Brisbane Powehouse’s newest talk series Panoptica is bringing together four international authors to discuss topics that provoke forbidden dialogue and celebrate conversations not appropriate for the dinner table. Curated by founder and creative director of Double Dash, Rhiannon Phillips, Panoptica highlights deep discussions leaving no topic un-conversed as taboo subjects that are often met with discomfort take centre stage. The program, which spans over two days, will see four authors who each have differing backgrounds, stories, voices and professions share ideas through various in-conversation events.

This year’s jam-packed line-up will see author Gabriel Krauze in a conversation surrounding crime, morality and enduring the power of ‘art’, following the publication of his debut novel Who They Was, which received acclaim for its raw and unflinching portrayal of gang life and violence in London. Dialogue surrounding the good life and how to live it will be led by TED Talk stalwart Robert Waldinger, while a discussion of death and everything that comes with it will be conducted by UK author and journalist Hayley Campbell. Finally, a deep dive into the historically taboo conversation of pornography from writer and literary translator Polly Barton will deconstruct the dichotomy of porn and interrogate societal taboos.

Curious to hear more on these fascinating topics? Skip on over to the Brisbane Powerhouse website for more information and to secure a ticket.