Press Release Date: Monday 9 March 2020, 9.30am Contact: Louise Gilbert louise.gilbert@southbankcentre.co.uk / 020 7921 0780 Sara Oberthaler sara.oberthaler@southbankcentre.co.uk / 020 7921 0992 Press Images HERE Event Listings HERE

Southbank Centre announces its Summer 2020 Literature Season featuring Samantha Irby, Lisa Taddeo, Pandora Sykes, Tayari Jones, David Mitchell and Amitav Ghosh Also announced: Ferran Adriá, Laura Bates, Brit Bennett, Fiona Benson, Chloe Aridjis, Natalie Diaz, Mike Berners-Lee, Caroline Bird, Candice Brathwaite, Season Butler, Adam Buxton, Percival Everett, Carolyn Forché, Petina Gappah, Ariana Harwicz, Wayne Holloway-Smith, Laia Jufresa, Alice Notley, Robert Macfarlane, Dara McAnulty, Maaza Mengiste, Don Paterson, Kate Raworth, Somini Sengupta, Art Spiegelman, Joelle Taylor, Matthew Taylor and more.

Lisa Taddeo; Samantha Irby; Pandora Sykes © Silvia Ruiz Gil; Amitav Ghosh © Ivo van der Bent

The Southbank Centre today announces its biggest summer literature season yet with more than 40 events taking place across its site, including the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, Hayward Gallery, National Poetry Library and more from May – August 2020. The Summer season features exclusive appearances from literary legends, specially-commissioned live readings and performances, spoken word and poetry, compelling panel discussions on today’s burning issues, exhibitions, prizes, free events and so much more. Highlights include:

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● Samantha Irby making her UK debut as she discusses her new book Wow, No Thank You (PUR, 28 May)

● A London-exclusive appearance from celebrated author of Three Women, Lisa Taddeo (QEH, 31 May)

● Award-winning fiction writers Tayari Jones (PUR, 1 Jun) and David Mitchell (QEH, 4 Jun) present their much anticipated new novels in London-exclusive events

● An extensive non-fiction programme featuring in conversation events with Pulitzer Prize-winning artist and illustrator Art Spiegelman (QEH, 30 May), blogger and activist Candice Brathwaite (PUR, 29 May), Everyday Sexism Project founder Laura Bates (PUR, 4 Jun), journalist and The High Low podcaster Pandora Sykes (QEH, 14 Jul), pioneering chef Ferran Adriá (PUR, 3 Jun) and already announced Adam Buxton (RFH, 11 May)

● The continuation of Southbank Centre’s programme exploring nature, the environment and climate change featuring leading voices in the field Amitav Ghosh (PUR, 23 May), young activist Dara McAnulty and writer Robert Macfarlane (PUR, 9 Jul) plus a special panel discussion, Climate Emergency: How Can I Make a Difference? featuring Mike Berners-Lee, Kate Raworth, Somini Sengupta and Matthew Taylor, presented by Intelligence Squared and The New York Times (RFH, 8 Jul)

● The launch of a new book club, Reading Our Times, in partnership with Sharmaine Lovegrove of Dialogue Books

● The continuation of Southbank Centre’s partnership with Out-Spoken, following a hugely successful year in residence of world-class live poetry and music. The new residency year features Don Paterson, Carolyn Forché, Fiona Benson, Wayne Holloway-Smith, Caroline Bird and more (PUR, May – Jun)

● The premiere of a new production of acclaimed Japanese novel Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, produced by New Perspectives and jointly commissioned by the Southbank Centre (PUR, 27 Jul)

● The return of the Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist readings (QEH, 2 Jun) and the International Booker Prize readings (PUR, 16 May)

● New addition to Spring: Southbank Centre in partnership with Jacaranda Books presents an event with authors Jane Goldsmith and Katy Massey as part of Jacaranda’s #Twentyin2020 pledge to publish 20 black British writers in 2020 (L5FR, 27 Apr)

● The continuation of Reading the Mind, Southbank Centre’s strand of events exploring mental health and wellbeing through literature, featuring neuropsychiatrist Anthony David and writer and poet Derek Owusu (L5FR, 22 Jun)

● A new free exhibition at the Southbank Centre’s National Poetry Library which celebrates the centenary of Scottish poet Edwin Morgan, focusing on his visual poetry and his life as an LGBTQ+ writer (NPL, 30 Apr – 23 Aug)

Ted Hodgkinson, Head of Literature & Spoken Word at Southbank Centre, said: “It’s a thrill to share our biggest and boldest summer season yet, brimming with exclusive appearances from world renowned writers on everything from contemporary culture to the climate crisis, alongside the very best of London’s poetry and spoken word scene. This summer we renew a thriving partnership with Out-Spoken, break new ground in

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co-commissioning an exciting adaptation of a Japanese literary sensation and carve out more space for intimate encounters with acclaimed authors through a brand new book club. It’s a season that celebrates the pioneers pushing literature forwards and offers more ways than ever to immerse yourself in great writing.” Tickets go on sale to Southbank Centre Members on Tuesday 10 March and to the General Public on Thursday 12 March. For more information on the season please visit the Southbank Centre website HERE. The 2020 Summer Season follows remaining Spring Season events with Roddy Doyle (QEH, 11 Mar), David Wallace-Wells (QEH, 8 Apr), Akala (RFH, 19 Apr), broadcasters Jane Garvey and Fi Glover (RFH, 26 Apr) and more. Dates for the Southbank Centre’s 2020 London Literature Festival have also been announced: 21 Oct – 1 Nov 2020, with the programme set to be announced in July. Further Programme Detail TALKS AND IN CONVERSATION EVENTS Award-winning writers present new works of fiction in London exclusive events. Lisa Taddeo, author of publishing sensation Three Women, makes a rare public appearance to celebrate the paperback publication of her book (QEH, 31 May); much-loved author of An American Marriage Tayari Jones discusses her latest novel Silver Sparrow (PUR, 1 Jun); bestselling author of Cloud Atlas and The Bone Clocks David Mitchell launches his first novel in five years, Utopia Avenue (QEH, 4 Jun). The season also features acclaimed authors Maaza Mengiste and Petina Gappah who discuss their new novels, The Shadow King and Out of Darkness, Shining Light (PUR, 13 May); master of American storytelling Percival Everett celebrates the UK publication of his hilarious and irresistible take on race, class and identity, I Am Not Sidney Poitier (L5FR, 28 Jun); bestselling author of The Mothers Brit Bennett discusses her powerful new novel, The Vanishing Half (L5FR, 25 Jun) and contemporary voices in Latin American literature Ariana Harwicz, Chloe Aridjis and Laia Jufresa share excerpts from their latest novels, in partnership with The Festival of Latin American Women in the Arts (L5FR, 16 May). The season’s non-fiction programme welcomes exciting international and UK writers, activists, comedians and artists. US comedian, author and blogger Samantha Irby appears in conversation in the UK for the very first time to discuss her new book Wow, No Thank You (PUR, 28 May); comedian and podcast host Adam Buxton celebrates the publication of his memoir, Ramble Book (RFH, 11 May); Pulitzer Prize-winning artist and illustrator Art Spiegelman speaks on his iconic graphic novel and masterful Holocaust narrative Maus (QEH, 30 May); author and blogger Candice Brathwaite reflects on life as a black mother in a thought-provoking and inspirational discussion around her new book I am Not your Baby Mother (PUR, 29 May); founder of the Everyday Sexism Project Laura Bates presents Men Who Hate Women, her explosive new book examining the rise of secretive, extremist communities who despise women (PUR, 4 Jun); journalist and The High Low podcaster Pandora Sykes reflects on questions such as ‘What does the right life even look like?’ and

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‘Why do so many women feel like they’re getting it wrong?’ as she discusses her new book How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right? (QEH, 14 Jul) and pioneering chef Ferran Adriá explores creativity and innovation in food as he presents his latest book, What Is Cooking (PUR, 3 Jun). The Southbank Centre also continues its Reading the Mind strand exploring mental health and wellbeing through literature. The Summer edition features neuropsychiatrist Anthony David and writer and poet Derek Owusu who discuss their work and share their insight and experiences around mental health (L5FR, 22 Jun). ENVIRONMENT, NATURE AND CLIMATE CHANGE The Southbank Centre continues its programme exploring nature, the environment and climate change. Leading author and cultural thinker Amitav Ghosh delivers a compelling keynote address on the need for storytelling in an age defined by climate change and reflects on his work in conversation with writer Gaia Vince (PUR, 23 May); Season Butler celebrates the paperback publication of her coming-of-age novel, Cygnet, in conversation with writer and producer Farzana Khan which tackles urgent issues of climate change and the fight to build community (L5FR, 15 May); leading young voice in the climate emergency Dara McAnulty presents his debut book, Diary of a Young Naturalist, in conversation with writer Robert Macfarlane, with special guests and musical performance to be announced (PUR, 9 Jul); Intelligence Squared and The New York Times stage their latest event in their Intelligent Times series, Climate Emergency: How Can I Make a Difference?, bringing together a panel of experts including Mike Berners-Lee, Kate Raworth, Somini Sengupta and chaired by Matthew Taylor, to explore how we as individuals can help humanity to thrive, and not just survive (RFH, 8 Jul); Australian writers Rebecca Giggs and Laura Jean McKay reflect on the challenges of understanding the perspectives of other living beings and what it means to write about the natural world in a time of environmental crisis, as they present their latest works (L5FR, 1 Jul). LIVE READINGS & PERFORMANCE The Southbank Centre together with New Perspectives brings Sayaka Murata’s quirky and profound Japanese novel Convenience Store Woman to stage for the first time in a jointly commissioned production. Adapted for the stage by Nozomi Abe and Jack McNamara, this offbeat Japanese comedy takes a sideways view of life and reveals how it's possible to find happiness in the unlikeliest of places (PUR, 27 Jul). London’s leading LGBTQ+ literary salon Polari strides into summer with fiery new literary commentaries on queer hearts, hopes and heroes. The June edition features stand-up comedian and writer Jen Brister, alongside Juno Roche, Sophie Ward, Neil Blackmore and Heleen Kist (L5FR, 23 Jun) and Diana Souhami headlines the July event joined by Steven Appleby and James McDermott, Paul Mendez and Julia Armfield (L5FR, 31 Jul). The Polari First Prize long and short list are announced as part of the June and July events. POETRY AND SPOKEN WORD The Southbank Centre is delighted to continue its partnership with Out-Spoken, following a hugely successful year in residence in the Purcell Room, with world-class poets who each

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month brought buzzing live performances, poetry and music to the stage. Hosted by poet and founder of SLAMbassadors national youth slam, Joelle Taylor, and featuring the beats of DJ Sam 'Junior' Bromfield, the May event sees award-winning poet Don Paterson and leading American poet and human rights activist Carolyn Forché take the stage (PUR, 21 May); the June edition features Forward Prize winner Fiona Benson and National Poetry Competition winner Wayne Holloway-Smith (PUR, 10 Jun) and the July event is headlined by acclaimed playwright and poet Caroline Bird alongside further poets to be announced (PUR, 16 Jul). Three corresponding masterclasses, open to anyone with an interest in poetry, are hosted by leading poets including Joelle Taylor (SUN, 16 May; FOY, 6 Jun; SUN, 18 Jul). Leading contemporary poets present their debut collections. Founder of Octavia: Poetry Collective for Women of Colour, Rachel Long, discusses and reads from My Darling from the Lions, a powerful account of growing up in London as a young mixed heritage woman (PUR 28 Jul); poet and director Caleb Femi celebrates the launch of his collection Poor in an event which combines poetry, film and photography (PUR, 31 Jul). The Southbank Centre’s National Poetry Library houses the largest public collection of modern poetry in the world and presents a number of events and exhibitions across the season. National Poetry Library Lates, the Southbank Centre’s series of poetry salons in the Hayward Gallery Cafe returns, showcasing performances and readings from today’s leading poets and emerging talent. The June edition is dedicated to poetry inspired by sound, celebrating the Hayward Gallery’s Reverb: Sound Into Art exhibition, featuring Natalie Diaz alongside further names to be announced (HGC, 24 Jun). The National Poetry Library also presents regular free exhibitions: The Concrete World of Edwin Morgan (NPL, 30 Apr – 23 Aug) celebrates the centenary of Scottish poet Edwin Morgan, focusing on his visual poetry and his life as an LGBTQ+ writer. The exhibition features newly commissioned poems from LGBTQ+ poets, including Chris Beckett, Keith Jarrett and Richard Scott, who perform their responses to Morgan’s work in a special opening event (NPL, 29 Apr). A corresponding book club reflecting on Morgan’s life and work takes place in July (NPL, 13 Jul). Further events at the library include a rare UK performance from award-winning poet Alice Notley (NPL, 12 May); Can a Poem be an Object? which explores the performative aspect of tangible poems featuring contemporary UK-based poets SJ Fowler, Iris Colomb, Vilde Valerie Bjerke Torset, Sarah Cave and Astra Papachristodoulou (NPL, 6 May); the launch of Songs We Learn From Trees, the first ever anthology of Ethiopian Amharic poetry in English featuring Ethiopian poets Bedilu Wakjira, Misrak Terefe, Hama Tuma and Alemtsehay Wodajo (NPL, 3 June) and the premiere of a new film Doves Typeface and poster publication by legendary London writer Iain Sinclair, followed by a discussion with Sinclair, printer Robert Green and novelist, poet and artist Brian Catling (BR & NPL, 2 Sep). The library also welcomes poets Will Harris, Wayne Holloway-Smith and Phoebe Stuckes for a special summer reading, with further details to be announced (NPL, 1 Jul). PLATFORMING NEW VOICES Southbank Centre is thrilled to collaborate for the first time with Jacaranda Books on an event as part of their #Twentyin2020 initiative, a pledge to publish 20 black British writers in 2020 with an event featuring Jacaranda authors Esuantsiwa Jane Goldsmith and Katy

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Massey. The acclaimed writers discuss their vivid memoirs The Space Between Black and White and Are We Home Yet?, shining a light on their experiences of navigating class, race and identity. This event is an addition to the Southbank Centre’s Literature Spring Season (L5FR, 27 Apr). Continuing a commitment to platforming new voices across its literature programme, the Southbank Centre launches a new book club, Reading Our Times, in partnership with Sharmaine Lovegrove from Dialogue Books. In 10 sessions held over 12 months, the book club looks at the full breadth of human experiences and realities through reading and discussing a curated list of works. Featuring works by acclaimed authors including Kamila Shamsie, Brit Bennett, Bernardine Evaristo, Max Porter, Paul Mendez and more, Reading Our Times brings together a truly diverse array of contemporary literature (from May 2020 onwards). PRIZES The International Booker Prize readings are a highlight of the literary calendar, celebrating the finest fiction in translation from all over the world. Showcasing the authors and translators shortlisted for the 2020 prize, this year’s readings include live readings in both English and the original languages alongside Q&As with authors and translators.The 2020 International Booker Prize is chaired by Ted Hodgkinson, Head of Literature and Spoken Word at Southbank Centre (PUR, 16 May). In its 25th year, the Women’s Prize for Fiction returns to the Southbank Centre to present its shortlist at a reading and discussion, celebrating and honouring fiction by women on the day before the announcement of the 2020 winner. The event is hosted by chair of judges Martha Lane Fox (QEH, 2 Jun). #ENDS# For more information or to buy tickets please visit the Southbank Centre website HERE or call 020 3879 9555. 2020 Summer Literature Season Event Listings HERE Press Images HERE For further press information and interview requests please contact: Louise Gilbert, Press Manager, louise.gilbert@southbankcentre.co.uk / 020 7921 0780 Sara Oberthaler, Press Officer, sara.oberthaler@southbankcentre.co.uk / 020 7921 0992 Join the Conversation: @southbankcentre @litsouthbank @natpoetrylib #NPLLates

NOTES TO EDITORS About the Southbank Centre

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The Southbank Centre is the UK’s largest arts centre and one of the UK's top five visitor attractions, occupying a prominent riverside location that sits in the midst of London’s most vibrant cultural quarter on the South Bank of the Thames. We exist to present great cultural experiences that bring people together and we achieve this by providing the space for artists to create and present their best work and by creating a place where as many people as possible can come together to experience bold, unusual and eye-opening work. We want to take people out of the everyday, every day. The site has an extraordinary creative and architectural history stretching back to the 1951 Festival of Britain. The Southbank Centre is made up of the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and Hayward Gallery as well as being home to the National Poetry Library and the Arts Council Collection. It is also home to four Resident Orchestras (London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, London Sinfonietta and Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment) and four Associate Orchestras (Aurora Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, Chineke! Orchestra and National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain). Literature at the Southbank Centre The Southbank Centre has a lively and diverse literature programme which takes place throughout the year and includes its annual London Literature Festival and biennial Poetry International festival. Featuring talks, debates, poetry, workshops, performance, live reading and more, the Southbank Centre’s literature programme has played host to some of the world’s greatest writers and thinkers including Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Margaret Atwood, Malorie Blackman, John le Carré, Richard Dawkins, Neil Gaiman, Malcom Gladwell, Naomi Klein, Celeste Ng, Michelle Obama, Philip Pullman and Zadie Smith. About the Southbank Centre’s National Poetry Library The Southbank Centre’s National Poetry Library is the largest public collection of modern poetry in the world and is housed at the Southbank Centre in London. Founded by the Arts Council in 1953 and opened by poets T.S. Eliot and Herbert Read, the library contains over 200,000 items spanning from 1912 to the present day, extensive resources for poets, academics, schools and families. Hosting exhibitions and events, the library is free to use www.nationalpoetrylibrary.org.uk The Southbank Centre Venues RFH - Royal Festival Hall QEH - Queen Elizabeth Hall PUR - Purcell Room HG - Hayward Gallery SUN - Sunley Pavilion FOY - Foyle Pavilion L5FR - Level 5 Function Room BR - Blue Room HGC - Hayward Gallery Cafe CBR - The Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall

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