher at Inkerman & Blunt, uses recent publication, Prayers of a Secular World, and 2016 publication, Wisdom Tree: Five Novellas by Nick Earls, to reveal the steps involved in bringing a book into the world and the enormous team that makes it happen.

Here’s your opportunity to pitch to publishers, Terri-ann White (UWA Publishing), Laurie Steed (Margaret River Press) and Georgia Richter (Fremantle Press). Seminar ticket holders interested in pitching can register their name at the start of the day. Registered names will be drawn at random during the session. A maximum of 15 pitches will be heard.

INDEX OF NAMES W Workshop F Family Day Each session is numbered. Use the numbers to find your favourite authors’ sessions. Detailed biographies are available at perthfestival.com.au.

Abdel-Magied, Yassmin 46, 118 Adelaide, Debra 10, 55, 109, W13 Ahearn, Josh 91, F16 Alexander, Todd 9, 51 Allinson, Miles 28, 55, 115 Atherton, Cassandra 57 Avery, Sean E F3 Bacigalupi, Paolo 22, 106 Barker, Dawn 12, 104 Barnett, Laura 47, 83, 109 Barrett, Shirley 83, 96 Beach, Michael 24 Benda, Danielle 62, 48 Betts, AJ 51, W10 Birch, Tony 14, 38, 63 Birt, Jill 87 Bishop, Stephanie 7, 50, 63 Blake, Geraldine 19, 44, 105 Bradley, James 22, 40, 94 Brophy, Kevin 57 Bryant, Simon 54, 79 Bryson, Fran 1, 3, 26 Burton, David 51 Byrski, Liz 27, 76, 89 Cameron, Andrew 86 Carlin, David 25, 115 Caro, Jane 6, 102 Carroll, Steven 14, 50 Carter, Alan 12, 53, W17 Cathcart, Michael 13, 49, 84, 106 Clifford, Aoife 47, 98 Clouston, Sam 91, F16 Cohen, David 22, 26, 103, 108 Cornes, Jane 6, 17, 43, 54, 72, 101, 121 Costley, Danielle 62 Cousins, Lucy F6, F14 Crawford, Michelle 43, 64, 105 Curtin, Amanda 5, 38 Daisley, Stephen 17, 38 Darmody, Di 3, 52, 82 Dawkins, Richard 125 Day, Gregory 17, 39, 71, 93 de Costa, Caroline 18, 53

Deen, Hanifa 89 DeNeefe, Janet 95 Denniss, Richard 77, 82, 92 deWitt, Patrick 11, 88, 114 Diener, Michelle 1 Disher, Garry 12, 69 Doherty, Peter 22, 82, 118 Dougan, Lucy 32, 57, 66 Dreise, Gregg F1, F15, FW3, W14 Dyer, David 4, 69 Ellis, Amanda 65, 107 Ellis, Helen 5, 29, 114 Falkiner, Suzanne 44, 119 Farr, Tracy 10, 89, W7, W16 Fatin, Meri 33, 59 Fennell, Marc 100, 111 Ferreira, Chris 52 Fforde, Jasper 15, 107, W8 Fidler, Richard 85 Finch, Steven 57 Foster, Sara 34, 69, 113, W3 Fresquez, Diane 3, 25, 72 Frew, Peggy 9, 34, 87 Gale, Patrick 4, 31, 122 Gameau, Damon 54, 100 Genova, Lisa 124, 48, 73 Gessen, Masha 42, 95, 108 Gibbs, Andrea 41 Glance, Vivienne 25, 35, 79 Glasfurd, Guinevere 5, 31, 96, W19 Glickman, Ray 53 Grant, Stan 46, 102 Griffiths, Andy F5 Groff, Lauren 29, 58, 94, 123 Harman, John 34, 98 Haskell, Dennis 32, 80 Heath, Jack F11, FW1 Hilhorst, Amy 57 Hitchcock, Karen 59, 73 Husk, Shona 1 Jansen, Ara 15, 18, 68, 69, 83 Johnson, Susan 29, 83 Jones, Anna 45, 64, 79 Jones, Gail 16, 55 Jones, Myfanwy 34, 80 Jones, Portland 47, 120 Jordan, Mary Ellen 1 Juchau, Mireille 16, 80, 110 Kaminsky, Leah 36, 61, 101 Kells, Stuart 20, 44, 67

Keret, Etgar 84, 114 Kerr, Thor 95 Kher, Bharti 75 Krznaric, Roman 2, 13, 59 Lacey, Catherine 7, 28, 94, W12 Laffer, Jae 39, 87, 122 Lateef, Alexis 66 Laurie, Victoria 93, 116 Lawrinson, Julia W10 Lee, Hyeonseo 25, 95, 112 Lester, Natasha 31, 63 Lincolne, Pip 33, 105, W1 Little, Ruth 13, 116 Little, Valli 45, 64, 81 Logan, Nikki 1 Malkovic, Tony 100 Marra, Anthony 13, 61, 110 May, Peter 12, 78, 98 McFarlane, Fiona 8, 60, 71 McHugh, Richard 48, 103 McKenzie-Murray, Martin 14, 37, 65 McKinlay, Meg F8 McNeill, Sarah 10, 40 Megalogenis, George 24, 46, 85 Melville, Kirsti 42, 73 Meyer, Angela 1, 7, 60, 115 Michael, Rose 1, 55, 110 Michau-Crawford, Michelle 8, 34 Midalia, Susan 8, 29, 50, 80 Musgrave, David 57, 66 Naidoo, Indira 52, 70 Nelson, Alice 36, 76 Noske, Kate 32 Oceans, Lucky 39 O’Neil, Clare 59, 92 Orpin, Beci 33, F9, FW5, W2 O’Shaughnessy, Gillian 23, 74 O’Sullivan, Kerry 41 Oswald, Debra 48, 78, 121 Palmer, Felix J 68, 86, 107 Papertalk-Green, Charmaine 57 Patey, Clare 56, 97 Patri , AS 8, 61, 104, W4 Paull, Emily 28, 58 Pears, Iain 30, 86, 109 Pickard, Kate W5 Rapaport, MC Joel 91, 122, F16 Reeves, Virginia 9, 38, 60 Reid, Ian 96 Richter, Georgia 1

Rippin, Sally F4, FW4, W9 Robertson, Rachel 14, 89, 109 Rodda, Emily F2 Rose, Peter 10, 32, 66 Ross, Kitty 56, 97 Rundell, Katherine 4, F10, W6 Russell, Bruce 76 Sayer, Rosemary 4, 46, 76, 112 Schladow, Sarah 64, 99, 118 Sebag Montefiore, Simon 21, 108 Sen, Krishna 95 Shine, Kathryn 61, 102 Sibree, Bron 21, 47 Smith, Annabel 11, 30, 94, W18 Smurf, MC P 91, F16 Steed, Laurie 1, 71, 114 Szubanski, Magda 6, 90 Tanner, Lindsay 102, 104 Tedeschi, Mark 65, 103 Temperley, Kav W11 Thompson, Laura 19, 99 Tilbrook, Gene 92 Tingle, Laura 24, 82, 92 Tognini, Melinda 76 Treloar, Lucy 17, 96 Turner, Ann 53, 78, 98 Turner, Mick 87 Underhill, Nancy 20, 117 van den Berg, Laura 28, 71, 110 Viskic, Emma 1, 18, 104, 122 Wainwright, Robert 99, 117 Ward, Don 1, 9, 20, 36, 50 Waterland, Rosie 6, 51 Watson, Don 35, 67, 93 Wei Wei Lo, Miriam 57 Weldon, Annamaria 89 West, Paul 52, 81, 100 White, Terri-ann 1, 66 Wilkinson, Carole F13 Winchester, Simon 35, 49 Wood, Charlotte 5, 93 Wood, Fiona 78 Wright, Jacqueline 89 Yeoman, William 16, 27, 117 Zalokar, Sophie 43, 62, 72, W5 Zaslavsky, Alice 43, 81, F12 Zwicky, Fay 57

Perth Writers Festival Precinct

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Bookings and Festival info 08 6488 5555 | perthfestival.com.au D

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VENUE AND FESTIVAL INFORMATION All Perth Writers Festival events are at The University of Western Australia (35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley) except for Richard Dawkins (Mon 22 Feb), which is at the Perth Concert Hall. If you need assistance at any time, please ask one of our many friendly volunteers wearing Festival t-shirts or visit the information booth, which is located adjacent to Writers Central.

INFO FOOD TOILETS WATER BOX OFFICE BOOKSHOP & SIGNINGS MURDOCH LECTURE THEATRE FOX LECTURE THEATRE AUSTIN LECTURE THEATRE ARTS LECTURE ROOM 4 ARTS LECTURE ROOM 5 ARTS LECTURE ROOM 6 THE UNIVERSITY CLUB THEATRE ALEXANDER LECTURE THEATRE WOOLNOUGH LECTURE THEATRE ROSS LECTURE THEATRE CLEWS LECTURE THEATRE

THE FESTIVAL THANKS Perth Writers Festival Presenting Partner

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS AND CAPTIONED PERFORMANCES All Perth Writers Festival venues are wheelchair accessible.

C Captioned performances for the hearing impaired (please advise if captioned seats are required when booking):

Richard Dawkins, Perth Concert Hall, Mon 22 Feb, 7pm

PARKING Main parking areas are indicated on the map above. For further information, please visit perthfestival.com.au or contact the Festival Info Centre on 08 6488 5555.

Parking restrictions apply and illegal parking will attract an infringement notice.

Supporting Partners Hachette Australia Magabala Books Scribe Publications Transit Lounge Publishing The Stella Prize Simon & Schuster Australia Westerly Magazine Walker Books Australia

Additional Parking – Friday 19 February Parking will be limited on Friday 19 February. We recommend you park for free at Paul Hasluck Reserve, near the Perth Flying Squadron Yacht Club. Directional signage will be in place along Hackett Drive. A free shuttle bus will operate from this car park to The University Club (Friday 19 February only, 9am–7pm).

Special thanks to all our volunteers and staff helping in the production of the 2016 Perth Writers Festival.