Words Weekend 2019.
Elif Shafak – Chi Onwurah (Newcastle Central MP) to interview
Elif Shafak is an award-winning British-Turkish novelist. She has published seventeen books, eleven of which are novels, and her work has been translated into fifty languages. Her latest novel 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Shafak holds a PhD in political science and she has taught at various universities in Turkey, the US and the UK, including St Anne’s College, Oxford University, where she is an honorary fellow. She is a member of World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council on Creative Economy and a founding member of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). An advocate for women’s rights, LGBT rights and freedom of speech, Shafak is an inspiring public speaker and twice a TED global speaker, each time receiving a standing ovation. Shafak contributes to many major publications around the world and she has been awarded the title of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. In 2017 she was chosen by Politico as one of the twelve people “who will give you a much needed lift of the heart”. A member of the Royal Society of Literature, Shafak has judged numerous literary prizes, and chaired the Welcome Prize.
Elif will be interviewed by Chi Onwurah, Labour Candidate for Newcastle upon Tyne Central. Chi was born in Wallsend, grew up in Kenton before studying Electrical Engineering in London. Chi has lived in many different cities around the world, without ever for a moment forgetting where she is from: Newcastle. Her values and beliefs were formed in Newcastle based on the people she grew up with and my her own experiences. Chi has been the Labour MP for Newcastle Central for the past 9 years.
Stage Times:
Start time: 3pm
Venue: Sage Two
As everyone deserves equal access to entertainment, every event in Words Weekend will be accessible. In addition to the gold standard access provision at Sage Gateshead, all events will be BSL interpreted and there will be a roaming interpreter facilitating conversations throughout the venue.
Words Weekend will post a Social Story on their website for anyone who might find new situations difficult and would like to know what to expect from the festival. Sage Gateshead also offer short familiarisation visits.
We request that everyone is tolerant to the needs of other audience members, some of whom might need to take a break from a space during an event, for example. Lighting will be raised slightly higher than usual, sound levels will be limited at most events and more comfortable seating options will be offered in some spaces. Please remember that not all disabilities or health conditions are visible. If you have any questions please contact info@wordsweekend.com.