Best of the fest: what to see at the Bookworm Literary Festival

This year's lineup is packed full of unmissable talks and events

After last year's hiatus, the Bookworm Literary Festival is back for 2018 with a crackin' lineup that more than make's up for the long wait. Covering topics as far flung as how technology shapes storytelling, to China's sex trade, to the launch of an anthology of women's writing, to stand-up comedy, you'll be out of breath and before you know it on this intellectual whirlwind. The festival launches on March 8 (which also happens to be International Women's Day), and runs until March 25; there's oodles on, but we reckon these events are some of the best. See you there!

Let's not talk about sex

Mar 10. 60RMB

Despite its massive population and ubiquitous 'hair salons,' sex remains a largely taboo subject in China. Even writing about it can prove sensitive for some, with women, in particular, risking a backlash from prudish readers and conservative authorities simply for discussing their sex lives. Moderated by Robert Foyle Hunwick, this panel featuring Zhang Lijia, Evangaline Zhang and James Palmer will examine why and how writers write about sex and discuss issues surrounding sexuality in China, from harassment to homosexuality, polyamory to prostitution.

Fictionalising China

Mar 11. 60RMB

Three talented Chinese novelists and short story writers will discuss their award-winning works and how they take China as both a setting and a character and position it in their prose. 

Xue Yiwei is the author of 20 books and his collection of short stories Shenzheners has been translated into English and French. Zheng Zaihuan is a writer and a musician who is known for his bleak but often hilarious writing style. He has recently released a short story collection that interweaves fiction and non-fiction entitled Heartbreaking Stories from Zhumadian, which is the name of the town in Henan where he was brought up. Sun Yisheng is a young, award-winning writer from Shandong whose first collection of short stories is called How Many Dragon-fields Does Your Family Own?

LGBT matters: the silent majority

Mar 11. 60RMB

While the LGBT community in China has gained some ground in recent years, sexual and gender minorities still have extremely low visibility in Chinese society. According to a recent UNDP survey, only around 5 percent of them choose to disclose their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression at school, in the workplace, or in religious communities. In this discussion, Xiaogang Wei from Beijing Gender, Dr He Xiaopei, from the Pink Space Sexuality Research Centre and Ying Xin (Xiao Tie) from the Beijing LGBT centre will discuss recent issues and developments in the LGBT field and assess the road ahead.

Committing journalism

Mar 11. 80RMB

A medley of China correspondents will gather to discuss their latest experiences, the ups and downs, and the trials and tribulations of conducting journalism in the Middle Kingdom. Emily Rauhala (Washington Post) will moderate the discussion, bringing together correspondents Megha Rajagopalan (BuzzFeed News), Sui-Lee Wee (The New York Times) and John Sudworth (BBC). In association with the Foreign Correspondents Club of China (FCCC).

Kyle Grooms

Mar 11. 180RMB; 150RMB (presale); 100RMB (students)

With a long list of notable accomplishments as an actor, writer and comic, Kyle Grooms has proven to be one of the industry’s must-see comics on the scene. Throughout his career, he has 47 30324 47 14445 0 0 4178 0 0:00:07 0:00:03 0:00:04 4178appeared in his own hysterical half-hour stand-up special on Comedy Central, while also making multiple appearances on VH1, NBC’s Last Comic Standing, and famed Chappelle’s Show. Among his many accomplishments, his first comedy CD, The Legend of the Jersey Devil, was named one of iTunes' Top 100 Comedy CDs of 2009.

Sinica podcast live recording

Mar 13. 60RMB

Join host Anthony Tao (Kaiser Kuo and Jeremy Goldkorn send their regards from the US) as he talks to Jess Meider, one of China’s best jazz vocalists, having spent 20 years gracing stages, festivals and music venues all over the country, and David Moser, an academic and author who has played jazz piano in numerous groups and Beijing venues over the past 25 years. The discussion will explore topics such as the first Chinese jazz players, the early jazz venues, the participation of rock stars such as Cui Jian, who was heavily influenced by the form, the rise of astounding new Chinese jazz prodigies, and the search for a 'jazz with Chinese characteristics.' In association with SupChina.

Beijing or Shanghai: who is the fairest of them all?

Mar 21. 80RMB

Beijing or Shanghai? Come hear prominent authors — all veteran China hands — debate which city is hot and which is not, and why, as China grabs the spotlight on the global stage. It's an age-old question, but we face new circumstances – politics, economic policies, tech development, even pollution patterns are changing. And with them the balance between these megacities. To debate this thorny issue, join Paul French (City of Devils), James McGregor (No Ancient Wisdom, No Followers), and Jim Stent (China's Banking Transformation), with Newsweek's Melinda Liu (moderator). In association with the Royal Asiatic Society Beijing.

For a full list of all the events taking place at this year's Bookworm Festival, hit 'Read more'. 

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