A whole host of impressive local women will be amongst those featuring in Tauranga’s literary festival, Escape.
The Escape festival’s programme has been launched, and tickets are now on sale. The launch revealed festival goers can expect a packed and diverse programme of literary talks, panel discussions, workshops, and live performance across three days from 18-20 October.
Escape Festival literary programmer Gabrielle Vincent says the local line-up promises some insightful sessions with Dame Susan Devoy, Anne Tiernan, Lee Murray, Julie Paama Pengelly( Ngāi Te Rangi, Te Moutere o Matakana), Claire Mabey and more.
“There is a wealth of talented authors and thinkers in Tauranga Moana,” says Gabrielle who’s thrilled to have tapped into that pool for Escape.
Dame Susan, Anne Tiernan, Lee Murray and Julie Paama Pengelly will all play key roles in an event new to the festival, called Into the Night, which will celebrate local story tellers, authors and artists. Dame Susan, Anne and Lee will talk about their published works, while Julie (also a published writer) will focus on the powerful resurgence of moko. Into the Night will also include an event called Finding Your Way Home, curated by local author Carol Garden, which will look at how home is much more than a physical space.
“Travel the literary loop around various inner-city venues, where our speakers will be based, and learn more about these creatives and their writing. Venue hop or stay in one place; the choice is yours. The night will culminate in a fun-filled literary quiz,” Gabrielle explains.
Claire Mabey, meanwhile (a Tauranga Arts Festival fan and former staff member) has recently released an absorbing novel called The Raven’s Eye Runaways. She returns to her Tauranga Moana home to host an Escape workshop, focusing on helping participants construct their own worlds within their writing.
Another workshop opportunity comes courtesy of Tauranga Moana venue and gallery Kūwao. In collaboration with Escape, Kūwao will host an exhibition opening and book launch called Hoki Mai and a free writing workshop called How Art and Words Can Work Together, both presented by sisters Rangimarie and Caitlin Jolley.
New to Tauranga, but a tried and true format around the world, Coffee with the Headlines will kick start Sunday’s action. It involves a session featuring three journalists who will discuss the news of the day and turn a critical eye on current events.
Also on the Sunday circuit will be a session with celebrated author Dame Anne Salmond who will reflect upon 40 years of writing and her journey as an anthropologist, activist, wife, mother and friend.
Dame Anne’s address and Coffee with the Headlines are part of the Sunday Speaker series, as will be a cooking demonstration and chat with lively and engaging chef, Sam Low. Plus Tauranga’s award-winning investigative reporter Jared Savage will interview the authors of recently published book The Crewe Murders (inside New Zealand’s most infamous cold case).
“There’s the chance to buy a day pass for the Sunday Speaker series, with a special price of $75. To get this discount, add all four speakers’ events to your shopping cart and the discount will then be applied,” Gabrielle advises.
She assures Escape will also include tried and true events, like the ever-popular Morning Tea. “National Treasure” Judy Bailey, a former broadcaster, now author, will share her wisdoms about “finding health and happiness as we age”. Gabrielle advises there will be a discounted group price available for a limited time (until 18th September) on the morning tea…“so round up your friends, family and colleagues and get in fast”.
Also returning is Wellington-based innovative theatre company Trick of the Light, freshfrom highly acclaimed performances abroad.The company’s show, The Bookbinder, was a big hit at theTauranga Arts Festival many years ago .This time Trick of the Light will deliver the Suitcase Show.
Escape just wouldn’t be the same without Wham Bam Tauranga Poetry Slam, and Zinefest. These festival favourites will return in October.
While boutique in size, Gabrielle is proud to say Escape is inarguably big on delivery, celebrating ideas, thinkers, writers and storytelling. It will feature celebrated prize-winning authors, powerful local and national writers and speakers, and the afore-mentioned innovative theatre company.
“Escape’s events are set to expand your thinking, lift your spirits and ignite curiosity,” Gabrielle says.
To view the full Escape programme CLICK HERE.
Escape tickets are available through the website, Baycourt and Eventfinda.
