Can you handle the truth?

Star studded Adelaide Writers Week program to be live streamed

Paraphrasing Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men – can you handle the truth? Regardless of the answer, 2023 Adelaide Writers’ Week is tackling the subject with the theme Truth Be Told.

A huge program, centring on that theme weaving on the notion of truth; truths we acknowledge, truths we feel are debatable and those beyond debate, kicks off on March 4 and as it has since 2016, Team Leader Library Programs Kristi Brooks said the Mount Gambier Library is providing access to some incredible live streaming opportunities.

“We were one of the first libraries to host the live stream with the festival hoping to reach a broader audience,” Mrs Brooks said. “In being a host venue our community members can be part of this literary festival that has access to incredible speakers. Our community doesn’t miss out.”

“Internationally bestselling Jane Harper is sure to appeal to many, whilst the opinionated Peter FitzSimons is always entertaining and passionate as he discusses his well-researched military battles,” Mrs Brooks said. “And we must mention Former Australian of the Year, Grace Tame who will be in conversation with award-winning Four Corners journalist Louise Milligan.”

And Adelaide Writers’ Week is also the type of event that unearths new talent and new voices.

The live streaming event traditionally attracts good numbers and you can access a full program at the library and by keeping an eye on their social media platforms.

“We have a strong cohort of library members that attend, prepared with the program, taking notes, joining in with live Twitter questions and stay for the majority of the sessions,” Mrs Brooks said. “Participants have access to refreshments; tea & coffee, and a fridge to bring their lunch should they wish to and if staying for the whole day isn’t for you, we welcome anyone to pop along and listen to their favourite speaker.

“Our dedicated program will tell you everything you need to know; the session time, the theme and general content to expect, who is speaking and who is facilitating – which can really elevate the talk, especially if there is a little friendly banter between all involved.”

PROGRAM

Monday 6 March

Literary Lives: Bernadette Brennan, Heather Clark, Samantha Rose Hill, Hermione Lee, Sean O’Beirne & Brigitta Olubas Hype, Hypocrisy & History Speeding Up: David Hare The Irish Question: John Boyne, Esther Freud & Louise Kennedy Meet the Cohens: Josh Cohen & Joshua Cohen An Australian Publishing Icon: Hilary McPhee

Why Books About Politics Matter: Laura Tingle & John Warhurst

Tuesday 7 March

The Politics of Pandemics: Chip Le

Grand & Raina MacIntyre Poetry in the Age of Absolutely Everything: Simon Armitage When Children are Cannon Fodder: Paul Byrnes From the Pulse of my Heart: Louise Kennedy Modern Relationships: Sloane Crosley, Laura Kipinis & Diana Reid America, America: Shalom Auslander, James Curran, John Keane & Fintan O’Toole Wednesday 8 March Yes, He Has Come to the End of His Sentence, But Does That Mean He has Nothing More to Say? John Banville Sloane Crosley in Profile: Sloan Crosley The Perils of Publishing: Michael Bradley, Adele Ferguson, Samantha Maiden & Louise Milligan A Tender Lady Chatterley: Alison MacLeod A Vision in Teal: Simon Holmes a Court, Margot Saville & Brook Turner On Ending: Geoff Dyer

Thursday 9 March

Life is a Brief Affair: Alex Miller May These Words Bring You Home: Grace Tame Cold War, Hot Culture: Louis Menand The Aussie Queen of Noir: Jane Harper The Planet’s Clock is Ticking: Rose Garnaut & Simon Holmes a Court The Battle for Long Tan: Peter FitzSimons