Escape! Festival in Tauranga

Escape to Tauranga for Queen’s Birthday weekend and an ideas and books-focused festival that includes performance, discussion, story-telling, workshops and an Italian-theme morning tea.

Speakers include award-winning scientist Dr Siouxsie Wiles; New Zealand’s leading authority on Shakespeare, Professor Mark Houlahan; food writer and restaurateur Peter Gordon; award-winning author-illustrator Donovan Bixley; award-winning journalists Steve Braunias, Rod Oram and Aimie Cronin; novelists Greg McGee and Nicky Pellegrino; and historian, anthropologist and former New Zealander of the Year Dame Anne Salmond.

“We’ve tried to offer a programme that is a form of escapism,” says festival director Claire Mabey. “Speakers can take their audiences to other times and places, into different realms or consider a subject in depth.

“We’re excited about our ‘big ideas’ panel on June 4 that will discuss some of the grassroots problems afflicting us as New Zealanders – we’re really hoping the audience will jump into the conversation.”

Tackling the issues are law professor and former Cabinet minister Margaret Wilson, Awanui Black from the Tauranga Moana Iwi Leaders Forum, business commentator Rod Oram and actor, writer and producer Charlie McDermott.

Escape! also includes a free Human Library event where a ‘living book’ can be checked out for a one-on-one conversation, workshops by Donovan Bixley (for 7 to 11 year olds) and Steve Braunias (travel writing) and performances by Michael Hurst (No Holds Bard) and the Panhandlers.

Escape! is at Baycourt Theatre in central Tauranga from June 3-6. Tickets from Baycourt or www.ticketek.co.nz. See the full programme at www.taurangafestival.co.nz

ENDS

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