The Sydney Writers’ Festival is set to have a distinct Greek flavour this year with the participation of three Greek-Australian writers in Christos Tsiolkas, Peter Polites and Will Kostakis, along with other literary works covering Greek topics also to be featured.
The Festival, organised for 20-26 May, will boast 223 events that highlight recent literary works, among which will include events covering the latest books of Tsiolkas (The In-Between) and Polites (God Forgets About The Poor).
Tsiolkas’ most recent book ‘The In-Between’ represents his eighth published novel as it tells the story of a romance between two middle-aged men.
The Melburnian has achieved notable success through his writing, with several of his books having won awards as well as been adapted for film and television.
Tsiolkas will be kept busy at this year’s Festival as he also takes part in two other events, one being a chat with Peter Polites whose work is also being featured in the Festival.
‘God Forgets About The Poor’ represents Polites’ third novel wherein he utilises his mother’s migrant story to create a modern mythology.
The Western Sydney writer will delve deep into his work (which is said to be a love letter to his mother) with both Tsiolkas and then also with award-winning novelist Will Kostakis (notable for his 2023 book ‘We Could Be Something’).
The two writers will both reflect on their own experiences creating Greek-Australian stories through their discussion.
In addition to these events, the Festival will also feature works from non-Hellenic background writers that cover elements of Greek mythology.
These include historical fiction writer Kate Forsyth as she delves into her work ‘Pyskhe’, which puts a spotlight on the Greek mythological figure of the same, and Natalie Haynes, who will address her book ‘Divine Might’ which uncovers the stories of Mount Olympus’ misunderstood and often maligned goddesses.
Acclaimed writer Tsiolkas will also take part in a discussion with K Patrick titled ‘Queer Love and Longing’, focusing on the topic of romance, desire and the pleasures of writing queer love stories.
Highlighted Greek Events:
– Your Favourites’ Favourites: Christos Tsiolkas and Peter Polites, 23 May, 1-2pm, Carriageworks, Bay 19
– Christos Tsiolkas: The In-Between, 24 May, 10-11am, Carriageworks, Track 8
– Peter Polites: God Forgets About the Poor, 24 May, 6.30-7.30pm, Hurstville Library and Service Centre
– The Gift of Greek Myth, 24 May, 12-1.00pm, Carriageworks, Track 8, Kate Forsyth ‘Psykhe’
– Natalie Haynes: Divine Might, 23 May, 7.30-8.30pm, Carriageworks, Bay 20, The ARA Stage
– Queer Love and Longing, 23 May, 7.30-8.30pm, Carriageworks, Track 12
