Fantasy and sci-fi festival to hit Taupo
New Zealand’s 1870s prime minister Julius Vogel doesn’t usually come to mind when someone says ‘‘science fiction’’.
Nonetheless, Vogel gets plaudits for writing New Zealand’s first sci-fi novel, Anno Domini 2000, or, Woman’s Destiny, which was published in 1889.
He was also known for instigating significant public works, such as roads, railways and Morse code communication networks.
Vogel’s creative legacy will be celebrated at the Lexicon science fiction convention in Taupo, held over Queens Birthday Weekend in June.
The convention features more than 80 workshops, panels, and screenings. Topics include ‘‘Representation in Genre Fiction’’, first draft editing, ‘‘Building Worlds’’, ’’Ecosystems in SFF’’, ‘‘the Future of a Spacewoman’’.
On Sunday, the fan-voted Sir Julius Vogel Awards will be given to the most popular New Zealand talent in the fantasy, horror and science fiction fields.
LexiCon’s Jan Goldie said the event provides a unique chance to meet with others with the same interests.
‘‘Not connect in some sort of commercial way, but connect face-to-face and at panel discussions,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s quite thought-provoking to listen to authors and directors with all this experience.’’
Renowned Canadian urbanfantasy author Seanan McGuire is the event’s guest of honour.
McGuire is known for urban fantasy series October Daye and InCryptid as well as the Newsflesh novels (under the pseudonym Mira Grant).
She is also known for her ’’filk’’ music.
‘‘Filking is the art of taking a popular song’s melody, and then rewriting the lyrics to fit a science fiction narrative,’’ Goldie said.
Lexicon workshops and events take place from 9am to 11pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Suncourt Hotel and Conference Centre, Roberts St.
Tickets cost $70 for the whole weekend, $25 for Friday only, $45 for Saturday only, $45 for Sunday only. Concession tickets (students, beneficiaries, children under 16) cost $35 for the weekend or $15, $25, $25 for the days. Book online and pay cash on arrival.
* Lexicon Science Fiction Convention: Friday June 2 to Sunday June 4, at Suncourt Hotel and Conference Centre, Roberts St. For a schedule, see lexicon.cons.nz/events