Shows we can’t wait to see at the Auckland Writers Festival

By MiNDFOOD

Shows we can’t wait to see at the Auckland Writers Festival
Rockstars, art activists, a Nobel Laureate and some of the biggest names in NZ writing - 2021 Auckland Writers Festival is not to be missed.

One of the country’s most exciting literary events is back for 2021 – don’t miss these fascinating shows at the Auckland Writers Festival this May.

A Celebration of Song: Reb, Tom, Marlon & Moana

Some of the biggest names in Aotearoa’s music scene come together for a fascinating discussion about songwriting inspirations, the ups and downs of the music biz, and their creative voices, accompanied by acoustic performances to round up the night.

The event features Reb Fountain, Tom Scott, Marlon Williams, and host Moana Maniapoto.

Festival Gala Night True Stories Told Live: Stranger Than Fiction

One of the most beloved events of the programme, the gala celebrates the start of the festival with a fun-filled night.

Eight writers join the stage, including literary icon Witi Ihimaera, comedian and author Tom Sainsbury, poet Aigagalefili Fepulea’i Tapua’i, to “tell a true, no script- no- prop, personal story using ‘stranger than fiction’ as a prompt.”

A Question of Style: Garance Doré

New York Times bestselling author of Love X Style X Life and international fashion icon Garance Doré joins Wendy Petrie for a deep-dive into her writing, her evolution as an artist and the meaning of beauty.

Conversations: Ai Weiwei

Sure to be one of the most fascinating speakers of the Auckland Writers Festival, artist, activist and filmmaker Ai Weiwei is known around the world for his spectacular art installations, acclaimed curated exhibitions and voice as an outspoken activist, which saw him detained by the Chinese government in 2011.

Joining Chelsea Winstanley via live stream, Weiwei discusses his new book Conversations where he looks at his relationship with China, what it means to be a citizen, making art, and using technology and a weapon against oppression.

From the Centre: Patricia Grace

One of the most acclaimed voices in New Zealand fiction, Patricia Grace (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, Te Ati Awa), talks about her new memoir, revealing the experiences that shaped her life, cultivating her own voice, and crafting her characters.

A Nobel Life: Kazuo Ishiguro

Described as a writer of “great emotional force” and loved for his inventive, genre-bending work in novels such as The Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go, Kazuo Ishiguro’s literary honours include the Nobel Prize for Literature and Booker Prize

Celebrating the release of his new novel, Klara and the Sun, Ishiguro joins the festival for a special livestream event to speak about his life’s work.

An evening with Neil Gaiman & Amanda Palmer

Creative power couple Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer join Lucy Lawless for an exciting 90-minute live event about craft, creativity and community.

Gaiman, the bestselling author of American Gods, Coraline and Stardust, and Palmer, a talented musician, singer and performance artist, discuss the art of writing through a pandemic and plans for the future, along with musical surprises to delight fans.

Hiakai: Monique Fiso

Award-winning chef and culinary trailblazer, chef Monique Fiso (Ngā Rauru, Ngāti Ruanui) has seen incredible success both at home, with her Wellington restaurant Hiakai, and abroad, in the kitchens of Michelen-starred restaurants and Netflix’s The Final Table. 

With the release of her Ockham NZ Book Awards shortlisted book Hiakai, Fiso joins Kim Knight to speak about her personal journey, history, tradition and tikanga of Māori cuisine.

The Auckland Writers Festival runs from 11 – 16 May, 2021. 

Visit writersfestival.co.nz for the full programme and tickets. 

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