When they talk about the powerhouses of Canadian publishing – and trust us, people all over the world are talking about Canadian writers in 2021 – the names Jael Richardson and Katherena Vermette are being sung out loud and proud. Bracingly original, Gutter Child and The Strangers cut like knives through our preconceptions about race, belonging, and hope.
The one-hour livestream event on Wordfest.com starts at 7:00 PM MT. (The pre-show begins at 6:50 PM.) The day after the show, we'll email you our unique Digital Doggie Bag, featuring links and extras sparked by the conversation.
Can't watch live? Want to rewatch? Purchasing the 26@26 series pass or a single ticket gives you exclusive access to this show on demand until midnight on April 30, 2022.
We’re grateful to HarperCollins Canada and Penguin Random House Canada for making it possible for us to connect you with these authors.
About Host Melanee Murray-Hunt
Melanee Murray-Hunt is an actor, writer, playwright, filmmaker, and director. Her work in front of the camera includes the Universal feature film KPAX, 24, Nickelodeon's 100 Deeds of Eddie McDowd, Everybody Loves Raymond, Young Drunk Punk, Heartland, Tribal, and the upcoming Joe Pickett. Stage work includes her award-winning, critically acclaimed solo show, The 'Hoodwink, as well as The Venus of Basin Street, Conversations with Hair, Our Canada, Our Story and Making Treaty Seven. Director/filmmaking credits include the films Race Anonymous and The Trial of Miss Mudimbe. Murray-Hunt is currently in postproduction on The Invincible Jayson Martin, which received funding from Calgary Arts Development, was selected for the Women In The Director's Chair Career Accelerator Program in St. John's and was shortlisted by WIDC for Telefilm's Talent to Watch program. A graduate of Bennington College, she lives in Calgary.
Curiouser?
- First Look: Read an excerpt and see the cover of Katherena Vermette's upcoming novel The Strangers –CBC Books
- Jael Richardson discusses her new novel Gutter Child: What happens when you grow up in a world that's designed for. your failure? –Toronto Star
- Jael Richardson's debut novel Gutter Child is a dystopian look at Black identity and belonging –The Next Chapter