Tauranga’s very own Susan Devoy will be one of two dames in the spotlight at Tauranga’s upcoming Escape festival.

The literary festival will include a focus on those with published books, with that line-up including Dames Susan Devoy and Anne Salmond.

Tauranga’s dame will entertain with stories about her life as a world squash champion, Race Relations Commissioner, mother of four sons, kiwifruit picker and Celebrity Treasure Island contestant. She’s recently been able to add “author” to that list after penning an autobiography.

Dame Anne Salmond, meanwhile, will reflect upon 40 years of writing and her journey as an anthropologist, activist, wife, mother and friend.

The dames will be amongst a diverse, impressive line-up of celebrated prize-winning authors, powerful local and national writers and speakers and an innovative theatre company at the October 18-20 event.

Tickets to Escape have recently gone on sale. To view the full Escape programme see taurangafestival.co.nz. Tickets are available through the website, Baycourt and Eventfinda.

Escape festival literary programmer Gabrielle Vincent says Escape’s events are set to “expand your thinking, lift your spirits and ignite curiosity”.

She’s thrilled to say the line-up includes an array of impressive Tauranga Moana writers and thinkers such as authors Anne Tiernan and Lee Murray, investigative journalist Savage, and quiz master Doug Hendry of The Puzzle Company (there will be a fun-filled literary quiz). Local author Carol Garden will curate an event called Finding Your Way Home, which is a look at how home is much more than a physical space; while Julie Paama-Pengelly (Ngāi Te Rangi, Te Moutere o Matakana), who is also a published writer, will focus on the powerful resurgence of moko.

In addition, Claire Mabey who has recently released a bestselling novel called The Raven’s Eye Runaways, will return to her Tauranga Moana home to host an Escape workshop. It will focus on helping participants construct their own worlds within their writing.

Chef Sam Low. Photo / Vanessa Wu

Another workshop opportunity comes courtesy of Tauranga Moana venue and gallery Kūwao. In collaboration with Escape, Kūwao will host an exhibition opening and book launch called Hoki Mai and a free writing workshop called How Art and Words Can Work Together, both presented by sisters Rangimarie and Caitlin Jolley.

Gabrielle says festival-goers can also enjoy the wisdom of people like much-loved former broadcaster Judy Bailey, journalist Moana Maniapoto (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Pikiao), and engaging chef Sam Low whose presentation will include a cooking demonstration.

While mainly reader/writer focused, Escape will also be delivering a performance event. Returning to Tauranga will be Wellington-based theatre company Trick of the Light, fresh from highly acclaimed performances in Scotland and China. This time Trick of the Light will deliver the Suitcase Show. The company’s show, The Bookbinder, was a big hit at the Tauranga Arts Festival many years ago.

Escape just wouldn’t be the same without Wham Bam Tauranga Poetry Slam, and Zinefest. These festival favourites will also return in October.

Escape is a biennial festival. Tauranga Arts Festival will return next year.

- SunLive