Festival of Dangerous Ideas

Sydney’s original disruptive festival marks its tenth anniversary this year. And this April it is upping the ante with a line-up of speakers who will address the festival’s theme of 'Dangerous Realities'. The weekend of big conversations will take place at Town Hall, a nod to the traditional rallying place for concerned and engaged citizens. The provocateurs taking the stage are a mix of alumni and new guests, gathering to discuss the dangerous reality that we are now living in. Taking to the stage will be Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton , the woman who suffered one of Australia’s most tragic miscarriages of justice. Author and journalist David Wallace-Wells will talk about the climate emergency that is happening faster than we realised. Joining via satellite will be reluctant whistle-blower Edward Snowden who will discuss government surveillance capabilities. Gonzo journalist and documentarian Jon Ronson will report on his recent investigations into the world of porn. Political philosopher Michael Sandel will expound on the tyranny of merit. ’Bad Feminist’ Roxane Gay will present this year’s keynote session, ‘The Hitch’, named after late provocateur Christopher Hitchens (Stephen Fry delivered last year's Hitch) . The ethics of technology will be broached by researcher Evgeny Morozov when he speaks on its social and political implications. Claire Wardle will contribute her expertise on fake news and verifying user-generated content. Biochemist Sam Sternberg will discuss the controversial world of gene editing; and biologist David Sinclair will talk about reversing the ageing process. Journalists and activists Masha Gessen and Kajsa Ekis Ekman will bring their perspective to discussions around the current global political climate, with ex-PM Kevin Rudd sharing his insights on China. Listen to Kevin Donnelly, Van Badham and Osman Faruqi debate political correctness; while philosopher Peter Singer and refugee expert Jane McAdam take part in a button-pushing panel discussion about the role of the individual in shaping the world we live in. In addition to the talks there will be workshops,  a communal piggy bank and a large special event, Unforgivable, that combines the messages of five Australian youth leaders with the music of Spinifex Gum sung by the all-female, all-indigenous Marliya Choir. The Festival of Dangerous Ideas has been consistently shining a light on topics that deserve more commentary and deep analysis. Visit the festival website for the full 2020 program and tickets.