Writer Zohra Aly
Writer Uthpala Gunethilake
Writers Zohra Aly, Kavita Bedford and Uthpala Gunethilake will be discussing their essays on nature, published in Island’s Nature Writing project, with academic Sujatha Fernandes.
They will talk about what inspired them and reflect on what it means to carve out a space for themselves in the predominantly white, male dominated landscape of nature writing.
Having lived on four different continents growing up, Zohra said her memories of nature was the lack of it, especially when amid the parched landscape of Dubai.
“I had time to think about this during covid and wrote notes which I eventually included into my essay,” she said.
“I don’t know the names of all of the native flora and fauna here but I love them all and the changes they go through during the seasons.
“Another writer has based her essay on a river theme and the ideas that came to her during her long walks beside it.”
Zohra said she hoped the jacaranda trees outside of the Arts Centre would inspire attendees who would be invited to have their say or ask questions after the talk.
“It’s such a beautiful setting and something we take for granted here in Australia.”
Register to attend the free talk this Saturday, December 2, 12.30pm for a 1pm start and concluding at 2pm at cb.city/WriteNature.
