Published in 20 languages, internationally best-selling author David Vann has written essays, stories, features, novels and a memoir. His books have won 15 prizes and appeared on 70 Best Books of the Year lists in a dozen countries. Currently working on a translation of Beowulf, today Vann reflects on his body of work, and the usefulness, and importance, of literary tradition. Where would this neo-classical author, writing out of an American landscape tradition, be without Greek tragedy, Old English meter, and Chaucer’s hagiography?

Lunchbox/Soapbox

We love exploring ideas at the Wheeler Centre, and encouraging others to do the same. That’s why every Thursday lunchtime we hand the microphone over to the great thinkers, dreamers and orators of our time.

With a dazzling range of passionate speakers and unusual topics, our soapbox provides a platform for the eclectic, topical and enlightening stories you won’t hear elsewhere. This is the most memorable lunch break you’ll have all week.

If you’re in need of sustenance of body as well as mind, the MOAT lunch cart will be serving delicious $15 lunchboxes in the performance space from 12.20pm.