Kae Tempest, dubbed a young Patti Smith and one of the most spectacular performers today, opened the 2016 Sydney Writers' Festival. With award-winning books of poetry, a critically acclaimed album and new novel, Kae’s collective output is defined by a fierce lyricism. Their work is electric. In this podcast, Kae recites their poems and talks about how the stories we choose define us. With the world in a state of crisis, literature is one of the greatest teachers of empathy and it's empathy that must be the motor for change.

<p>Kae Tempest, dubbed a young Patti Smith and one of the most spectacular performers today, opened the 2016 Sydney Writers' Festival. With award-winning books of poetry, a critically acclaimed album and new novel, Kae&rsquo;s collective output is defined by a fierce lyricism. Their work is electric. In this podcast, Kae recites their poems and talks about how the stories we choose define us. With the world in a state of crisis, literature is one of the greatest teachers of empathy and it's empathy that must be the motor for change.</p>

Australia's largest celebration of literature, stories and ideas. Bringing together the world's best authors, leading public intellectuals, scientists, journalists and more.

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