Blakwrites: In conversation with Tony Birch
In conversation with Tony Birch
presented by Blakwrites, the University of Sydney Indigenous
Literature Festival 2020
Please join Tony to explore the interconnectedness of history, politics and people and how these influences interact with his writing.
Tony is the author of three novels: the bestselling The White Girl, winner of the 2020 NSW Premier’s Award for Indigenous Writing and shortlisted for the 2020 Miles Franklin literary prize; Ghost River, winner of the 2016 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Indigenous Writing; and Blood, which was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award in 2012.
He is also the author of Shadowboxing and three short story collections, Father’s Day, The Promise and Common People.
In 2017 he was awarded the Patrick White Literary Award for his contribution to Australian literature. In 2021 he will release two new books, a poetry book, Whisper Songs and a new short story collection, Dark As Last Night. Both books will be published by University of Queensland Press.
His website is: tony-birch.com
This event will be hosted by by Marlikka Perdrisat, a Nyikina Warrwa and Wangkumara Barkindji woman, who is the Chair of Beyond Empathy, which collaborates with communities across Australia to shift perceptions and generate positive social change through the process of creating and sharing art.
Tony will be joined by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, at the University of Sydney, Professor Annamarie Jagose, who will interview Tony about his work.
Other events held in conjunction with Blakwrites – The University of Sydney Indigenous Literature Festival:
In conversation with Alison Whittaker
Monday, 14 December, 10am
Alison Whittaker will examine the relationship between people and place, and the power in language to explore the themes of her work, with a poetry reading.
In conversation with Tony Birch
Wednesday, 16 December, 2pm
Tony Birch will explore the interconnectedness of history, politics and people and how these influences interact with his writing, followed by an interview with Annamarie Jagose, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and an opportunity for questions and in-depth discussion with participants
In conversation with Jasmine Seymour
Friday, 18 Dec, 2pm
Jasmine Seymour will discuss her writing and how the importance of Country has been interwoven into her children books to re-establish a connection to Country for young people living in the city.
We acknowledge the tradition of custodianship and law of the Country on which the University of Sydney campuses stand. We pay our respects to those who have cared and continue to care for Country.
