Brisbane Writers Festival 2019

The four-day feast of words returns with more than 160 writers, thinkers, storytellers and opinion-makers on its program.
Sarah Ward
June 21, 2019

Overview

Whether you're thumbing through well-worn pages, pouring over your Kindle or flicking through your phone, reading is usually a solitary activity. Once a year, however, Brisbane's biggest literary buffs — and plenty of the people responsible for keeping them glued to the page — all assemble at the State Library of Queensland. The occasion: Brisbane Writers Festival.

In 2019, the four-day festival returns from Thursday, September 5 to Sunday, September 8 with more than 160 writers, thinkers, storytellers and opinion-makers on its program. Prepare to hear plenty of words uttered about words that've been written, covering topics like climate and race, genres including dystopian fiction and young adult literature, and speakers from both around Australia and overseas. High-profile standouts include Jasper Fforde, author of the Thursday Next series; best-selling historical fiction scribe Ann Weisgarber (The Glovemaker); and Joanne Ramos, whose book The Farm has been compared to The Handmaid's Tale.

With this year marking the UN Year of Indigenous Languages, BWF is also showcasing Indigenous Australians in a big way — with Baker Boy, writer, actor and comedian Steven Oliver (A Chance Affair), Aussie slam poetry championships winner Solli Raphael and Indigenous slam star Melanie Mununggurr-Williams all on the bill.

The ongoing list of guests also includes Benjamin Law, Walkley Award-winning journalist Hedley Thomas, Tomorrow, When the War Began's John Marsden and The Dressmaker's Rosalie Ham. Plus, installation space Angel's Palace will return, so get ready to revisit the 7.5-metre dome decorated with original art by Brisbane artist Gordon Hookey.

Information

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