Programme TWO May to Aug 2014 wheelercentre.com
Epic Fail.
Gary Shteyngart Little Failure
As a Russian immigrant to the United States in the late 1970s, Gary Shteyngart (formerly Igor Steinhorn – his family name was mangled by Soviet bureaucracy and he changed Igor to Gary so he wouldn’t get beaten up so much) inspired so little conidence in his mother that he would ever amount to anything, she gave him the nickname ‘Failurchka’, or ‘Little Failure’. Despite this prediction, her son went on to become the international bestselling author of novels such as Absurdistan and Super Sad True Love Story. His latest book, Little Failure, is a memoir of his life growing up as a child of Soviet Russia, suddenly transplanted to the brash and bustling shores of America, the land of orthodontics, happiness and 69 cent hamburgers.
In conversation with Sam Twyford-Moore
Wednesday 28th May at the Athenaeum Theatre Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm Tickets: $20 and $12 concession
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Describing the experience as being like, ‘stumbling of a monochromatic clif and landing in a pool of pure Technicolor,’ the Little Failure struggled for years to balance his new American aspirations with his dour Soviet home life, always wondering how he could it into either. Gary Shteyngart runs Emerging Writers’ Festival director Sam Twyford-Moore through the hilarious twists and turns of his own personal Cold War and explains how one little failure turned out to be a huge success.
If you want to succeed, you have to start by failing, and failing big. If you haven’t experienced the downside, the frustration, the rejection, then how can you appreciate the sweetness of success when it inally comes? Australians from all walks of life come together on one big night to revel in the obstacles they have surmounted and the failures that have propelled them to the top of their game. The reigning queen of rice-paper rolls, Nahji Chu, tried her hand at acting, fashion design and journalism before founding the MissChu chain of restaurants. Sarah Blasko is an ARIA award-winning singer/songwriter whose albums of heartbreak and melancholy found huge success. Paralympian Sam Bramham competed in a number of sports and won gold medals in swimming, famously convincing US media that his leg had been ‘chomped of by a kangaroo.’
Join these guests and Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson for an evening of tales guaranteed to amuse, thrill … and convince you that an epic fail is not necessarily the end of the story. For these inspirational Australians, spectacular failure has proven to be little more than a bump in the road to genuine greatness. Go fail! Speakers include: Nahji Chu
Sarah Blasko
Sam Bramham
Tim Wilson
Wednesday 30th July at the Athenaeum Theatre Time: 6.30pm – 8.00pm Tickets: $35 and $20 concession
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Children On death
Adults are often reluctant to explain to children the full ramiications of loss and what our mortality means, as if being young somehow exempts a person from reality. As we examine the big questions, a group of children from St Martins Youth Arts Centre aged 9–17 come together to lend their views on one of the biggest taboos of all – death. What can we learn from their personal experiences of mortality?
Sian Prior On shyness
As a journalist, musician and broadcaster, Sian Prior has spent the past two decades irmly in the public eye. Throughout it all, she was trying not to betray a characteristic she has carried with her since she was a child—her debilitating shyness. In Shy: A Memoir, Sian investigates the condition that has always troubled her, discovering exactly what shyness is, where hers came from and how to manage the constant urge to withdraw from social situations.
Anne Manne On narcissism
In her new book, The Life of I: The New Culture of Narcissism, Anne Manne scrutinises how prevalent narcissistic tendencies have become in popular culture, the workplace and social media. From Anders Breivik through Sarah Palin, Kevin Rudd, Tiger Woods and the Kardashians, she highlights how deeply narcissism runs in contemporary life, and looks at just how destructive a force it can be when left unchecked.
Hosted by Francesca Rendle-Short
Thursday 12th June at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
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Wednesday 11th June at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Tuesday 22nd July at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Bob Brown On optimism
Bob Brown spent 20 years as leader of The Greens party and has been involved in politics for most of his life. He has seen successive governments on both sides of the political divide come and go, and fought numerous campaigns championing human rights and ighting for the preservation of the environment. Throughout it all, he has managed to remain upbeat and optimistic. Where does this optimism come from, and how important is a positive outlook for propagating change? Bob is one of Australia’s most loved and charismatic political igures. His new book Optimism: Relections on a Life of Action sees him speak for the irst time since his retirement from public life. In it he recalls the key events that have left a lasting impression on him, the ideas that have captured his imagination, and his belief in optimism as a powerful agent that can make a real diference.
Monday 4th August at Costa Hall, Geelong Time: 7.00pm – 8.00pm Tickets: $20 and $12 concession
The Wheeler Centre presents Bob Brown On optimism at three venues: in Melbourne, Geelong and in our irst ever Hobart event. This is a unique opportunity to hear one of the most outspoken politicians in recent history discuss how remaining optimistic in the face of tough challenges is the only realistic way forward.
Optimism
Bob Brown Reflections on a life of action
Tuesday 5th August at Melbourne Town Hall Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm Tickets: $20 and $12 concession
Wednesday 6th August at the Theatre Royal, Hobart Time: 7.30pm – 8.30pm Tickets: $20 and $12 concession
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Dirty secrets
Irvine Welsh
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) was established in 1949, ostensibly to protect the country from spies, saboteurs and subversives within society who were deemed a danger to the nation’s security. Over the next few decades, records were collected on a number of writers and prominent public igures.
Activists, agitators and troublemakers all, our guests reveal their dirty secrets, gleaned in the days before social media, blogs and even videotape had been invented. This peek behind the curtain of Australian surveillance is sure to lend insight into what was considered subversive, who was watching whom, and whether any of it was true (or worthwhile) at all.
The legendary Scottish satirist Irvine Welsh returns to the Wheeler Centre with his brandnew book The Sex Lives of Siamese Twins. Tapping into the two major obsessions of contemporary life – how we look and where we live – the latest opus from the master of linguistic manipulation will be as controversial as it is vividly compelling.
In a juicy twist to this story of secrets and surveillance, many of those iles are now freely accessible, providing fascinating, worrying (and in some cases highly entertaining) reading for those proiled. We’ll gather several of these persons of interest in one room, as Anne Summers, Gary Foley, Meredith Burgmann and Michael Kirby take to the stage with their newly released ASIO iles open and ready to share.
Speakers include:
Far from the rainy shores of Scotland, The Sex Lives of Siamese Twins takes place in eyepopping, body-obsessed Miami Beach, and follows the dark and humorous story of quicktempered personal trainer Lucy Brennan, who takes manipulative Lena Sorenson on as a client. In typical Welsh fashion, sex, depravity, sadomasochism, murder and madness ensue.
Anne Summers
Gary Foley
Meredith Burgmann
Michael Kirby
Following in the vein of his classic international bestsellers Trainspotting, Filth and The Acid House, join Wheeler Centre director Michael Williams as they discuss Irvine’s stellar career, and dissect the darkness that lurks behind the beachfronts of modern-day Miami.
In conversation with Michael Williams
Monday 26th May at the Athenaeum Theatre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Tickets: $20 and $12 concession
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Monday 26th May at the Athenaeum Theatre Time: 8.00pm – 9.00pm Tickets: $20 and $12 concession
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#discuss Social media is great for declarations but rarely produces meaningful conversations. #discuss That’s what we think, anyway. Or what we think we think. We’re not sure. But if you take the above statement and open it up to disagreement, to challenge, and to exploration, then it becomes something diferent. It becomes an invitation to disagree, an opening for greater complexity, a tool to challenge preconceptions and change minds. We think the biggest problem with a public culture that privileges opinion and commentary is assuming that those opinions should ever represent an end in and of themselves.
Not as a snappy prologue to a non-sequitur, though. Tell us, straight up, what is missing from public discussion. What are you uncertain of? What topics or questions are your unresolvables, your impossibles? What do you care about, but don’t entirely get? What do we urgently need to #discuss? Be they local or global, hilarious or harrowing, let us into your dark room of unformed opinions – and drag them out for some air. #discuss.
Elemental
Since the dawn of time, poets have gazed up at the stars and pondered who we are and what it all means. Elemental is a unique performance that explores the universe through the eyes of artists. Taking place inside a planetarium, this show combines live music, poetry, surround sound and video, and the voice of UK scientist John Gribbin to explore the universe and ascribe meaning to our celestial experience.
Elemental is an immersive experience for the mind and body. Lie back in the comfort of a lounger as you lift of into space for your very own guided tour of the galaxy. This visual voyage through the heavens explores four diferent theories about how the universe began, taking you on a poetic journey through the Big Bang, the theory of everything, M theory and dark matter, accompanied by a soundtrack of live musicians and poetry readings. Alicia Sometimes, the director of and one of the writers behind Elemental is joined by a range of experimental musicians, poets and video artists in this spellbinding and unique exploration of quantum physics and cosmology, with a poetic twist.
Watch out for all the details on Monday 2nd June.
So from 2nd June, we’re asking you take to Twitter to #discuss. Actually, we’re asking you to ask everyone to #discuss. Presented by the Wheeler Centre and Scienceworks.
Monday 2nd – Friday 13th June #discuss @wheelercentre or wheelercentre.com
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Thursday 10th and Friday 11th July at the Melbourne Planetarium, Scienceworks Times: 7.00pm – 8.30pm and 9.00pm – 10.30pm Tickets: $35 and $20 concession
Friday 18th July at Bendigo Planetarium, Discovery Science & Technology Centre Times: 6.00pm – 7.30pm and 8.00pm – 9.30pm Tickets: $35 and $20 concession
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Art & us. The nature and meaning of art has been hotly debated for centuries, but in this ongoing series for 2014, the Wheeler Centre explores the impact of art in a variety of contexts. We look at how artistic practice its into the many diverse aspects of everyday life, as well as how its context has a direct efect on the realms of inspiration and creation.
Art & money
Throughout history, artists from every discipline have depended on the inancial support of the state and from private patrons, in the form of philanthropic donations. Can art survive without philanthropy, and should it? If an artistic individual or organisation is to beneit from an injection of funds from without, must they become beholden to the whims and beliefs of their benefactors? Moral philosopher Peter Singer has been described as the most widely read and inluential of all contemporary philosophers. He is joined by curator Rebecca Coates, Philanthropy Australia CEO Louise Walsh, Chair of the Australia Council for the Arts, Rupert Myer and the Wheeler Centre’s Simon Abrahams as they scrutinise the ethics behind artistic philanthropy. Is it possible for the worlds of money and art to co-exist without the interests of one seeping into the other?
Wednesday 21st May at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
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Art & politics
What is the true nature of the link between art and the political machinations of the day, and is it a two-way street? When artists respond to governmental politics, does it have an impact in the corridors of power, or does it serve merely as a means of venting frustration? Do satire and comedy have a more immediate efect? Our guests discuss the idea of creating work that is not only political in nature, but that has that the potential to force politicians to sit up and take notice. How then does the world of politics respond to such art? Deborah Kelly, Fiona Foley and First Dog on the Moon explore the possibilities.
Art & science
Can art push the boundaries of science towards practical new real-world discoveries, and how does an experimental scientiic approach enhance art? Artists Briony Barr and Leah Heiss work in the spaces where science and art connect, exploringing physics, nanotechnology and manufacturing. This panel will examine how the relationship between art and science can make the world a better place, by asking if more creative approaches from the world of art can be implemented to solve scientiic problems, and vice versa.
A good event starts great conversations. Here’s your chance to stay back a while and meet the guest speakers. Nibbles provided. Drinks at bar prices.
Moderated by Anni Davey
Thursday 19th June at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.45pm
Moderated by Alicia Sometimes
Tuesday 8th July at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
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Words and music. Points of View Australian art starting conversations
Certain timeless works of art make us see the world diferently. By experiencing famous paintings or sculptures, we can form an idea of what life was like when they were created. But how much can iconic art teach us about the world today? Taking four historical works as a starting point, our guests make a series of lateral leaps to explore the diversity of the modern world through the prism of classic art. The works are John Brack’s Collins St., 5p.m. 1955, Tom Roberts’ Shearing the rams 1890, Ron Mueck’s sculpture Two women 2005 and Emily Kam Kngwarray’s 1995 masterpiece Anwerlarr anganenty (Big Yam Dreaming).
After a curator from the National Gallery of Victoria places the work in context, three diferent speakers will explore the tangents that arise, leading the discussion surrounding the piece in new and unexpected directions. The evening concludes with a creative response directly inspired by the artwork itself. Guests include sport and business journalist Gideon Haigh, ARIA-award-nominated musician The Bedroom Philosopher, media scholar Patricia Edgar, Telstra’s Head of Innovation Hugh Bradlow and feminist, writer and ethicist Leslie Cannold. John Brack Collins St., 5p.m. 1955 National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne © National Gallery of Victoria
Presented by the Wheeler Centre and the NGV.
Tom Roberts Shearing the rams 1890 Wednesday 2nd July Emily Kam Kngwarray Anwerlarr anganenty (Big Yam Dreaming) 1995 Wednesday 9th July
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All of our lives have soundtracks. We cherish certain songs that have meant something to us in our lives, lyrics that have helped us through tough times and inspired us to do better, or think diferently. Similarly, everyone has a shortlist of seminal books, or short stories, or poems that have made a diference to them – pieces of writing that have formed who they are.
Hannah Kent
Lior
Hosted by Genevieve Lacey
John Brack Collins St., 5p.m. 1955 Wednesday 16th July Ron Mueck Two women 2005 Wednesday 23rd July
Who do our favourite writers listen to? What do the musicians we admire love to read? In the second instalment of Words and Music, debut novelist Hannah Kent, whose book Burial Rites has been an international sensation, is joined by ARIA-award-nominated singer/songwriter Lior, whose irst album Autumn Flow is one of the most successful Australian releases in recent history. Hannah will tell us about two pieces of music that have inspired her work as a writer, while Lior reveals two pieces of writing that have helped shape his musical direction. We eavesdrop on their exchange of treasures, and the conversation that ensues.
at the Clemenger BBDO Auditorium, NGV International Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Saturday 26th July at The Substation, Newport Time: 5.00pm – 6.00pm Tickets: $20 and $12 concession
Presented in partnership with
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Janette Turner Hospital
Janette Turner Hospital is one of Australia’s most respected authors, with eight novels and four short story collections to her name. A resident of South Carolina now, she has taught iction at universities across the world, and her work has won numerous international prizes. Janette’s latest novel is The Claimant. The story revolves around the real-life case of the search for the heir to the Vanderbilt fortune. In 1996 a court case was launched in New York that drew enormous media attention. Its aim was to establish if the long-presumed-dead son of the fabulously wealthy family was in fact living incognito as a cattle farmer in Queensland. Exploring the elusive nature of identity, The Claimant is certain to be one of the most talkedabout releases of the year.
Wednesday 21st May at the Wheeler Centre Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm Tickets: $20, includes morning tea
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The Diana Gribble Argument 2014 Mark Carnegie
In an appropriately mid-morning appearance at the Wheeler Centre, Janette Turner Hospital will discuss her new book over morning tea, a great opportunity to share a cuppa with one of the giants of Australian literature.
The late Diana Gribble was a force in Australian cultural and intellectual life. Publisher, editor, businesswoman: her impact on the world of books, writing and ideas cannot be overstated. She was tireless in her contributions; founder of McPhee Gribble, Text Media, Text Publishing and Private Media, with stints as the deputy chair of the ABC, and board member for Lonely Planet, CARE Australia, the Australia Council for the Arts, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Melbourne Major Events Company and Circus Oz. The Diana Gribble Argument is a new annual occasion to remember Diana and her legacy and – in her name – to put a bit of stick about. Over dinner in the Great Hall of the National Gallery of Victoria, we’re inviting you to take part in a good old-fashioned argument; with a provocative proposition, considered responses and a good-natured free-for-all.
Tuesday 17th June at The Great Hall, NGV International Time: 6.30pm for 7.00pm Tickets: $180, dinner included. Tables of 10 available.
Our inaugural arguer is outspoken venture capitalist Mark Carnegie, reminding us all of our civic responsibilities, or current lack thereof. A distinguished, possibly irate, group of guests will respond to Mark’s address, before our postprandial audience joins the throng with arguments of their own. This is a golden opportunity to share in dinner, drinks and hearty conversation, and to remember the contribution of an extraordinary powerhouse of Australian public life. The inaugural Argument promises to be an indelible addition to the national debate: pushing buttons, rattling cages and getting up noses somewhere between the entrée and main course. The week following the dinner, Mark Carnegie will present his argument in a free event at the Wheeler Centre.
Monday 23rd June at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Tickets: Free event, bookings recommended.
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Men Overboard. Blokes, Wimps and Mates
What does it mean to be a man – or a boy – in the 21st century? How far have we come in shedding the macho expectations of the past … and to what extent do we still perform our gender roles on a daily basis? Do we still believe that boys are made of slugs and snails and puppy dogs’ tails, or that real men don’t eat quiche? This insightful series explores masculinity through talk, performance and across the generations.
The masculine ideals and language of yesteryear have been making a comeback. Notions of physical and moral weakness have been associated with outmoded schoolyard phrases, such as ‘wimp’, or ‘goodies and baddies’. Masculinity is again being equated with strength, resolve and decisiveness. With Jennifer Granger, Clementine Ford and Ben Birchall, explore why old-fashioned masculine terminology has once more reared its head.
A Blush of Boys contrasts the experiences of two adult men with two boys. Aged ten and eleven, Will Beattie and Baptiste Emery discuss how they feel about growing up, as do actor and performer Paul Capsis and moderator Maxine McKew in this wide-ranging discussion about the pressures boys of today are facing. Presented in partnership with St Martins Youth Arts Centre.
A good event starts great conversations. Here’s your chance to stay back a while and meet the guest speakers. Nibbles provided. Drinks at bar prices. Hosted by Clementine Ford
Monday 14th July at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.45pm
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A Blush of Boys
Performing Gender
Savages: A play reading
More than any other artistic discipline, theatre has a long history of performers crossing the gender divide, but how does the artiice of a constructed gender performance relate to (and comment on) the fact we spend much of our everyday lives performing gender roles, often unconsciously? Are our entire lives a kind of performance? Our guests, including Zoe Coombs Marr and Roslyn Oades, look at how masculinity is portrayed in performance, and how rooted it is in the art itself, illuminating masculinity’s many facets, laws and strengths.
The winner of the drama category in this year’s Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards was Savages, a searing examination of masculinity under duress by Patricia Cornelius. Those who missed this electric, award-winning play now have a second chance to experience its brilliance as the cast reunites with Patricia and director Susie Dee in this unique performance read-through, followed by a Q&A session moderated by the Wheeler Centre’s head of programming and chair of Theatre Network Victoria, Simon Abrahams.
Thursday 17th July at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Saturday 19th July at the Wheeler Centre Time: 3.00pm – 5.00pm
Hosted by Maxine McKew
Wednesday 16th July at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
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Weather Stations.
Power slam
The Wheeler Centre is one of ive partners in a groundbreaking global project that places literature and storytelling at the heart of conversations around climate change. Our own Tony Birch joins Xiaolu Guo (London), Mirko Bonné (Berlin), Jas Kapela (Warsaw) and Oisín McGann (Dublin) in a threeweek residency, and a week of events that individually showcases these international talents – and, in one big night, brings them together in an event where the ive writers (and you, the audience) can question the experts.
Polish Weather Stations representative Jas Kapela takes to the stage in an incendiary event that will tackle today’s most politically charged issues, most notably climate change. Kapela is a slam poet, as well as an accomplished novelist and blogger. Joining him will be Maxine Beneba Clarke, Abe Nouk, Geof Lemon and Emilie Zoey Baker, poets taking on the powers that be in a night of rhythm and rhyme.
Hosted by Geof Lemon
Monday 5th May at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
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The current climate
This event provides you with the chance to ask experts in the ield of climate change what is really going on, so come armed with questions. All ive of the Weather Stations writers in residence from around the globe will be among a participatory audience. Guests include Amanda McKenzie, CEO of the Climate Council, Brendan Sydes, CEO of the Environment Defenders Oice, and David Karoly, a Professor of Atmospheric Science at the University of Melbourne. A good event starts great conversations. Here’s your chance to stay back a while and meet the guest speakers. Nibbles provided. Drinks at bar prices.
Wednesday 7th May at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.45pm
Xiaolu Guo I am China
Xiaolu Guo is one of Granta magazine’s Best Young British Novelists Under 40. Her latest novel is I am China. Set in London, Dover and Bejing, I am China tells the story of translator Iona Kirkpatrick, who uncovers a tale of two lovers separated by distance and political intervention. Xiaolu’s previous novels have been nominated for the Orange Prize and the Dublin IMPAC Award, and her ilms have featured at the Locarno, Sundance and Venice Film Festivals.
Hosted by Dan Edwards
Thursday 8th May at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Mirko Bonné Das Antlitz der Unwirklichkeit
Oisín McGann's storytelling for kids
Mit seinem neuen Roman Nie mehr Nacht war der herausragende deutsche Autor Mirko Bonné für den Deutschen Buchpreis 2013 nominiert. Mit Unterstützung des Goethe-Instituts Australien in Melbourne wird Mirko Bonné in dieser deutschsprachigen Veranstaltung über die eindrucksvolle Geschichte eines Künstlers, der einem Auftrag folgend nach Frankreich reist, um dort Brücken zu zeichnen, sein Engagement für Weather Stations und seine Arbeit als Übersetzer von u.a. John Keats, e.e. cummings und W.B. Yeats sprechen.
In this Saturday afternoon event for kids aged 8–12, Oisín explains how he created his well-loved books. Covering the gathering of ideas, bringing the story together and how to use language in a clever and funny way, this is the ideal one-stop shop for anyone bursting with stories of their own to tell. Plus, you get to hear Oisín reading from one of his books and watch him draw, then ask all the questions you like.
Friday 9th May at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Saturday 10th May at the Wheeler Centre Time: 1.30pm – 2.30pm
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A.M. Homes
A.M. Homes’s most recent novel May We Be Forgiven won the 2013 Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction (formerly the Orange Prize for Fiction). Compared to the work of John Cheever in the New York Times, the story is a biting satire of suburban life in the US, where Nixon expert Harry Silver inds himself abruptly thrust into his older brother’s place and must learn to cope with a twisted suburban community weirder than anything he could have encountered in the city.
Vikram Chandra
Indian American author Vikram Chandra has been a computer programmer all his life, embracing the elegance of code alongside his love of words. His latest book, Geek Sublime: Writing Fiction, Coding Software is an ode to language, literary theory and technology.
With six novels, two short-story collections and two non-iction books behind her, including the memoir The Mistress’s Daughter, about the irst meeting with her birth mother, plus several TV shows in development, A.M. Homes is a proliic, cutting-edge author not to be missed.
Utterly original and packed with fresh ideas, in Geek Sublime Vikram departs from his career as an award-winning iction author to explore how connected his two passions really are. Jumping between art, science and Indian history, this collection of mind-bending essays examines geek culture through an aesthetic prism and in the process discovers how both code and literature go beyond consciousness to reinvent language and change the way we look at the world.
Monday 19th May at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Wednesday 21st May at the Melbourne City Conference Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
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Sammy J’s Democratic Party
Comedian Sammy J knows nothing, and he’s the irst one to admit it. Politicians know everything, or so they would have us believe. When unstoppable comedic force meets immovable political object, the result is Sammy J’s Democratic Party, a brand new event that leaves the week behind and kicks of with a drink, a few laughs and a fair old shake of the sauce bottle. In the past decade, Sammy J has conquered the international comedy scene, winning plaudits at the Melbourne, Adelaide, Jakarta and Edinburgh comedy festivals. He also pops up regularly on the goggle box, on shows like Spicks and Specks, Good News Week and as host of the satirical sketch show Wednesday Night Fever. Best known for his collaborations with Randy the purple puppet, Sammy J’s Democratic Party sees him lying solo as he takes a poll of everyone invited (that’s you) to help him cut the visible strings of our politicians and ind out what they really think.
Geof Shaw Friday 13th June at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Outspoken Frankston independent MP Geof Shaw holds the balance of power in the Victorian parliament; he resigned his Liberal Party membership this year. Sammy J will ind out what makes him tick. ALP politician turned bestselling author Lindsay Tanner has plenty of opinions on the state of contemporary politics – he’ll share them, and something of himself, with Sammy J. Take one ultra-skinny, multi-award-winning comedian, add a political igure who may or may not be aware of what they’re getting themselves into, throw in a beverage or two, stand back and watch the ireworks. Friday nights will never be the same again.
Lindsay Tanner Thursday 10th July at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
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The ifth estate. Malcolm Fraser
Since he resigned from federal politics, former prime minister Malcolm Fraser has capped a long and distinguished career by focusing on human rights and international relations. In this captivating dual edition of The Fifth Estate, host Sally Warhaft sits down with the legendary igure in Melbourne and Ballarat to relect on his political life and talk about his latest book, Dangerous Allies, in which he looks back over our dependence on Britain and the United States and examines how our status as an independent Paciic nation has altered this balance of power.
For the last two years, anthropologist and broadcaster Sally Warhaft has been the Wheeler Centre’s in-house news anchor. Her fortnightly live interview series continues in 2014 as she reacts to the latest stories whipping up a storm in the media.
Every second Tuesday, Sally hosts a dizzying array of guests from the political and cultural world, in a witty and revealing analysis of current afairs. Topical guests are announced in the weeks prior to the events – check wheelercentre.com for updates. Hosted by Sally Warhaft
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Bob Carr
Throughout his 18 months as foreign minister of Australia, Bob Carr kept a diary. Chronicling the tumultuous events of his time in oice, this personal journal has now been published as a book, Diary of a Foreign Minister. Already the subject of much gossip and discussion, Bob Carr’s intimate memoir gives an unparalleled insight into the workings of government. What was really going on during Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard’s bids for the leadership? And what is it like to be the foreign minister? Sally Warhaft sits down with the former statesman for a frank and revealing glimpse into the world of international politics, straight from the source.
Tuesday 6th May at Melbourne City Conference Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Thursday 8th May at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Ballarat Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Tuesday 3rd June at Melbourne City Conference Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
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IQ debates. 2
Soft diplomacy
Creative innovators from the ields of Australian ilm, art, music and cuisine frequently ind themselves at the cutting edge of diplomacy, their entrepreneurial eforts inding traction in the dynamic new cultural markets of Asia in exciting and unexpected ways. Arts Centre Melbourne and Asialink Arts are co-hosting this look at who is leading the soft power agenda, what demographics Australians are inluencing, and where the future for creative diplomacy initiatives is headed.
Cultural solutions
The latest edition of the Griith REVIEW examines the ways in which storytelling and a greater creative engagement can transform communities. Contributor Marcus Westbury’s Renew Australia campaign helped turn Newcastle into a thriving hub of art and literature festivals, while Scott Rankin’s work has brought Australian theatre to international audiences and remote communities. They are joined by editor Julianne Schultz and fellow contributor Robyn Archer.
Hosted by Simon Abrahams
Cultural impact of AIDS
How have artists responded to the HIV virus creatively in their work, and what efect have their projects had on communities and attitudes as a whole? This panel of experts from around the globe examines what it means to be an HIV positive artist, and how to fold HIV into a creative work. Featuring Sean Strub, Dion Kagan, Jessica Whitbread and Paul Woodward.
The Intelligence Squared debates rage on in 2014 with a whole new range of topics as compelling as they are polarising. In these highly participatory debates, once both sides have had their say, the decision as to who emerges victor lies entirely in your hands.
A Two-State Solution Will Best Serve the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process Since the creation of Israel in 1948, the region has been the scene of ierce power struggles, injustice and tragic events. Throughout the past 65 years, both sides have been at odds over a resolution to their long-running conlict, and many outside parties – the United Nations, the Arab League, various US Presidents – have proposed a variety of answers, the most common of which is a two-state solution. In this volatile debate, six speakers come together to discuss the most heated and complex conlict in the world, to argue whether the two-state solution is the correct road to take, or potentially disastrous. The answers may remain elusive, but certain key questions endure. If Israel, the West Bank and Gaza are to be divided into two distinct and separate states, how can it be done? Where will the lines be drawn? And how would such a dramatic conclusion to the issue afect the region?
Hosted by Dennis Altman
The Intelligence Squared debate series is delivered in partnership with St James Ethics Centre. The six speakers, three arguing for the proposition and three against, include Peter Beinart and Dahlia Scheindlin.
A QUARTERLY OF NEW WRITING & IDEAS
Sunday 11th May at the Wheeler Centre Time: 3.00pm – 5.00pm
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Monday 12th May at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Monday 21st July at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Tuesday 10th June at Melbourne Town Hall Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Tickets: $20 and $12 concession 27
Good conversation. Great wine. Quarterly Essay
Mark Latham
Andrew Charlton: On an unravelling economy Andrew Charlton was Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s senior economic advisor, and is the author of Ozonomics. In the latest Quarterly Essay, Andrew outlines Australia’s history as an economic opportunist, bereft of a long-term national strategy. He questions whether current and future governments will consider the consequences of overreliance on China and form a grand plan for our economic independence. Is Australia’s moment in the sun coming to an end?
Former Labor Party leader Mark Latham has always been one of the sharpest critics of Australian politics, both during his tenure in power and in more recent years through his books, essays and commentary. In his latest book, The Political Bubble: Why Australians Don’t Trust Politics, he explores how the parties on both sides have lost touch with constituents by moving away from the mainstream towards the extremes of left and right, to the detriment of all.
The rise and fall of Australia
Nick Bryant was the BBC’s correspondent to Australia for six years. In his latest book The Rise and Fall of Australia: How a Great Nation Lost its Way, he gives us an outsider’s perspective on the paradox that is contemporary life in Australia. Looking at politics, racism, sport and culture, he proposes that if Australia is to avoid decline, we must abandon our long-running national stereotypes and make a fresh start. Nick examines how Australian politics have become so impoverished at a time when richness abounds elsewhere in our lives, and how this is leaving us teetering on the brink of disaster.
This winter, the Wheeler Centre will transport a taste of the best Australian writing to the Mornington Peninsula. On selected Friday nights, you can enjoy all the elements of the very best dinner party, courtesy of us: great guests, stimulating conversation and excellent food and wine.
Some of your favourite local writers will be interviewed in the gorgeous surrounds of the Montalto dining room, while you eat, drink and relax.
Shane Maloney
Alexis Wright
Hannah Kent
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the publication of Stif, the very irst Murray Whelan tale, Shane Maloney will be our latest guest at Montalto. Covering the breadth of his career, Shane will delve into the screen adaptions of Stif and The Brush-Of and give us the lowdown on what our Victorian hero is up to these days.
The Swan Book has been longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award and was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Fiction. In this groundbreaking book, Alexis Wright imagines a future for Australia dominated by environmental devastation. Join Alexis for an evening of dinner, drinks and great literary company, as she talks about the inspiration behind her latest work.
Hannah Kent’s debut novel Burial Rites has been shortlisted for the Stella Prize and the Bailey Women’s Prize for Fiction. Featuring the curious case of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, the last woman to be hanged in Iceland, it was one of the international success stories of 2013. Join her as she recounts how she came to write the story of this misunderstood woman.
Friday 23rd May
Friday 25th July
Friday 27th June
Wednesday 25th June at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
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Thursday 31st July at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Thursday 3rd July at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Time: 7.00pm for 7.30pm start Tickets: $50 inclusive of food Wine charged on consumption at Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove
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Unpublished Manuscript Award at the Emerging Writers’ Festival opening This event marks start of the annual Emerging Writers' Festival – a two week celebration of some of the best new writers around. It is also the perfect occasion to announce the 2014 Victorian Premier's Literary Award winner for an Unpublished Manuscript. Two years ago, Graeme Simsion's The Rosie Project won this award and went on to make millions. Last year's winner was Maxine Beneba Clarke, for Foreign Soil. Join Maxine, Emerging Writers' Festival director Sam TwyfordMoore and the judges, where the 2014 prize will ind its way into the hands of the next big thing.
Tuesday 27th May at Deakin Edge, Federation Square Time: 7.15pm – 8.30pm
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The Stella Prize One year on
In response to male writers' dominance of Australian literary prizes, in 2013 the Stella Prize, Australia’s irst prize to reward a woman writer for the best book of the year was born. As the 2014 Stella Prize is announced, inaugural winner Carrie Tifany and Stella Prize co-founder Aviva Tuield will be joined by this year’s winner to question whether the award has provoked a fundamental change in how women writers are viewed, or if gender bias is as virulent as ever. A good event starts great conversations. Here’s your chance to stay back a while and meet the guest speakers. Nibbles provided. Drinks at bar prices.
Thursday 1st May at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.45pm
Medium rare
This year the Wheeler Centre is taking an alternative approach to our celebration of Melbourne Rare Book Week. Host Michael Cathcart, Sleeper’s Publishing’s Louise Swinn and authors Tony Wilson and Emily Gale tell us about the books they wish were rare. The titles they’re sick to death of, the ones that make them shake their literary ists in despair. Join us in the brand new Library at The Dock for the biggest literary takedown of the year.
John Marsden
John Marsden is one of Australia’s most beloved authors. His books, in particular the bestselling Tomorrow series, continue to enthral each new generation of readers. The John Marsden/Hachette Australia Prize for Young Australian Writers is an annual award designed to assist young people in the creation of literary work. As this year’s award is thrown open for entries, John will appear in conversation to talk about his novels and the importance of supporting young writers.
Hosted by
Irreverent, satirical and original, Nick Earls is one of the most unique and popular voices in contemporary Australian literature. His latest novel is Analogue Men, a piercingly funny look at the technology crisis facing men who not too long ago thought of themselves as ‘young’ and who are now staring down the barrels of iPads, sexting and emoticons.
Erotic Fan Fiction
The worlds of fantasy and literature combine in this everpopular event, in which our guests take their favourite works of iction and add a frisson of sexiness. From Jane Austen to George R.R. Martin, our nymphomaniacs expose all the unspoken desire that simmers under the surface. Come on down for a night of passion, pillow talk and heavy breathing as Erotic Fan Fiction boldly loads its torpedoes and goes where no one has gone before. Discreet docking bay on Little Lonsdale Street.
In conversation with Chris Flynn
Michael Cathcart
Thursday 17th July at Library at The Dock, Docklands Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Nick Earls
Friday 27th June at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Monday 7th July at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Thursday 24th July at the Wheeler Centre Time: 7.30pm – 8.30pm
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Are we there yet? Searching for a home in a globalised world With immigration and asylum seekers at the forefront of news coverage, this year’s Walter Lippmann Memorial Lecture concentrates on whether we need to re-evaluate our notions of borders and of what constitutes a sovereign state. Journalist, broadcaster and writer Indira Naidoo gives this year’s address. Famed as a presenter on The 7.30 Report, A Current Afair and SBS News, Indira questions the relevance of isolationism in a global marketplace where the economies of neighbouring countries are intrinsically linked and communications are instant. Is the idea of ‘home’ outmoded? Are we moving towards a truly international idea of belonging? If so, how can this be relected in public policy? The 2014 Walter Lippmann Memorial Lecture, exploring issues and ideas surrounding contemporary multiculturalism, is given in partnership with the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria.
Tuesday 24th June at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
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Travel bugs
Crime and punishment
Why philosophy today?
Perspectives on community safety Globalisation has brought us into an era where the ability to travel almost anywhere in the world lies at our ingertips. As more and more people hit the road, seeking out cultures and places previous generations could only dream of ever seeing, many unexpected and awkward questions are raised. Do travellers treat other countries as theme parks? What responsibilities do visitors have? Does their presence help destroy cultures, or enrich them? Are we in fact moving towards a homogenous global super culture? Lonely Planet co-founder and the man with his name in ours Tony Wheeler sits down with a panel of travel bugs, including Doug Hendrie and Laura Jean McKay, to try to make sense of the place where local, foreign, national and international life and culture meets.
What can we do to better prevent crime from occurring? When people are accused of crimes, how can we ensure they are tried fairly and treated justly? Jane Dixon QC, president of Liberty Victoria, discusses these challenges and more with a panel of legal experts. Together they will outline their views on how best to ensure community safety, whether the criminal justice system is working and what prospect ofenders have for genuine rehabilitation.
This entertaining event will cover all the big issues, from religion to time travel, graphic novels to superhero movies, as our guests run the gamut of how philosophy interacts with technology, religion and humanity in ilms, books and our daily lives. Damon Young and science iction author Russell Blackford explain how philosophy is more relevant than ever to our lives, as they map out a fascinating future for the human mind.
Hosted by Jane Dixon QC
Monday 16th June at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Tuesday 13th May at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Tuesday 10th June at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Anne Frank, from diary to book Anne Frank is one of the most enduring and iconic igures to be associated with the Holocaust. Her famed diary has sold more than 30 million copies and has inspired countless other forms of media. In this lecture, presented by the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation at Monash University, New York-based editor Jefrey Shandler examines how Anne Frank’s story has been converted into a book of essays that challenge perceptions while still airming the power of her diary as a physical symbol of connection.
Thursday 15th May at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
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Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Breakfast Club
The 2014 Melbourne International Jazz Festival breezes into town with this series of intimate conversations between host Fem Belling and the iconic artists gracing this year’s stages. Witness these jazz legends discussing their work, life and the inspiration behind their music.
The inventor of fusion jazz, vibraphonist Gary Burton, comes to the Langham to talk about and demonstrate his much-emulated skills. Also appearing is Joshua Redman, one of the most sought-after sax players of today, at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
Legendary saxophonist Charles Lloyd, who has played with everybody from The Beach Boys to Jason Moran, talks collaboration with his muse Maria Farantouri, who, in her own separate Greek-language event, reveals her ongoing determination to make a diference for her country through music and culture.
Back at the Wheeler Centre, four-time Grammy award winning guitarist Larry Carlton talks about his work on albums by Michael Jackson, Joni Mitchell and The Four Tops. Mary Stallings counts down six decades as a vocalist and recalls the great Dizzy Gillespie, while pianist Mike Nock looks back over his 30-album career. Hosted by Fem Belling
Maria Farantouri Saturday 31st May at the Wheeler Centre Time: 4.00pm – 5.00pm Please note this talk will take place in Greek.
Mary Stallings Wednesday 4th June at the Wheeler Centre Time: 4.00pm – 5.00pm
Charles Lloyd and Maria Farantouri Saturday 31st May at the Langham, Melbourne
Larry Carlton Tuesday 3rd June at the Wheeler Centre Time: 4.00pm – 5.00pm
Mike Nock Saturday 7th June at the Wheeler Centre Time: 1.00pm – 2.00pm
Joshua Redman Friday 6th June at the Melbourne Recital Centre
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Laura Bates Everyday sexism project
Next Wave's Breakfast Club is back! The highly successful talks series returns to the Wheeler Centre. We’re not interested in expert-led formats or a room full of people thinking the same things; we want big opinions, good discussion and personal stories. And cofee (that’s important). Each event runs for 90 minutes, and will be punctuated by a series of provocations from artists, writers, thinkers and commentators.
Saturday 3rd May ‘One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star’ – Friedrich Nietzsche Sunday 4th May Sleepwalking through ire: cold facts, hot futures
Laura Bates started the Everyday Sexism Project in April 2012, in response to the persistent narrative espoused in the media and elsewhere that sexism is no longer prevalent in contemporary life. Having repeatedly heard that women now share the same status as men and that gender-based comments or so-called ‘jokes’ are simply par for the course and must be endured, Laura launched the website to provide a space for people to talk about the instances of sexism they experience in everyday life. In this lecture, Laura will walk us through the history of the Everyday Sexism Project and look towards a hopeful future by examining the project's positive impact on the lives of women as we work towards a truly equal society, free of prejudice.
Hosted by Jess McGuire
Saturday 10th May How do we listen when we can’t hear?
Gary Burton Sunday 8th June at the Langham, Melbourne
Sunday 11th May Drifting Right at the Wheeler Centre Time: 10.00am – 11.30am
FESTIVAL 2014
16 April
11 May
NEW GRAND NARRATIVE
nextwave.org.au
Friday 2nd May at the Wheeler Centre Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
FESTIVAL 2014
16 April
11 May
NEW GRAND NARRATIVE
nextwave.org.au
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Lunchbox soapbox. We love exploring ideas at the Wheeler Centre, and encouraging others to do the same. That’s why every Thursday lunchtime we hand the microphone over to the great thinkers, dreamers and orators of our time. With a dazzling range of passionate speakers and unusual topics, our soapbox provides a platform for the eclectic, topical and enlightening stories you won’t hear elsewhere. This is the most memorable lunch break you’ll have all week.
Thursdays at the Wheeler Centre Time: 12.45pm – 1.15pm
If you’re in need of sustenance of body as well as mind, the MOAT lunch cart will be serving delicious $10 lunchboxes in the performance space from 12.20pm.
Jack Colwell Tweeties for Sweeties: Narrative in Grindr and Social Media Thursday 5th June Musician and composer Jack Colwell takes hook-up apps to the next level by incorporating storytelling and narrative into casual encounters. In partnership with Emerging Writers’ Festival.
Mark Yettica-Paulson Cross Cultural Leadership Thursday 12th June Mark Yettica-Paulson argues that developing Indigenous leadership programs is a vital step towards promoting dialogue, cross-cultural understanding and change at a national level.
Julian Cribb Poisoned Planet Thursday 19th June Award-winning journalist and author Julian Cribb explains how deeply we are exposed to chemicals through food and the environment, and proposes solutions that will lead to better health for all.
Beth Wilson AM Health Service Providers and Conscientious Objection Thursday 26th June Former health service commissioner Beth Wilson investigates why women are being refused contraception at pharmacies on moral grounds and the dangerous consequences for their health.
Mark Isaacs Nauru: An Insider’s Account of Australia’s Ofshore Detention Policy Thursday 8th May Former asylum seeker processing centre volunteer Mark Isaacs sidesteps the media spin to expose the harsh realities of life on Nauru, in this irst-hand account of oppression, haphazard organisation and human disaster.
Lynne Segal The Pleasures (and Perils) of Ageing Thursday 15th May Gender studies and psychology professor Lynne Segal turns up the volume on getting old and grapples with its associated pains and challenges – physical, mental, sexual and otherwise.
Marian Rakosi The New Unionists: Early Childhood Education and the Big Steps Campaign Thursday 3rd July Early childhood educator Marian Rakosi emphasises the importance of unions in organising women to ensure they are properly remunerated in an industry plagued by poor pay and conditions.
Liz Jones AO In Pursuit of Excellence Thursday 10th July Liz Jones, artistic director of La Mama, argues that independent theatre companies play just as important a role in developing theatre culture as the larger institutions, and should be better supported.
Rob Fowler Rolling Back the Years: Regression in Commonwealth Environment Laws Thursday 22nd May Environmental law professor Rob Fowler warns of the pitfalls of handing over regulatory control to state government, when there are international treaty obligations to be met and a national future to be forged.
Sam George-Allen Literary Sexting: Scum Mag & Online Sex Writing Thursday 29th May Rant editor at Scum Magazine explores how to write about sex when you’re part of the irst generation to be educated by pornography. In partnership with Emerging Writers’ Festival.
Mohammed L. Barry Stepping Up the Pace in our Response to HIV Thursday 17th July 22-year-old HIV campaigner Mohammed Barry talks about his own experience with the virus and how we need a renewed global response to the epidemic in order to help the millions of young people infected.
Simon Griiths On Giving a Crap Thursday 24th July Socially conscious entrepreneur Simon Griiths talks about the life-saving results of his Who Gives a Crap business, which manufactures toilet paper and turns the proits into sanitation projects in the developing world.
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The next big thing.
June
With each year that passes, Australia consistently produces a wealth of new literary talent. From debut novelists to short-story writers, memoirists to poets, we are truly living in a golden age for the written word. How to keep up? It’s simple. Once a month, head on down to The Next Big Thing, where you will hear from and meet four exciting new authors, and maybe a few who’ve been around for a while but haven’t had the exposure they deserve. These are the literary stars of tomorrow. Come and hear from them today.
Liam Pieper is a journalist and author whose memoir about being an inept gangster, The Feel-Good Hit of the Year, hits the shelves this month.
Tom O’Byrne is a short-story writer and student, currently working on his irst novel. He writes ‘despite the loneliness and acute awareness of death’.
Diana Sweeney is a university lecturer and model, whose acclaimed debut young adult novel The Minnow, is out this winter.
Monday 23rd June at the MOAT Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
May
July Elizabeth Kuiper grew up in Zimbabwe and is now a student in Melbourne. She has a short story forthcoming in the June edition of Voiceworks.
Angela Meyer is an editor, journalist and iction writer who has appeared at many literary festivals around Australia. Her collection of lash iction, Captives, is out this month.
Luke Ryan is a comedian and journalist whose memoir about surviving cancer (twice) is A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Chemo.
Sean Watson is an editor at Farrago and Voiceworks, who is working on iction and literary journalism.
Pierz Newton-John is a iction writer and former psychotherapist. One of the founding members of The School of Life Melbourne, his short-story collection is Fault Lines.
Emily Bitto is a iction writer and teacher. Her debut novel, The Strays, was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript and is released this month.
Anna George is a ilm reviewer and the author of two screenplays. What Came Before, her irst novel, will be published by Penguin.
Tom Trumble is the author of three books – Unholy Pilgrims, Rescue at 2100 Hours and his latest, Tomorrow We Escape.
Monday 19th May at the MOAT Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
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Ellie Marney is a young adult author whose debut crime thriller Every Breath came out in 2013, and is followed this year by Every Word, and in 2015 by Every Move.
Monday 21st July at the MOAT Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
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Sponsorship and Development Thank you As a cultural institution, we rely on the vision and generosity of state government, our patrons, donors, corporate partners and philanthropic trusts. Their outstanding contribution and commitment enables us to create and maintain our extraordinary programme of activities, and ensure that we are the best, most ambitious organisation we can be. We take this opportunity to say thank you.
Conversation Starters
Government Partners
City of Melbourne PO Box 1603 Melbourne 3001
Patrons Maureen and Tony Wheeler
Major Sponsors Audio Visual
Wine
Ministry of Ideas Founding Partner
Ministry of Ideas
Be a Conversation Starter?
The Ministry of Ideas is our Corporate Fund. We bring together organisations and businesses who want to be part of a community beyond their own corporate activities – to create a network of inluential do-ers, innovators, thinkers and dreamers. Join the Ministry of Ideas and help us shape the conversations taking place in and deining our society. In return, we ofer access to the world’s best writers and thinkers through a range of bespoke beneits and unique programmes.
Conversation sparkles, it enlightens, it thrives on the exchange of ideas, the sharing of passions and expertise. A community is deined by its conversations. As a cultural institution devoted to books, writing and ideas we have become the home of conversations that challenge, delight, question and entertain. As we approach our ifth birthday in 2015, we’re looking for ifty very special friends, our inaugural major donors – our Conversation Starters! By becoming a Conversation Starter, you help to shape our vision and goals and play a vital role in nourishing the conversations that matter.
Trusts and Foundations The Readings Foundation Copyright Agency Collier Charitable Fund The Ian Potter Foundation Sidney Myer Fund 40
Places in both these great groups are limited. To ind out more about how you can join the Ministry of Ideas or become a Conversation Starter, please start the conversation by calling us on 03 9094 7800.
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Access info. Booking Tickets Please notify us of all access requirements when booking – contact reception on 03 9094 7800 or reception@wheelercentre.com. Auslan The Wheeler Centre provides Auslan interpreting on request. Please contact us two weeks prior to your event. Hearing Loop A hearing loop is available at the Wheeler Centre. If you require hearing assistance at an of-site event, please contact us when you book your ticket.
Physical Access Every efort has been made to ensure that the Wheeler Centre's events are accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. Wheeler Centre events have unallocated seating – please contact us if you require reserved seating to accommodate your access needs.
Resident organisations.
Companion Seats If you require the assistance of a companion to access venues, please note the Wheeler Centre ofers a second ticket to paid events at no cost to Companion Card holders (or similar) at the time of booking.
Having trouble reading the small print? To request a large-print version of this program please call 03 9094 7800.
Booksellers. Booksellers at Wheeler Centre Events At many Wheeler Centre events, speakers' books may be purchased from one of the brilliant local booksellers it is our pleasure to partner with. To date that has included: Avenue Bookstore, Book City Ballarat, Books in Print, Brunswick Bound, Brunswick Street Bookstore, Collins Booksellers in Mildura, Sale and Wangaratta, Dymocks Collins Street, Dymocks Camberwell, Embiggen Books, Hares and Hyenas, Hill of Content Bookshop, The New International Bookshop, The Paperback Bookshop, Readings and The Sun Bookshop. Support your nearest centre for books, writing and ideas: shop at a local bookshop.
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Join our e-news. Sign up to receive our free e-newsletter and you'll ind the Wheeler Weekly in your inbox every Monday morning with all the latest event updates, news and multimedia. wheelercentre.com
Calendar. Thursday 1st May The Stella Prize: One year on Time: 6.15pm – 7.45pm Friday 2nd May Laura Bates Everyday Sexism Project Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Saturday 3rd May Breakfast Club: ‘One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star’ – Friedrich Nietzsche Time: 10.00am – 11.30am Sunday 4th May Breakfast Club: Sleepwalking through ire: cold facts, hot futures Time: 10.00am – 11.30am Monday 5th May Weather Stations: Power Slam Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Tuesday 6th May The Fifth Estate: Malcolm Fraser in Melbourne Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Wednesday 7th May Weather Stations: The Current Climate Time: 6.15pm – 7.45pm Thursday 8th May Lunchbox/Soapbox: Mark Isaacs Time: 12.45pm – 1.15pm Thursday 8th May Weather Stations: Xiaolu Guo Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
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Thursday 8th May The Fifth Estate: Malcolm Fraser in Ballarat Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Friday 9th May Weather Stations: Mirko Bonné Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Saturday 10th May Breakfast Club: How do we listen when we can’t hear? Time: 10.00am – 11.30am Saturday 10th May Weather Stations: Oisín McGann’s Storytelling for Kids Time: 1.30pm – 2.30pm Sunday 11th May Breakfast Club: Drifting Right Time: 10.00am – 11.30am Sunday 11th May Soft Diplomacy Time: 3.00pm – 5.00pm Monday 12th May Cultural Solutions Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Tuesday 13th May Crime and Punishment: Perspectives on Community Safety Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Thursday 15th May Lunchbox/Soapbox: Lynne Segal Time: 12.45pm – 1.15pm Thursday 15th May Anne Frank, from Diary to Book Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Friday 16th May Sammy J's Democratic Party Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Monday 19th May A.M. Homes Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Monday 19th May The Next Big Thing Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Wednesday 21st May Janette Turner Hospital Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm Wednesday 21st May Art & Money Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Wednesday 21st May Vikram Chandra Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Thursday 22nd May Lunchbox/Soapbox: Rob Fowler Time: 12.45pm – 1.15pm Friday 23rd May Good conversation. Great wine.: Shane Maloney Time: 7.00pm – 10.00pm Monday 26th May Dirty Secrets Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Monday 26th May Irvine Welsh Time: 8.00pm – 9.00pm Tuesday 27th May Unpublished Manuscript Award at the Emerging Writers’ Festival Opening Time: 7.15pm – 8.30pm Wednesday 28th May Gary Shteyngart Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm Thursday 29th May Lunchbox/Soapbox: Sam George-Allen Time: 12.45pm – 1.15pm
Saturday 31st May Melbourne International Jazz Festival: Maria Farantouri Time: 4.00pm – 5.00pm Tuesday 3rd June Melbourne International Jazz Festival: Larry Carlton Time: 4.00pm – 5.00pm Tuesday 3rd June The Fifth Estate: Bob Carr Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Wednesday 4th June Melbourne International Jazz Festival: Mary Stallings Time: 4.00pm – 5.00pm Thursday 5th June Lunchbox/Soapbox: Jack Colwell Time: 12.45pm – 1.15pm Saturday 7th June Melbourne International Jazz Festival: Mike Nock Time: 1.00pm – 2.00pm Tuesday 10th June Why Philosophy Today? Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Tuesday 10th June IQ2: A Two-State Solution Will Best Serve the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm Wednesday 11th June Sian Prior On Shyness Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Thursday 12th June Lunchbox/Soapbox: Mark Yettica-Paulson Time: 12.45pm – 1.15pm Thursday 12th June Children On Death Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
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Calendar. Friday 13th June Sammy J’s Democratic Party Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Monday 16th June Travel Bugs Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Tuesday 17th June Diana Gribble Argument Inaugural Dinner Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm Thursday 19th June Lunchbox/Soapbox: Julian Cribb Time: 12.45pm – 1.15pm Thursday 19th June Art & Politics Time: 6.15pm – 7.45pm Monday 23rd June The Next Big Thing Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Monday 23rd June Diana Gribble Argument Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Tuesday 24th June Are We There Yet? Searching for a home in a globalised world Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Wednesday 25th June Quarterly Essay: Andrew Charlton Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Thursday 26th June Lunchbox/Soapbox: Beth Wilson Time: 12.45pm - 1.15pm Friday 27th June John Marsden Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
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Friday 27th June Good conversation. Great wine.: Alexis Wright Time: 7.00pm – 10.00pm
Friday 11th July Elemental in Melbourne Time: 7.00pm – 8.30pm and 9.00pm – 10:30pm
Wednesday 2nd July Points of View: Tom Roberts’ Shearing the rams Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Monday 14th July Men Overboard: Blokes, Wimps and Mates Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Thursday 3rd July Lunchbox/Soapbox: Marian Rakosi Time: 12.45pm – 1.15pm
Wednesday 16th July Men Overboard: A Blush of Boys Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Thursday 3rd July The Rise and Fall of Australia Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Wednesday 16th July Points of View: John Brack’s Collins St., 5p.m. Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Monday 7th July Nick Earls Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Tuesday 8th July Art & Science Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Wednesday 9th July Points of View: Emily Kam Kngwarray’s Anwerlarr anganenty (Big Yam Dreaming) Time: 6.15pm - 7.15pm
Thursday 17th July Lunchbox/Soapbox: Mohammed Barry Time: 12.45pm – 1.15pm Thursday 17th July Men Overboard: Performing Gender Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Thursday 17th July Medium Rare Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Thursday 10th July Lunchbox/Soapbox: Liz Jones Time: 12.45pm – 1.15pm
Friday 18th July Elemental in Bendigo Time: 6.00pm – 7.30pm and 8.00pm – 9:30pm
Thursday 10th July Sammy J’s Democratic Party Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Saturday 19th July Men Overboard: Savages: A play reading Time: 3.00pm – 5.00pm
Thursday 10th July Elemental in Melbourne Time: 7.00pm – 8.30pm and 9.00pm – 10:30pm
Monday 21st July Cultural Impact of AIDS Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Tuesday 22nd July Anne Manne On Narcissism Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Wednesday 23rd July Points of View: Ron Mueck’s Two women Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Thursday 24th July Lunchbox/Soapbox: Simon Griiths Time: 12.45pm – 1.15pm Thursday 24th July Erotic Fan Fiction Time: 7.30pm – 8.30pm Friday 25th July Good conversation. Great wine.: Hannah Kent Time: 7.00pm – 10.00pm Saturday 26th July Words and Music: Hannah Kent and Lior Time: 5.00pm – 6.00pm Wednesday 30th July Epic Fail Time: 6.30pm – 8.00pm Thursday 31st July Mark Latham Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Monday 4th August Bob Brown On Optimism in Geelong Time: 7.00pm – 8.00pm Tuesday 5th August Bob Brown On Optimism in Melbourne Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm Wednesday 6th August Bob Brown On Optimism in Hobart Time: 7.30pm – 8.30pm
Monday 21st July The Next Big Thing Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
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The Venue
wheelercentre.com
The Wheeler Centre is located in a wing of the State Library on the corner of Swanston Street and Little Lonsdale Street.
Most events are ilmed and uploaded to our website for your debate and discussion.
The Wheeler Centre entrance is in Little Lonsdale Street. The venue is serviced by Swanston Street trams and Melbourne Central train station. Parking is available opposite in the QV complex.
Booking Tickets
Further Information Visit wheelercentre.com or call 03 9094 7800 during business hours.
All Wheeler Centre events held within our performance space are FREE – with events at larger, external venues usually charged at $20 and $12 concession or $35 and $20 concession per ticket. All tickets can be booked at wheelercentre.com Bookings strongly recommended.
BOOK NOW wheelercentre.com