We are thrilled to announce that Service95 Book Club will be at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival this October. Held annually on the Indonesian island of Bali, Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (23-27 October) is known for its diverse programme, gathering over 150 of the world’s most exciting writers, thinkers and performers for a four-day celebration of literary culture.
Service95 is partnering on events and conversations throughout the festival, from addressing issues such as women’s rights in conflict to introducing stars of the spoken word in the annual Poetry Slam. Discover the line-up below – and look out for lots of exciting content at Service95 and on our socials...
Ubud X Service95 events
Breaking Through: The Debut Novel
Thursday 26th October – 11:30 – Indus Restaurant
Join us for a lively discussion between four exciting debut novelists, Anton Hur (author of Towards Eternity), Aube Rey (River East, River West), Alan Murrin (The Coast Road) and Goebahan R (Sepotong Kisah di Balik 98). panellists will offer tips and advice about the path to publication, including insights into the writing process, finding an agent and securing a book deal. A must-attend for any aspiring writer.
Women’s Rights In Conflict
Thursday 26th October – 10:15 – Indus Restaurant
Due to a backslide in human rights exacerbated by global crises and conflicts, gender equality is falling further from reach. Join Ma Thida (author of Prisoner Of Conscience: My Steps Through Insein), Amin Saikal, (Iran Rising: The Survival And Future Of The Islamic Republic), poet Sara Saleh (The Flirtation of Girls / Ghazal el-Banat), and journalist and writer Marga Ortigas (There Are No Falling Stars in China) as they explore the obstacles women face in conflict as well as the initiatives needed to support women’s socioeconomic and political progression.
2024 Festival Poetry Slam
This celebration of the spoken word is one of UWRF’s most anticipated events. With participation from global poets to local talents, expect all competitors to slam, spin and interweave their original words in a battle to be crowned the UWRF 2024 Poetry Slam Champ.
Shifting Genres: Challenging Forms & Crossing genres
Thursday 26th October – 15:15 – Alang Alang Stage
Pushing literary boundaries and shattering traditional genres, Nam Le (author of 36 Ways of Writing a Vietnamese Poem), Omar Musa (Killernova) and Felix Cheong (Goh Keng Swee: A Singaporean for All Seasons) will explore how authors transition from fiction to poetry, or rap to writing, breaking traditional moulds to create innovative and creative works.
Curators: Seeing The Future of Indonesian Literature
Thursday 26th October – 15:00 – Casa Luna Festival Club
Introducing you to the world of Indonesian Literature, Dee Lestari (author of Paper Boats), Faisal Oddang (Excerpts from the novel Arrived Before Departing), and Juli Sastrawan (Kulit Kera Piduka) have chosen the 10 emerging writers from across Indonesia to note, from a pool of 449 submissions. Discover your next literary obsession and hear about the future of the Indonesian literary scene from those who know it best.
Ali Cobby Eckermann: She Is The Earth
Friday 27th October – 10:15 – Indus Restaurant
Ali Cobby Eckermann is a celebrated poet and Yankunytjatjara woman born on Kaurna land in South Australia. She is known for her powerful works exploring the impacts of colonisation and family identity as a member of the stolen generation herself. Her latest verse novel, She Is The Earth, is a journey through grief and celebrates the healing power of the earth. Ali will discuss her writing process, cultural heritage, and the profound themes in her works.
Buy your tickets here. Early Bird ticket sale ends with the full programme release on Thursday 28 August
