Free Family Festival Attracts Literary Superstars

Free Family Festival Attracts Literary Superstars

SATURDAY 19th JUNE, 10am-3pm

Two of the country’s most successful writers, Joy Cowley and Lynley Dodd, will be the main attractions at the first Storylines Festival Free Family Day at the Westpac St James Theatre.

Representing a wonderful opportunity for children of all ages to meet some of their favourite New Zealand writers and illustrators, this one day Festival will combine literature and performance in a wide range of fun activities spread over 3 levels of the Westpac St James Theatre complex. The event is free of charge and there is no need to buy a ticket or book – just turn up. The day runs on a half-hourly schedule and the full programme will be available on the Westpac St James Theatre website www.stjames.co.nz.

With a history of 10 successful years in Auckland (last year’s Family Day attracted 20,000 visitors) the Children’s Literature Foundation of NZ is delighted that the Westpac St James Theatre will be the venue for the first Storylines Festival in Wellington this year. The St James Theatre Charitable Trust regards the Storylines Festival Free Family Day as the perfect vehicle for encouraging visitors into the venue from all sections of the community. It is hoped that by combining literature and performance in such a stimulating location as the Westpac St James Theatre an inspiring ‘creative space’ will be produced.

As well as read-alouds and book signings with 11 other writers and illustrators, children will be able to watch and participate in such creative activities as: Demonstrations of the eyeMagic Book (world’s first 3D animated book developed by University of Canterbury’s Hitlab) Launch of Lloyd Jones’ book Napoleon and The Chicken Farmer and the associated stage production Napoleon Look a Like Competitions with guest judges - Alison Mau, Kerry Prendergast & Lloyd Jones Opportunity to watch the Royal New Zealand Ballet in action with readings by dancers and movement workshops Story-teller’s corner in the theatre auditorium Illustrators’ Gallery – 5 illustrators at work throughout the day Drawing competition Book/print-making activities Roving performers and shadow puppet show

Other authors and illustrators appearing on the day will be: Gavin Bishop, Ali Teo, Julie Leibrich, Fleur Beale, Fifi Colston, Eirlys Hunter, Vivienne Joseph, Bob Kerr, Don Long, Ruth Paul & Christine Ross.

A second event will also be on offer as part of the Storylines Festival in Wellington that week on Tuesday 15th June. Aimed at adults interested in children’s literature, the Heritage Storylines Literature Seminar will focus on Fantasy: The Crossover Genre. Australian guests Agnes Nieuwenhuizen (Youth Literature Manager, State Library of Victoria) and Garth Nix will participate in the event with NZ fantasy writer Sherryl Jordan. The event will be chaired by Joanne Black, Assistant Editor of The Dominion Post.

The event starts at 6pm with drinks and canapés, then the seminar runs until 8pm and is followed by a mix and mingle, book-signing session. The evening promises to provoke interesting debate by these three distinguished literary personalities. Tickets for the seminar cost $30 and include a glass of wine/juice and canapés.

ENDS

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