Throughout history, hardship has often led to the creation of incredible art. This event explores the power of our internal strength, both as individuals and as a collective.

Jackie Kay is an award-winning poet, novelist, playwright and former Makar, or National Poet of Scotland. Kay’s writing draws on her personal experiences to investigate the complexities of identity. Her memoir Red Dust Road traces her upbringing as a Scottish, mixed-race, adopted child, and her later search for her biological parents. The stage adaptation of Red Dust Road was performed at the 2019 International Festival

Sound artist Fari Bradley has collaborated with fellow British-Iranian artist Soheila Sokhanvari to create a spoken word piece investigating the resilience of Iranian women in the face of systematic oppression.

Bradley weaves together Sokhanvari’s Rebel Rebel – a portrait series of Iranian female icons of the 1960s – with the poetry of Iran’s first feminist poet and film maker Forroukh Fourkhzad.

Kay and Bradley join with the audience to explore the power of hope and creativity in adverse circumstances. This event is chaired by producer Jenny Niven, as part of a series of discussions exploring the principles behind the Festival’s programme, in partnership with the Festival of Politics.

This will be an interactive discussion, with the audience invited into the conversation. Refreshments will also be provided.

The Hub is supported by Sir Ewan and Lady Brown together with Flure Grossart.

The Hub Talks are supported by The University of Edinburgh.