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Big Sky Talk Fest Audio Recordings
Opening Remarks by Bruce Pascoe directly followed by Session One, with Tess Woods, Bernice Barry and Kylie Howarth.
Opening Remarks by Bruce Pascoe Looking Forward, by Looking Back directly followed by Session One, with Tess Woods, Bernice Barry and Kylie Howarth.
Cornwall, 1628. Can a woman gifted with the power of healing survive in a world that burns what it cannot understand? Cairo, today. Three sisters are as trapped as the Pharaoh mummies in their tombs. How does society censor women who dare to live outside established norms? Tess Woods and Bernice Barry share with Kylie Howarth their deep passion for bringing stories of forgotten or oppressed women’s voices to light.
Session Two: The Lucky Son, Li Cunxin AO, in conversation with Geraldine Mellet
Li Cunxin AO captivated the world with his unforgettable memoir, Mao’s Last Dancer – the extraordinary ragsto-riches story of how a poor peasant boy, the sixth of seven sons, was plucked from his classroom to train at the Beijing Dance Academy – a lucky ticket out of poverty, out of communist China – to become one of the world’s most acclaimed ballet dancers. Li was indeed his niang’s lucky son, and in his long-awaited sequel he reveals what happened next in this life that cheated fate, and wrestles with the blessings and responsibility of good fortune. Join Li Cunxin in conversation with Geraldine Mellet as they explore family, resilience, and the inspiration behind his new memoir, The Lucky Son.
Session Three: Creative Small Town Goes Large, Holden Sheppard, in conversation with Antonia Naarstig
Catch-up with Geraldton’s own Holden Sheppard as he discusses his recent work with fellow former local, Antonia Naarstig. Driven by a passion for helping people develop their imaginative and artistic potential, Holden and Antonia consider the experience of being creative in a small town. Many connections between time, space/ place, and people will be explored in this meeting of two very different, yet strongly connected creatives.
Session Four: A Future Written in Country, Bruce Pascoe and Caitlin Maling, in conversation with Rosie Sitorus
Ancient wisdom, deep connection to Country and creative practice come together in this timely conversation on sustainable futures, ecological resilience and community wellbeing. Celebrating their love for the Australian landscape, Bruce Pascoe and Caitlin Maling join with Rosie Sitorus to explore culture, language and our shared responsibility to care for the world around us.
Click the image below to view the programme in PDF format.
Please note that photographs and footage may be taken throughout this event. These will be used by the City for publicity and reporting in our publications, on our website and in social media.