WRITERS AND READERS FESTIVAL
The biennial literary event has come around again. From an eminent visiting philosopher to masterclasses on writing, there’s certain to be a topic to pique your interest. This year’s theme is “Other Worlds in Words”, a broad stroke that ensures engagement. If you haven’t bought tickets, there’s still time. See below for our round-up of festival highlights. Visit taswrf.org for workshop bookings and the full program.
FESTIVAL OPENING, THE CHALLENGE OF FREEDOM
THEATRE ROYAL, THURSDAY, 7.45-9PM Illustrious British philosopher, author and humanist AC Grayling (right) will be joined by Professor Jeff Malpas and author Heather Rose in this openingnight event. Enjoy an evening that aims to inspire festival-goers to engage with other worlds. The event also includes the inaugural Emerging Tasmanian Aboriginal Writers Award. Tickets are $30, or $25 for TasWriters members and concession, from theatreroyal.com.au/ shows/challenge-freedom
MEET THE WRITERS
ORIENT BAR, HADLEY’S ORIENT HOTEL, FRIDAY 2-4PM ABC’s Your Afternoon with Helen Shields will set up shop in the Orient Bar for a lively radio broadcast from the festival. Come to this free event to be on the other side of the mic and meet some of the writers who will share their stories over the soundwaves.
THE WORLDS OF BRADLEY TREVOR GREIVE
JOHN WEBB ROOM, HADLEY’S ORIENT HOTEL, FRIDAY 7.30-8.30PM Tasmanian author Bradley Trevor Greive will captivate with his humorous retellings of his many adventures. Best known for his whimsical gift books The Blue Day Book, Dear Mum and Thank You For Being You, Greive recently published his own illustrated edition of philosopher Bertrand Russell’s essay, In Praise of Idleness. His non-fiction work, Penguin Bloom, which won the ABIA 2017 Illustrated Book of the year award, is set to become a film starring Naomi Watts. See him here in conversation with Andrew Hopwood. Tickets are $22, or $17 for TasWriters members and concession. Book at taswrf.org/speakers/bradley-trevor-greive
WILDERNESS AND THE HUMAN SOUL
GEORGE CARTWRIGHT ROOM, HADLEY’S ORIENT HOTEL, FRIDAY 7.30-9PM Join Bob Brown, James Dryburgh, Heather Rose and Pete Hay for a fascinating discussion about the impact of wild places on the human soul. This session will begin and end with a performance by muka nawnta singers Jodi Haines, Judith Reid and Kartanya Maynard. Tickets are $25, or $20 for TasWriters members and concession. Book at taswrf.org/sessions/ wilderness-human-soul
FASHIONISTA EXTRAVAGANZA
HOBART CITY HALL, TOMORROW, 10AM-2PM The Overdressed Market is setting up for the day at the Hobart City Hall, at 57-63 Macquarie St, with an event for the budget-conscious. Pick up a pre-loved designer bargain or browse the racks of new women’s attire and accessories. Be there for your chance to win the lucky door prize: a $100 voucher to spend at the Red Cross shop at Rosny. For details, visit overdressed. com.au/overdressed-market
BEST OF BEC’S BACKYARD FILM FESTIVAL
MOONAH ARTS CENTRE, TUESDAY, 5.30PM Twice a year, Rebecca Thomson’s backyard is taken over by a big and boisterous party where all the guests are challenged to make a short film in a given genre. This year was no different. See some of the crackers they’ve come up with at this one-off screening hosted by Thomson. Tickets are $5 at the door. For details, visit moonahartscentre.org.au/events/real-to-reel
SCHOOL OF LIFE HOBART POP-UP
126 BATHURST ST, HOBART, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, TO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 Four thought-provoking sessions hosted by The School of Life Australia will run next month across an exhilarating long weekend. The School is a global organisation founded by philosopher Alain de Botton and is dedicated to developing emotional intelligence. Its first event in Hobart includes two special events – A Night of Better Conversation: Sex, and A Night of Better Conversation: Death – with a class each on How to Realise Your Potential and How to Be Creative. All events are free, but tickets are available only through a ballot system. To win a ticket, visit theschooloflife.com/hobart and register before Monday, October 2. Winners will be notified on Tuesday, October 3.