Vancouver International Writers Fest is in its last days of its 25th Anniversary season, but don’t fret, there’s still a plethora of events remaining.
Taking place on Granville Island, the focus of the festival, besides writers, of course, is to celebrate story. With just over 115 authors in attendance, the six days of the festival are jam packed with 77 events to satisfy everyone with a love for words.
If you don’t think writing is your thing, think again. This festival is not just authors reading books: it includes authors, poets, spoken word performers, graphic novelists and more showcasing the diversity of words and writing. Along with a variety of word-oriented events, there are also musical collaborations and theatre pieces on Granville Island to please every attendee.
An integral part of the Vancouver literary scene, Writers Fest also holds it’s own on the international stage seen through the big names this year, including Margaret Atwood (who was at the very first Writers Fest 25 years ago), David Suzuki and Linden MacIntrye.
The festival has proven to be popular among Vancouverites with many events already sold out. Take the time this weekend to see what the buzz is about and catch some of this weekend’s highlights:
Saturday:
Chan Koonchung in Conversation with Charles Foran , 10:30AM, Improv Centre – check out this discussion of Chan Koonchung’s book described as “radical satire” dealing with the Tiananmen Square protests.
Electric Company: Initiation Trilogy (6) , 3pm, Anderson Street Space – get your theatre fix with this piece leading you through three short pieces inspired by poetry.
Sunday:
Journey with No Maps with Sandra Djwa, 10:30AM, Studio 1398 – learn about great Canadian Poet, P.K. Page through Djwa’s stories.
The State and Fate of This Small Blue Planet with Tim Flannery and David Suzuki , 7pm, Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage – closing off the festival, don’t miss this discussion focused on hope the our environmental future.
Wondering what to do after the festival is over and your passion for words has grown three times the size? To keep a presence in Vancouver, the Writers Fest holds other events throughout the year including incite, an exploration of books and ideas in partnership with the Vancouver Public Library, starting again mid-January, special events featuring writers and the Spreading the Word education programs at various schools through the Lower Mainland and smaller communities.
Vancouver Writers Fest
Granville Island
Oct 16 – 21, 2012
Ticket prices vary (details)
For full festival details, check out the Vancouver Writers Fest online.