Literature festival opens up to inquiring minds
More than 30 renowned Thai and international writers from around the world will be speaking at the first-ever “Neilson Hays Bangkok Literature Festival”, which will take place on Saturday and Sunday.
Held to mark the library’s 150th anniversary, the twoday event will be packed with insightful talks, panel discussions, and poetry readings running at both the Neilson Hays Library and the nearby British Club, starting from 10am-9pm on both days.
The festival is aimed to connect curious minds with inspiring literary voices to ignite imaginations, foster connections, and invite critical investigations of Asia’s place in the world.
The festival will open with a panel on “Revolt Or Retreat?”, where four speakers will discuss whether adversity inspires great art and how they react to oppression and suppression in all its forms.
Other interesting topics include “Don’t Tell Me Who To Love/Don’t Tell Me Who To Be” by LGBTI writers Vitit Muntarbhorn, Melissa Lucashenko (Australia) and Darrel McLeod (Canada); “Exporting Thai Literature” by Pitchaya Sudbanthad, Jane Vejjajiva and Rewat Panpipat; and “Violence Knows No Borders” by Patrick Winn, Zakariya Amataya and P. Sivakami (India).
Dr Ma Thida from Myanmar will discuss the long-term effects of censorship on the
topic “These Freedoms” while Indian author Pankaj Mishra, who penned The Age Of Anger: A History Of The Present, will talk about the rising tide of nationalism in China, India and the US during “Playing With Fire”.
There will be a film screening of Starless Dreams, an Iranian documentary about a correctional and rehabilitation centre for girls in Iran, and Hope Frozen, an award-winning fulllength documentary directed by
Pailin Wedel about a two-yearold Einz who became the youngest person in the world to be cryopreserved in Arizona, US.
Most sessions conducted in English will have Thai translations and English translation will be provided at sessions conducted in Thai. Daytime sessions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Day passes are also available, at 600 baht, for those who wish to be sure to get seats. Evening sessions, including film screenings, require separate tickets.
There will be other entertainment for the family, including an arts-and-crafts market and workshops.