Sydney Writers' Festival 2008 - Online Program
Nonfictionprint Print This Page

• Saturday, May 17 2008 •
09 : 30
4: Workshop: Freelance Writing for Magazines with Penny Craswell  * SOLD OUT *
Learn essential writing, pitching and research skills needed for freelance magazine writing. 		Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, Carmichael Room
09:30 to 12:30		Ticketed Event
Industry, Nonfiction Workshops  More Info
• Monday, May 19 2008 •
13 : 00
12: The Ernies Book
Meredith Burgmann and Yvette Andrews talk about 'The Ernies Book' with Anne Summers. 		The Mint
13:00 to 14:00		Free Event
Nonfiction, Current Affairs, Culture & Heritage In Conversation  More Info
18 : 30
18: NSW Premier’s Literary Awards Dinner
Prizes presented by the Minister for the Arts and the Premier of NSW. 		Art Gallery of New South Wales
18:30 to 23:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction, Nonfiction Special Event  More Info
• Tuesday, May 20 2008 •
09 : 30
21: Workshop: The Challenge of Plain English with Ron Denholm  * SOLD OUT *
Ron Denholm introduces 10 guidelines that define plain language. 		Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, Carmichael Room
09:30 to 12:30		Ticketed Event
Industry, Nonfiction Workshops  More Info
10 : 00
24: A Lie About My Father: John Burnside in Conversation
Scottish poet and novelist John Burnside discusses his work with Edmund Campion. 		Carrington Hotel, Katoomba
10:00 to 11:00		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction, Poetry, Fiction, In Conversation  More Info
13 : 30
29: An Exacting Heart: The Hephzibah Menuhin Story
Jacqueline Kent discusses her biography of Hephzibah Menuhin. 		Carrington Hotel, Katoomba
13:30 to 14:30		Ticketed Event
Life Writing, Nonfiction In Conversation  More Info
• Wednesday, May 21 2008 •
18 : 30
48: Jan Wong at Ultimo Library
Jan Wong shares the story of her journey to Beijing to search for a woman she betrayed. 		Ultimo Library
18:30 to 19:30		Free Event
Culture & Heritage, Nonfiction, Life Writing Author Talk  More Info

46: Writers as Readers
Matthew Condon, Gail Jones and Samuel Wagan Watson discuss their literary education with Mary Kostakidis. 		Riverside Theatres, Lennox Theatre
18:30 to 19:30		Free Event
Culture & Heritage, Fiction, Nonfiction Panel  More Info
• Thursday, May 22 2008 •
07 : 30
53: Loretta Napoleoni Business Breakfast
International terrorism expert and economist, Loretta Napoleoni, discusses her book 'Rogue Economics' over breakfast. 		Café Sydney
07:30 to 09:00		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction, Current Affairs Literary Lunch/Dinner  More Info
10 : 00
57: What’s the Big Idea?
Simon Critchley, John Gray and Maria Turmarkin consider some big topics: death, religion and courage. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
10:00 to 11:00		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction Panel  More Info
11 : 30
68: Hermione Lee on Edith Wharton
Biographer Hermione Lee discloses the back story to her acclaimed life of writer Edith Wharton. 		Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay
11:30 to 12:30		Ticketed Event
Life Writing, Nonfiction Lecture  More Info

66: Jan Wong in Conversation
Jan Wong discusses her new book, 'Beijing Confidential'. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
11:30 to 12:30		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction, Culture & Heritage, Life Writing In Conversation  More Info

65: The Final Journey
Debra Adelaide, Virginia Lloyd and Susan Wyndham discuss writing about dying in fiction, memoir and nonfiction. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
11:30 to 12:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction, Nonfiction, Life Writing Panel  More Info
12 : 30
76: Kate Jennings Literary Lunch
Kate Jennings talks about her new book, Stanley and Sophie over lunch. 		The Sebel Pier One Sydney, Harbour Watch Room
12:30 to 14:30		Ticketed Event
Life Writing, Nonfiction Literary Lunch/Dinner  More Info
13 : 00
78: Growing Old Disgracefully  * SOLD OUT *
Some rage against ageing, while others have a good laugh at their own expense. Margaret Fink, Robyn Williams and Anne Deveson discuss. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
13:00 to 14:00		Ticketed Event
Life Writing, Nonfiction Panel  More Info

81: My Friend the Fanatic
Sadanand Dhume discusses his portrait of Indonesia painted through the travels of a pair of unlikely protagonists. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
13:00 to 14:00		Ticketed Event
Current Affairs, Nonfiction, Travel, In Conversation  More Info

77: Sins of the Father
Blake Morrison and John Burnside discuss their memoirs of father-son relationships. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
13:00 to 14:00		Ticketed Event
Life Writing, Nonfiction In Conversation  More Info
13 : 30
83: Scar Tissue
Tanya Levin and Kathleen Stewart discuss their formative years. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 1
13:30 to 14:30		Free Event
Nonfiction, Life Writing Panel  More Info
14 : 30
90: The Life of Peter Sculthorpe
Graeme Skinner has written a biography of composer Peter Sculthorpe. Biographer and subject discuss. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
14:30 to 15:30		Ticketed Event
Culture & Heritage, Nonfiction, Life Writing In Conversation  More Info

87: Courage
Maria Tumarkin and Sabina Wolanski consider the different forms of boldness found in the human heart. 		Bangarra Theatre
14:30 to 15:30		Free Event
Nonfiction Panel  More Info

88: The Honey Spinner
Grace Pundyk discusses her sticky road trip to uncover the truth behind the ‘food of the gods’. 		Museum of Contemporary Art
14:30 to 15:30		Free Event
Science & Environment, Nonfiction, Travel Author Talk  More Info
15 : 30
98: Australia’s Birthstain
Babette Smith explores the involvement of politicians and clergy in creating a 'stain' that reached beyond convict crimes. 		Hyde Park Barracks Museum
15:30 to 16:30		Ticketed Event
Culture & Heritage, History, Nonfiction In Conversation  More Info
16 : 00
104: Dead Philosophers  * SOLD OUT *
Simon Critchley argues that philosophers can teach us appropriate attitudes towards death and dying. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
16:00 to 17:00		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction, History In Conversation  More Info
16 : 30
105: Princesses and Pornstars
Emily Maguire discusses women’s rights in the era of mainstream porn, botox and the celebrity diet. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 1
16:30 to 17:30		Free Event
Current Affairs, Nonfiction In Conversation  More Info

106: Remembering A.D. Hope and Patrick White
Vrasidas Karalis and Catherine Cole provide new perspectives on two great Australian writers. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
16:30 to 17:30		Free Event
Life Writing, Nonfiction, Culture & Heritage Panel  More Info
18 : 00
109: Book Design Awards  * SOLD OUT *
A gala presentation showcasing excellence in contemporary Australian book design. 		Powerhouse Museum
18:00 to 22:00		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction Special Event  More Info

108: Writers as Readers
Helen Garner, Luke Davies, Christos Tsiolkas and Samuel Wagan Watson discuss their literary education with Mary Kostakidis. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
18:00 to 19:30		Free Event
Culture & Heritage, Fiction, Nonfiction Panel  More Info
• Friday, May 23 2008 •
10 : 00
127: Design Outlook: Australian Book Designers and their Visions
Book designers discuss creating Australian books that stand out in a crowd. 		Bangarra Theatre
10:00 to 11:00		Free Event
Nonfiction Panel  More Info
10 : 30
136: Reviving Rhetoric: Neil James and James O’Loghlin in Conversation
Neil James and James O’Loghlin talk about the need to revive the classical crafts of communication. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
10:30 to 11:30		Free Event
Nonfiction In Conversation  More Info
11 : 30
141: Behind the Scenes
Lisa Forrest and Patrick Lindsay shed light on two events of Australian history. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 2/3
11:30 to 12:30		Free Event
Current Affairs, Nonfiction Panel  More Info

144: Why Manners Matter  * SOLD OUT *
Lucinda Holdforth explains why manners are essential to civilisation. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
11:30 to 12:30		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction In Conversation  More Info
12 : 00
146: Women Going Bush
Robyn Davidson and Megan Lewis discuss living and creating art with remote indigenous communities. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
12:00 to 13:00		Free Event
Culture & Heritage, Indigenous, Nonfiction Panel  More Info

145: Finding the Words to Speak (and Write) about Music
Putting music into words with ABC Radio National’s The Music Show. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 1
12:00 to 13:00		Free Event
Music, Nonfiction Panel  More Info
13 : 00
155: The Simple Life
Michael Pollan and Elizabeth Farrelly consider why we find it so hard to abandon destructive habits. 		Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay
13:00 to 14:00		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction, Current Affairs Panel  More Info

151: The Voyeurism of Biography
Virginia Duigan and Jacqueline Kent speak about the invasive tendencies of biography. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
13:00 to 14:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction, Life Writing, Nonfiction Panel  More Info

149: Chasing Bohemia and Finding Nino
Carmen Michael and Marc Llewellyn talk about making new lives in far flung places with Claire Scobie. 		Bangarra Theatre
13:00 to 14:00		Free Event
Travel, Nonfiction, Life Writing Panel  More Info
13 : 30
159: Small Stories, Big Politics
Jan Wong, Merlinda Bobis and Naldo Rei discuss writing personal stories within big political narratives. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
13:30 to 14:30		Free Event
Nonfiction, Fiction, Life Writing Panel  More Info
14 : 00
340: Stories from the Dustbin
Peter Cochrane discusses the idea of history behind his latest book, 'Colonial Ambition' with Julianne Schultz. 		Bangarra Mezzanine
14:00 to 15:00		Free Event
Nonfiction, Culture & Heritage, History In Conversation  More Info
14 : 30
169: The Great Beyond
Simon Critchley and Mark Wakely consider the mysteries, rituals and myths surrounding death. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
14:30 to 15:30		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction Panel  More Info

166: Following the Big Issues
Peter Heller and Sadanand Dhume discuss their politically inspired travelogues. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 2/3
14:30 to 15:30		Free Event
Travel, Nonfiction, Current Affairs Panel  More Info
16 : 00
176: Traveller’s Tales
Thomas Kohnstamm, Lee Tulloch, Marc Llewellyn and Grace Pundyk discuss wanderlust and research. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 2/3
16:00 to 17:00		Free Event
Travel, Nonfiction Panel  More Info
16 : 30
180: What Lies Beneath
James Woodford, Nadia Wheatley and Heather Goodall discuss Sydney’s archaeological heritage. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
16:30 to 17:30		Free Event
Culture & Heritage, History, Nonfiction Panel  More Info
17 : 30
182: The Monthly Third Birthday Celebration
Celebrate The Monthly’s third birthday with David Marr, Craig Sherborne, Robyn Davidson and Gideon Haigh and Sally Warhaft. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 2/3
17:30 to 19:00		Free Event
Nonfiction, Current Affairs Panel  More Info
18 : 30
185: As Slow As Possible
This documentary follows Ryan Knighton, facing impending blindness, on a unique road trip to Germany. 		Bangarra Theatre
18:30 to 20:30		Free Event
Nonfiction, Music Film  More Info
19 : 00
191: When Is War Justified? The Friday Night Salon  * SOLD OUT *
Three very different individuals attack or defend the 20th century’s major conflicts. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
19:00 to 21:30		Ticketed Event
Current Affairs, New Media, Nonfiction Special Event  More Info
• Saturday, May 24 2008 •
09 : 30
 
199: Wibke Bruhns in Conversation
Wibke Bruhns discusses the search for her father, executed for treason in WWII. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
09:30 to 10:30		Ticketed Event
Life Writing, History, Nonfiction In Conversation  More Info
11 : 30
 
216: Foreign Correspondents
Foreign correspondents Leigh Sales and Kirsty Needham discuss their work. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 1
11:30 to 12:30		Free Event
Nonfiction, Current Affairs Panel  More Info


 
218: Loretta Napoleoni in Conversation
Loretta Napoleoni talks about her new book, 'Rogue Economics', with Lloyd Cox. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
11:30 to 12:30		Free Event
Nonfiction, Current Affairs In Conversation  More Info
12 : 30
 
222: In Search of a Story
Peter Heller and Ian Klaus share their travellers’ tales. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
12:30 to 13:30		Ticketed Event
Travel, Nonfiction Panel  More Info
13 : 00
 
227: Jan Wong at Campbelltown Arts Centre
Jan Wong discusses Beijing’s journey from communism to capitalism and her personal quest for absolution. 		Campbelltown Arts Centre
13:00 to 14:00		Free Event
Culture & Heritage, Nonfiction, Life Writing Panel  More Info


 
231: Motherlove
Sophie Cunningham, Mireille Juchau and Camilla Noli discuss the ambivalence of mother love in their novels. 		Sydney Philharmonia Choir Studio
13:00 to 14:00		Free Event
Nonfiction, Fiction Panel  More Info


 
230: Life In His Hands
Susan Wyndham discusses writing the true story of a neurosurgeon and a pianist. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
13:00 to 14:00		Free Event
Nonfiction, Science & Environment Panel  More Info


 
229: Writing and Research
Alice Pung, Gideon Haigh, Anne Manne and Sarah Benjamin discuss researching the finer details. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 2/3
13:00 to 14:00		Free Event
Nonfiction Panel  More Info
14 : 00
 
239: Naldo Rei in Conversation
Naldo Rei speaks with Claire Scobie about his own extraordinary journey fighting for East Timor's freedom. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
14:00 to 15:00		Ticketed Event
History, Life Writing, Nonfiction In Conversation  More Info
14 : 30
 
242: Writing Lives
Craig Sherborne, Andrew Riemer and Jacqueline Kent discuss the chronicling of lives. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 2/3
14:30 to 15:30		Free Event
Life Writing, Nonfiction Panel  More Info
16 : 00
 
253: PEN Voices: The 3 Writers Project
Gideon Haigh, Christos Tsiolkas and Mara Moustafine explore the prickly issues facing contemporary Australia. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 2/3
16:00 to 17:00		Free Event
Nonfiction, Current Affairs, Indigenous Panel  More Info


 
251: Cafe Scientific: The Future of Food
Michael Pollan, local scientific experts and ABC personalities explore the good, bad and ugly of food production. 		Bangarra Theatre
16:00 to 17:30		Free Event
Science & Environment, Nonfiction, Food & Drink Panel  More Info
17 : 00
 
257: The Lost Art of Oratory
Former politicians join former speech writers to discuss the potential for an Australian oratory. 		Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay
17:00 to 18:30		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction, Current Affairs Panel  More Info


 
256: Commentariat
Leading media commentators discuss what power Op-Ed pages have in shaping national and international policy. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
17:00 to 18:00		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction, Current Affairs Panel  More Info
17 : 30
 
334: Robert Manne in Conversation
Robert Manne, one of Australia's foremost public intellectuals, has made extensive contribution to public debate in Australia. He speaks with Martin Krygier. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 1
17:30 to 18:30		Free Event
Nonfiction, Current Affairs In Conversation  More Info
• Sunday, May 25 2008 •
09 : 30
267: Dear Mr Rudd: Ideas for Australia
Leading Australian thinkers discuss their hopes and expectations for the country’s future. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 2/3
09:30 to 10:30		Free Event
Current Affairs, Nonfiction Panel  More Info
10 : 00
271: Paul Ham in Conversation
Paul Ham discusses his new book 'Vietnam: the Australian War'. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
10:00 to 11:00		Free Event
History, Culture & Heritage, Current Affairs, In Conversation  More Info
11 : 00
277: Peter van Onselen in Conversation
What does it take to paint a picture of Australia’s head of government? Peter van Onselen shares his experiences with George Negus. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
11:00 to 12:00		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction, Life Writing, Current Affairs In Conversation  More Info
12 : 30
291: The Future of Feminism
Sarah Hall, Emily Maguire and Lynne Segal discuss the relevance, achievements and future of feminism. 		Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay
12:30 to 13:30		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction, Current Affairs, History Panel  More Info

292: Women in Politics  * SOLD OUT *
Margaret Reynolds and Margot Saville discuss the importance of women in politics. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
12:30 to 13:30		Ticketed Event