The event marked the launch of the book Woman Life Freedom: Voices and Art from the Women’s Protests in Iran, edited by Malu Halasa on Saqi Books, “a fiercely independent publisher”.

Extolling the power of art, writing and body politics the event was a universal rallying call and a celebration of the women the regime has tried and failed to silence.

Highly original and savagely topical it included a live art and sound art performance by Tasalla Tabasom and Fari Bradley, an art-style documentary video, a presentation from artist Roshi Rouzbehani, a panel discussion hosted by Malu Halasa and an exhibition of artwork.

This event took place on 1st June 2024 at Lakeside Theatre, University of Essex, Colchester.

“Insightful, powerful and inspiring! I now know more of the voices of women (and not only) in Iran, whose fight for their rights is ours too. Events like these bring us together in a fight for a common goal: freedom for all.”

Feedback from event attendee

The post “Actually Iranian Women Do Not Need You to Save Them” appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

Bring a friend for free ticket offer

Presented by London-based publisher Saqi Books in partnership with Essex Book Festival, this not to be missed event includes a live sound art performance, a documentary video, artist presentation, panel discussion and photography exhibition.

Woman Life Freedom tells the story of the courageous women who rose up against the Iranian Government in September 2022 to protest against the death of Mahsa (Jine) Aminii who had been arrested by the morality police for not wearing the hijab correctly. The event features four women artists Tasalla, Fari Bradley, Roshi Rouzbehani and Malu Halasa, all of whom have played their own part in the Woman, Life, Freedom movement.

Bring a Friend For Free

We are currently offering Buy One Get One Free on tickets to the Woman Life Freedom event. When booking simply select the Bring A Friend For Free ticket option.

Book Woman Life Freedom tickets at eventbrite.co.uk.

Image credit Shiva Khademi, b. [1998]. Courtesy of Saqi Books

The post This is what protest looks like… appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

We have workshops galore in the mix as part of our special Launch Day at the University of Essex on June 1st. And the good news is that quite a few of them are free. That includes our drop-in, traditional ink-making, printing and calligraphy workshops, which are suitable for ages 7+. Find out more about our free Launch Pad Workshops here.

We also have three creative writing workshops on the menu, all suitable for 13+ and all bookable via our website essexbookfestival.org.uk. These include our This Land: Writing the Place Workshop led by Essex-based author, playwright and theatre producer Neil D’Arcy Jones, whose new book the Pocket Mountain Guides Essex Walks has just hit the bookshelves.

For the more adventurous, our hands-on Radical Translation Workshop led by Canadian poet Gregory Betts and Festival favourite Philip Terry, will demonstrate how to translate poems into everything from a picture, to a recipe, to a novel.

This is what protest looks like…

One event not to be missed is Woman, Life, Freedom. Presented by London-based publisher Saqi Books in partnership with Essex Book Festival, this event includes a live sound art performance, a documentary video, artist presentation, panel discussion and photography exhibition. It tells the story of the courageous women who rose up against the Iranian Government in September 2022 to protest against the death of Mahsa (Jine) Aminii who had been arrested by the morality police for not wearing the hijab correctly. The event features four women artists Tasalla, Fari Bradley, Roshi Rouzbehani and Malu Halasa, all of whom have played their own part in the Woman, Life, Freedom movement.

Bring a Friend For Free

We are currently offering Buy One Get One Free on tickets to the Woman Life Freedom event. When booking simply select the Bring A Friend For Free ticket option.

Book Woman Life Freedom tickets at eventbrite.co.uk.

Image credit Shiva Khademi, b. [1998]. Courtesy of Saqi Books

Other things on the Launch Day programme include our Radical Essex Procession replete with 500 hand-dyed silk flags from St Leonard-at-the-Hythe Church onto campus. To join in the fun register here to take part.

Image credit Tessa Bunney

Charters and Radicals is the theme of a new exhibition which will be on display in the University’s Special Collections Reading Room. From charters that trace the region’s heritage to student protests and social movements, this exhibition explores the continuity and change in Essex’s heritage.

Meanwhile, poet/novelist Holly Pester (short-listed for the Forward Prize in 2019), is teaming up with Dr Jordan Savage to host The Tasting Menu, an Open Mic live show hosted in the University’s Art Exchange Gallery. Anyone wanting to perform needs to get there early to book their slot.

Anyone planning to come and hear Essex Book Festival Patron and University of Essex Chancellor, the multi-award-winning novelist Sarah Perry talk about her amazing new novel Enlightenment who haven’t booked their tickets yet, need to get their skates on. Tickets are selling fast for this event.

Image credit: Photo of Sarah Perry by Sophie Davidson

The post Countdown to This Land: Launch Day appeared first on Essex Book Festival.