The Resilience Readings: A star-studded virtual literary festival

Join Freedom from Torture over a series of evenings for a star-studded online literary festival, exploring the theme of Resilience.

About this Event

Running over three nights in November, you will be able to hear special readings, performances and discussions from a host of famous actors, authors and poets – alongside survivors of torture.

NIGHT ONE. Tuesday 24 November (7pm – 8pm GMT)

The Resilience Reading List – a celebrity hosted book club, panel discussion and Q&A, covering books that have helped us all to get through challenging times. Led by award-winning authors Nikesh Shukla (The good Immigrant), Louise Doughty (Apple Tree Yard), Peckham-born poet Caleb Femi (the first Young People’s Laureate for London) and BAFTA-award winning actor Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve). Submit a book to be discussed, and download our full Resilience Reading List after the event.

NIGHT TWO. Wednesday 25 November (7pm – 8pm GMT)

Words of Resilience – an evening of poetry and spoken word, with performances from leading poets Daljit Nagra, Ian McMillan, Imtiaz Dharker and Inua Ellams and winners of our Resilience poetry competition. Plus special performances from survivors of torture from Freedom from Torture’s Write to Life group.

NIGHT THREE. Thursday 26 November (7pm – 8pm GMT)

The Power of Resilience – Performances and readings from authors, actors, poets and survivors of torture around the theme of Resilience. With readings by English actress and Hollywood star Thandie Newton, best-selling author Tracy Chevalier (Girl with a Pearl Earring), Scottish poet, playwright, and novelist Jackie Kay (Red Dust Road) and renowned poet John Hegley. Survivors of torture from Write to Life – Freedom from Torture’s creative writing group will be performing original, moving pieces throughout. Plus a special virtual performance by the Sing for Freedom choir – made up of survivors, staff and volunteers from Freedom from Torture and run by Together Productions.
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW. Donate what you can to attend each event, all funds raised will directly support survivors of torture.
Book tickets
You will be sent a link on the day of each event to access the live stream.
Please note: Subtitles will be available for Night Two and Night Three for those hard of hearing.