GEORGE TOWN, November 16 – The 13th edition of the George Town Literary Festival (GTLF) is set to captivate audiences from November 23 to 26 with its intriguing theme, “Terra Incognita.” Supported by the State Government of Penang and produced by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) for the eighth consecutive year, GTLF2023 invites literary enthusiasts on a journey of exploration and boundary-defying narratives.
Wong Hon Wai, the Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, unveiled the festival’s full program during a press conference. With main sites at Loft29, Gat Lebuh Gereja, and Mano Plus and Black Kettle, Beach Street, George Town, the festival will host over 70 writers from 17 countries. The diverse lineup will focus on navigating uncertainty, crossing borders, and spotlighting Southeast Asian writers, multisensory media, and storytelling. The comprehensive program, available on the festival’s website and social media channels, promises an immersive experience for attendees.
Acclaimed Taiwanese writer Wu Ming-Yi will share insights into his writing journey, offering English interpretation. “Translations Across Borders” will engage translation enthusiasts in discussions about cultural and textual variations across English, Arabic, Spanish, and Vietnamese. For rock music aficionados, Dr. Muhamad Takiyuddin will delve into Malaysia’s forgotten rock music trails on November 25. The festival’s rich tapestry includes a wide range of programs such as one-on-one conversations, panel discussions, readings, book launches, exhibitions, and screenings.
The GTLF2023 will feature Zulhezan, an interdisciplinary artist, and filmmaker, along with poet Hafiz Hamzah, creating an experimental and intimate set through poetry reading and sound. The festival will also host two exhibitions – one in partnership with the Embassy of Brazil on Clarice Lispector, and the other titled ‘When Pen Emotes,’ reviving the lost art of letter writing. Japanese bookstore Kinokuniya returns as the festival’s official bookstore for the fifth consecutive year, offering an extensive collection of titles by GTLF2023’s esteemed lineup.
GTLF remains free for all members of the public, continuing its tradition of celebrating literature and fostering a sense of community. In his speech, YB Wong Hon Wai expressed the festival’s commitment to celebrating literature’s transformative power. Drawing inspiration from Nobel laureates Gabriel García Márquez and Ernest Hemingway, he emphasized literature’s role as an art form shaping and constructing reality. The theme “Terra Incognita” serves as a reminder to explore the uncharted, transcending boundaries and pushing intellectual and cultural frontiers.
