We are pleased to announce the full programme for Hay Festival 2018.
The Guardian cartoonist Martin Rowson employs his trademark draughtsmanship and wit to this lively graphic novel adaptation of Marx and Engels’ revolutionary pamphlet. Published to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Marx’s birth, at a time of deep mistrust in The Establishment, The Communist Manifesto is both a timely reminder of the politics of hope and a thought-provoking guide to the most influential work of political theory ever published. He introduces his pictures and talks with the comedian Phil Jupitus.
A funny, frank conversation about embracing both feminism and our imperfections with the host of the hit comedy podcast The Guilty Feminist (22 million downloads). From confidence to the secret power of rom-coms, from effective activism to what poker can tell us about gender, Deborah Frances-White explores what it means to be a 21st century woman, and encourages us to make the world better for all women. guiltyfeminist.com
The wish to protect wildlife is now a central goal for our society, but where did these ‘green’ ideas come from? And who created the cherished institutions, such as the National Trust or the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, which are now so embedded in public life and attract millions of members? Cocker asks searching questions such as who owns the land and why? And who benefits from green policies? Why do the British seem to love their countryside more than almost any other nation, yet have come to live amid one of the most denatured landscapes on Earth? He tries to map out how this overcrowded island of ours could be a place fit not just for human occupants but also for its billions of wild citizens. Chaired by Andy Fryers.
This is the story of the celebrated poet Yrsa Daley-Ward, and all the things that happened – “even the Terrible Things (and God, there were Terrible Things)”. It’s about her childhood in the north-west of England with her beautiful, careworn mother Marcia, Linford (the man formerly known as Dad, “half-fun, half-frightening”) and her little brother Roo, who sees things written in the stars. It’s about growing up and discovering the power and fear of her own sexuality, of pitch grey days of pills and powder and encounters. It’s about damage and pain, but also joy. Told with raw intensity, shocking honesty and the poetry of the darkest of fairy tales, The Terrible is a memoir of going under, losing yourself, and finding your voice.
The Show of Hands success story tells a vivid account of more than two decades of international touring, 25 album releases, three BBC Folk Awards, and four Royal Albert Hall sell-outs. A sorcerous combination, Steve Knightley, Phil Beer and Miranda Sykes blend captivating songwriting with flawless musicianship and a ceaselessly innovative approach to remain steadfastly at the top of their game. Expect the songs you love, and prepare to fall for the ones you’ve not yet met. “Formidable operators…a class act.” – The Independent.
Brexit. Trump. Nuclear apocalypse. Environmental catastrophe. Is rolling news affecting your ability to enjoy the simple things? Like baking, gardening and autoerotic asphyxiation?
Then this new show from multi-award winning member of the Metropolitan Liberal Elite, and star of her own Netflix special, is for you. Join Bridget (Room 101, Have I Got News for You, Harry Hill’s Alien Fun Capsule) for a night of hope and despair. Winner of Rose D’Or, Edinburgh Comedy Award and Southbank Sky Arts Award.
Pale Sister, written by Colm Tóibín for the great Beckett actress Lisa Dwan, is a dramatisation of the voice of Ismene, the sister of Antigone, who recounts her sister's defiance of the king as pressures mount on Ismene herself to act to vindicate her sister, or even follow her example. It arises from The Antigone Project, a course taught at Columbia University by Dwan and Tóibín, which examined the ways in which this story – a woman’s powerlessness emerging as power, conscience versus law, defiance versus might, protest versus order, individual versus authority. It runs for one hour and 15 minutes and will be followed by a discussion.
Wake up and re-energise with our morning yoga class. Iyengar yoga is characterised by precision, alignment and attention to detail and is an inclusive and accessible yoga practice. Mats are provided; wear comfortable clothing; all abilities welcome.
The Cold War is one of the furthest-reaching and longest-lasting conflicts in modern history. It spanned the globe - from Greece to China, Hungary to Cuba - and lasted for almost half a century. It has shaped political relations to this day, drawing new physical and ideological boundaries between East and West, that have suddenly and dramatically resurfaced with Russian resurgence and interventions. Kendall was foreign correspondent for the BBC in Moscow during the collapse of the Soviet Union. Formerly the BBC's diplomatic correspondent, she is now Master of Peterhouse College, Cambridge.
Sixty-six million years ago the dinosaurs were wiped from the face of the earth. One of the leading scientists of a new generation of dinosaur hunters, armed with cutting edge-technology, is piecing together the complete story of how the dinosaurs ruled the earth for 150 million years. At a time when Homo sapiens has existed for less than 200,000 years and we are already talking about planetary extinction, The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs is a timely reminder of what humans can learn from the magnificent creatures that ruled the earth before us. Chaired by Gabrielle Walker.
An all-star panel gather to talk about birth rights, inequality, working motherhood, (lack of) diversity in (social) media, body image and post-natal depression, physical extremity and joy. Brathwaite is the co-founder of Make Motherhood Diverse, Schiller is director of Birthrights, the human rights in childbirth charity, Telford is creator of the parenting site Mother of all Lists, Thorn is a Scummy Mummy and Burton-Hill is a broadcaster and writer.
Swallow and starling, puffin and peregrine, blue tit and blackcap. We use these names so often that few of us ever pause to wonder about their origins. What do they mean? Where did they come from? And who created them? The words we use to name birds are some of the most lyrical and evocative in the English language. They also tell incredible stories: of epic expeditions, fierce battles between rival ornithologists, momentous historical events and touching romantic gestures. Moss is one of our most treasured naturalists and broadcasters.
A group of rebels has united to save a world ravaged by war, violence and greed. Joan is their leader. The future of humanity is being rewritten. Yuknavitch's mesmerising novel sees Joan of Arc's story reborn for the near future. It is a genre-defying masterpiece that may very well rewire your brain.
The writers look at how 'prescribing nature' and a daily dose of wildness can help our mental health, and explore themes of nature deprivation and social isolation. Isabel Hardman, assistant editor of The Spectator, found relief from depression in being outdoors (and is author of the forthcoming The Natural Health Service: What the Great Outdoors can do for Your Mind), talks with Patrick Barkham, author of Badgerlands, Coastlines and Islander. They are joined by Rob Pickford, Chair of Wildlife Trust Wales. After the conversation there will be a a walk around a flagship Brecknock nature reserve, Pwll-y-Wrach, led by Gwent Wildlife Trust CEO Ian Rappel, in the Black Mountains.
Join spectacular storyteller Atinuke for a bouncy read-along with Baby and his mama. Hear all about the traditional folk tales and the stories from the bustling city in Nigeria where she grew up and which inspired her writing.
Work with a Fine Artist and HCA tutor in this life drawing session. You will have a variety of short and long poses and work with a range of materials to explore and extend your creative potential. Materials and equipment provided; all abilities welcome.
These workshops will explore textiles in fresh and unexpected ways by linking contemporary practices and technology with age-old techniques. By focusing on storytelling, heritage and a respect for craft that is also sustainable, participants will experiment with natural dyes, create three-dimensional lines and threads and practise slow stitch techniques. Materials are supplied and will be sourced from outlets promoting re-use and recycling, to reduce materials going into the waste stream.
The philosopher investigates why the institutions of representative democracy seem unable to hold up against forces they were designed to manage, and why it matters. He considers those moments in history when the challenges we face today were first encountered and what solutions were found. Then he lays bare the specific threats facing democracy today.
