Randa Abdel-Fattah joins Sydney Writers Festival after Adelaide event was cancelled

Randa Abdel-Fattah will speak at 2 events in Sydney. This follows a big protest in Adelaide where 180 writers refused to go after she was removed from the list.
By Newsroom | Books, Sydney |

Background

Recent events have brought the participation of author Randa Abdel-Fattah at the Sydney Writers' Festival into focus. This follows an earlier controversy at the Adelaide Writers' Week where Abdel-Fattah's invitation was rescinded, leading to significant repercussions for that event. The Sydney festival is set to feature approximately 200 events, with Abdel-Fattah scheduled to appear in two sessions.

Events Leading to the Current Situation

  • Adelaide Writers' Week Incident: In early 2026, Randa Abdel-Fattah was removed from the program of the Adelaide Writers' Week. This decision triggered a substantial response.

  • Boycott and Cancellation: Around 180 writers reportedly boycotted the Adelaide event following Abdel-Fattah's removal, which ultimately led to the event's cancellation.

  • Resignations: The controversy also resulted in resignations, including that of the director of Adelaide Writers' Week, who had initially invited Abdel-Fattah.

  • Newcastle Writers Festival: Following the Adelaide incident, Abdel-Fattah was also invited to speak at the Newcastle Writers Festival. This invitation occurred less than a month after the Adelaide Writers' Week situation.

  • Book Discussion: At Newcastle, Abdel-Fattah was slated to discuss her 2025 novel, "Discipline," which explores the experiences of two Palestinian-Australians.

  • Funding Questions: Reports indicated that questions were raised regarding funding for the Newcastle Writers Festival in connection with Abdel-Fattah's appearance.

Contrasting Perspectives and Statements

  • Adelaide Writers' Week Director's Position: The director of Adelaide Writers' Week initially invited Abdel-Fattah. Following the backlash, it is understood that the director stood down. Abdel-Fattah stated that she had posted an image before understanding the full extent of attacks.

  • Newcastle Writers Festival Director's Position: Rosemarie Milsom, director of the Newcastle Writers Festival, stated she invited Abdel-Fattah in August after reading her book. Milsom asserted she faced no pressure from government or her board to withdraw the invitation. She also noted that Abdel-Fattah's participation was for a discussion about her book and a panel, with the panel members holding diverse views. Milsom indicated that Abdel-Fattah's comments had been taken out of context.

  • Criticism and Defense: Some individuals have criticized Abdel-Fattah's statements. Conversely, others have defended her right to free speech, even if they did not necessarily agree with her views. A representative from the Jewish Community Council for South Australia confirmed that their organization had written to the Adelaide Festival board to lobby for Abdel-Fattah's removal.

Sydney Writers' Festival Participation

  • Program Inclusion: Randa Abdel-Fattah is confirmed to be participating in the Sydney Writers' Festival, which will host about 200 events. She is expected to appear in two sessions.

  • Broader Program: The full program for the Sydney Writers' Festival is yet to be released, with tickets and further information available on the festival's website. The festival is scheduled to take place at various venues across the city, including Carriageworks and Sydney Town Hall.

Conclusion

The inclusion of Randa Abdel-Fattah in the Sydney Writers' Festival follows a period of considerable debate and disruption at other literary events. The situation at Adelaide Writers' Week, marked by a boycott and cancellation, serves as a backdrop to her upcoming participation in Sydney. The Newcastle Writers Festival also extended an invitation amidst these discussions. While the Sydney Writers' Festival proceeds with her inclusion, the past events highlight the sensitive nature of discussions surrounding her public appearances and the varying reactions they provoke.

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Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Adelaide Writers Week get cancelled in early 2026?
The event was cancelled because about 180 writers boycotted it. They were angry that the festival removed author Randa Abdel-Fattah from the program, which also led to the director leaving her job.
Q: How many sessions will Randa Abdel-Fattah have at the Sydney Writers Festival?
Randa Abdel-Fattah is scheduled to speak in two different sessions during the festival. The festival itself will have about 200 events in total for readers to visit.
Q: What book is Randa Abdel-Fattah talking about at the 2026 festivals?
She is talking about her 2025 book called Discipline. The story follows the lives of two people who are Palestinian-Australian and how they live in Australia.
Q: Who asked Randa Abdel-Fattah to speak at the Newcastle Writers Festival?
Director Rosemarie Milsom invited her after reading her book in August. She said she did not feel pressure from the government to stop the invitation and wanted to hear different views.
Q: Where will the Sydney Writers Festival events take place in 2026?
The events will be held at several places in the city, including Carriageworks and the Sydney Town Hall. People can buy tickets and see the full list of speakers on the official festival website.