Hay Festival 2020 is cancelled

An exclusive preview and discussion of National Theatre of Wales' new ambitious WWI site-specific production, with writer Owen Sheers and Creative Associate Prof. Chris Morris.

Mametz, directed by Matthew Dunster, tells the story of the 38th Welsh Division's July 1916 battle for Mametz Wood. Drawing on the work of writers who fought at the battle, including Robert Graves, Siegfried Sassoon, Llewelyn Wyn Griffith and David Jones, the play will take audiences into the heart of the frontline, no man's land and the lives of those who fought and died within Mametz Wood. With readings, video and discussion Owen and Chris will tell the story of the play's genesis from the discovery of an out-of-print book in Hay in 1998, to its current design and development.

Mametz will be performed at Great Llancayo Upper Wood near Usk, Monmouthshire, 24 June–5 July. Tickets and info at http://nationaltheatrewales.org/mametz

Mametz is co-commissioned by National Theatre Wales and 14-18 NOW, WW1 Centenary Art Commissions, supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund

We celebrate the poet, dancer and phenomenal woman who died on Wednesday with a screening of the film of her 2002 poetry performance, Maya Angelou Live at Hay, introduced by Benjamin Zephaniah.

£5 donation to the Festivals of Literature Charitable Trust

The Trust provides free tickets for students, runs the free Hay Festival Schools Days and arranges for writers to visit schools throughout the year.

Calling all Beast Quest fans! Help the good wizard Aduro to free the beasts from Malvel’s evil spell. Take part in a Beast Quest Tournament… and get a sneak peek of Adam Blade’s new series, Sea Quest!
Duration 45 minutes
7+ years

Find out all about the Barry Loser series. You get introduced to all the characters in the book and Jim Smith will show you how to draw them – everyone can do it.
Duration 45 minutes
7+ years

The historian offers a wide-ranging chronicle of the politics and military action of 1914. Hastings gives a blistering critique of German and Austrian aggression in the run-up to war, and a new vision of the first months of the conflict. He describes how the French Army marched into action amid virgin rural landscapes in uniforms of red and blue, led by mounted officers, with flags flying and bands playing. 

Humanism and the Tolerant Face of New Atheism

As President of the British Humanist Association since the beginning of last year, Al-Khalili has brought his own brand of scientific rationalism to the role. He talks about how he sees the humanist movement evolving in modern-day Britain and how it is now OK to state openly in polite conversation that one is an atheist. He will highlight some of the BHA’s recent activities (both the successes and the ongoing campaigns), and add a personal perspective on how his own humanist and rationalist views have been shaped by science and his upbringing in a mixed-religion – but tolerant – family atmosphere in Iraq in the ’60s and ’70s.

The screenwriter and actor discuss and show clips fom their film about the last days of Dylan Thomas in New York.

The legendary advertising executive looks at provocations and themes at the heart of creative thinking. His message is always crystal clear and promotes the benefits of simplifying, thinking boldly and being undaunted by challenges.

In her new collection Bark the great short story writer Lorrie Moore explores the passage of time, and summons up its inevitable sorrows and comic pitfalls. Gimlet-eyed social observation, the public and private absurdities of American life, dramatic irony, and enduring half-cracked love wend their way through each of these narratives. Moore’s characteristic style is always tender, never sentimental and often heartbreakingly funny. Ferris’s dazzling new novel To Rise Again at a Decent Hour is about the meaning of life, the certainty of death, and the importance of good oral hygiene. They talk to Ted Hodgkinson.

What has the idea of Roman Britain meant to those who came after Britain’s 400-year stint as a province of Rome, from the medieval mythographer-historian Geoffrey of Monmouth to Edward Elgar and WH Auden? What does Roman Britain mean to us now? How were its physical remains rediscovered and made sense of? How has it been reimagined, in story, in song and in verse?

Award-winning translator Sarah Ardizzone and acclaimed illustrator Barroux join Daniel Hahn for a conversation about the joys and challenges involved in finding children’s books in other languages and translating them into English.
12+ years (YA)

Samuel Johnson – with a little help from his dachshund Boswell and a very unlucky demon named Nurd – has sent the demons back to Hell. But the diabolical Mrs Abernathy is not one to take defeat lying down. When she reopens the portal and sucks Samuel and Boswell down into the underworld, she brings an ice-cream van full of dwarfs as well. And two policemen. Can this eccentric gang defeat the forces of Evil? And is there life after Hell for Nurd?

10+ years

In this series presenter Monty Don explores the complex interface between a growing human population and wildlife. Two special editions of the programme will be recorded from the Hay Festival focusing on natural history writing. Broadcast Tuesdays, 11am–11.30am, and repeated Mondays, 9pm–9.30pm.

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18.

FREE BUT TICKETED

Ian McEwan’s recent work displays his interest in science and public affairs. His latest novels tackle climate change (Solar) and espionage (Sweet Tooth). In talks and articles he articulates a strong humanist position on the issues of the day. In a rare pre-publication conversation, he discusses his fiction in progress. His forthcoming novel highlights the ethical dilemmas when religious conviction seeks to prevent medical intervention. He talks to Raymond Tallis.

The Huffington Post founder argues that a successful life is made up of more than just money and success and must also include what she calls The Third Metric: personal care, health, and fulfillment. She talks to Georgina Godwin.

The historians discuss what we ought to be telling our schoolchildren about the war, and what materials (other than their own books…) we should provide them with. Chaired by Rosie Boycott.

Migrations

Novelist and playwright Biyi Bandele, who wrote the screenplay for the recent adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half a Yellow Sun, talks about migrant writing with Malachi McIntosh, a lecturer in Postcolonial Literature.

Iconic British designer and ‘Queen of Green’ Katharine Hamnett CBE is joined by Dilys Williams, Director of London College of Fashion’s Centre for Sustainable Fashion to discuss the future of sustainability in fashion as well as offer their insights on final garments created by students during the week-long ‘Just Workshop’. Led by designers Alis Smith and Jessica Mor, the Just Workshop is held in collaboration with the Environmental Justice Foundation and Levi Strauss & Co. to provide a unique opportunity for 12 students to create ethical and sustainable garments during this five-day workshop at Hay Festival.

FREE BUT TICKETED

Goldring was posted in Bangladesh before returning to the UK to become CEO of Oxfam. He is joined by the cultural producer, writer and entrepreneur Sadaf Saaz Siddiqi and K Anis Ahmed, author of The World in My Hands. They discuss the crises and opportunities of one of the world’s most dynamic countries.

Bethan Elfyn presents a Hay festival special, with performances from the best new Welsh talent and highlights from the festival throughout the week. Broadcast live on Saturdays, 7pm–10pm.