The Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival returns from 13 to 15 May 2022 featuring a dazzling array of novelists, journalists, creative thinkers, artists, performers and established and emerging storytellers from WA, interstate and overseas. Main Stage headliners include Geoffrey Robertson QC, Jane Caro, Kathy Lette, Julia Baird, Heather Morris, Saul Griffith and Lynne McGranger. The full program and tickets are available at www.mrrwfestival.com .
Celebrating storytelling across multiple art forms, the festival program features author talks, writers’ workshops and networking events alongside a program of art installations, performances, and special events. The festival is a hybrid program again this year, beaming international and interstate guest speakers onto the Main Stage via the magic of zoom for fully interactive audience sessions.
Western Australian writers will be out in full force in real life taking over the dedicated Readers & Writers Room for the entire festival weekend – Natasha Lester, Craig Silvey, David Whish-Wilson, David Allen-Petale, Cindy Solonec and Josh Kemp to name just a few. Western Australian Children’s authors Frané Lessac, Kylie Howarth, Steve Heron and Esther Krogdahl feature at the free Storytelling Snug where children can participate in interactive storytelling sessions to inspire creativity, celebrate storytelling and foster a love of reading and writing.
The Festival Hub is located at the Margaret River HEART (47 Wallcliffe Road), with satellite venues across the Margaret River region offering multiple stages and performance areas, delicious local food and beverages, art exhibitions and free family entertainment.
Sian Baker, Festival Director of Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival said, ”We are delighted to bring such an array of literary talent to our Festival this year. The program is incredibly diverse, offering readers and writers a range of exciting events in our beautiful regional setting. The livestreams allow lovers of literature and writing from all over Australia and the world to join us here in Margaret River, virtually, an experience we hope they can enjoy in person at future festivals.”
Acclaimed international jurist and human rights advocate Geoffrey Robertson QC, will give the Keynote talk on the Main Stage via livestream on Saturday 14 May, followed by a Q&A. His promotional visit to WA for his latest book ‘Bad People – and How to Be Rid of Them: A Plan B for Human Rights’, was cancelled by COVID in 2021. Jane Caro will launch her new novel, ‘The Mother’ an emotional tour-de-force with an astonishing twist. Kathy Lette will launch her new book, ‘Till Death, or a Little Light Maiming, Do Us Part’. Think doublecrossed wives, scheming husbands and revenge with more bite than a Great White in this tale of truth and retribution from this inimitable and outspoken comic writer
Australian journalist, broadcaster and author Julia Baird will talk about the revised and updated edition of her 2004 seminal work ‘Media Tarts’. Based on a series of extensive interviews, it provides an in-depth analysis of the influence of a generation of prominent female politicians on the Australian political system, exploring the part played by the press in their downfall. As figures like Grace Tame and Brittney Higgins come to the fore in the battle of the sexes in Australia, now is the perfect time to revisit Julia’s first book.
Bestselling author of ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ and ‘Cilka’s Journey’ Heather Morris will talk about her new book ‘Three Sisters’ incredible tale of sisterly love against all odds, based on a true story. Australian visionary and inventor Saul Griffith will talk about his new book ‘The Big Switch’ lays out a detailed blueprint – optimistic but feasible – for fighting climate change while creating millions of new jobs and a healthier environment. One of Australia’s best known TV actors, Lynne McGranger from ‘Home and Away’ will talk about her memoir ‘Acting Up’ – A no-holds-barred look at life both on and off screen discussed with her trademark humour, honesty and self-deprecating charm.
Festival ticketing options range from $90 for a Full festival virtual pass, $50 for students (Main Stage & Readers & Writers Room excluding festival launch), $110 for Day Passes (Saturday or Sunday – Main Stage only), $25 for Main Stage sessions, $15 for Readers & Writers Room sessions. See the website www.mrrwfestival.com for other special events and discount eligibility.