We return to our ‘origins’

From 25-29 October, the world’s leading authors, artists, thinkers and performers will converge on the 14^th Ubud Writers & Readers Festival to share ideas and stories under the banner of this year’s theme, ‘Origins’.

The theme – drawn from the Hindu philosophy ‘Sangkan Paraning Dumadi’ – speaks of our eternal connection to where we have come from, and to where we will ultimately return.

“Last year’s theme of ‘Tat Tvam Asi’, or ‘I am you, you are me’, was a powerful exploration of our connectedness, to each other, as individuals,” explained Founder & Director Janet DeNeefe.

“At a time of global unrest and political turmoil, ‘Origins’ invites us to consider the biggest picture – to contemplate not just our connections from person to person, but as a collective humanity extending across people, the planet and periods of time.”

Across the Festival’s five-day program, the theme will unfold the powerful movements which have influenced and continue to shape the world – from the political to the technological, environmental to spiritual – and their cyclical manifestations throughout our existence. It will challenge audiences to consider the origins of the elements that shape us, the things we carry with us through life, and the things that draw us back.

“By cultivating a universal perspective and shifting away from the cult of the individual, we instill in our Festival audiences the possibility of truly affirmative action,” continued DeNeefe. “If we are no longer constrained by our individual perspectives, what are our responsibilities, and what is within our power to achieve together?”

Be sure to stay connected with us as we prepare for the return of the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival from 25-29 October, 2017. Early Bird Tickets will be on sale alongside the first program announcement in July, with the full program and line-up available in August.