The last few years have changed us all in profound ways. How have we been surprised, unsettled and enlivened as we return to once-familiar relationships, routines and realities? How are storytellers making sense of how life has changed?

For our Opening Night event, five of the most remarkable writers in the world delivered their unique takes on the 2023 Festival theme: ‘I’ve been away for a while’.

Enjoy listening to Jazz Money, a Wiradjuri poet and artist and author of the award-winning how to make a basket, on how some journeys can change your life – and for the first time, allow you to hear the call towards home and community. 

Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2023 

This event was supported through the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund – a $200 million partnership of the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne.