Rosemarie Milsom, the founder and current director of the Newcastle Writers Festival, is set to lead the Adelaide Writers’ Week (AWW). She will assume the role following the dramatic implosion of the festival, which was marred by controversy surrounding the disinvitation of author Randa Abdel-Fattah.
In January, the literary world watched closely as the Adelaide festival board made headlines by overriding its director, Louise Adler. The board chose to disinvite Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah due to past remarks she had made concerning Israel and Zionism. This decision, rather than leading to a more subdued event, triggered a significant backlash. The fallout included a boycott by approximately 200 writers, the subsequent resignation of Louise Adler, and the entire board stepping down. Furthermore, the situation escalated to include a potential defamation lawsuit against the South Australian premier, ultimately leading to the collapse of the Adelaide Writers’ Week.
Milsom, who observed these events unfold with keen interest, now faces the considerable challenge of revitalizing the festival. She acknowledges the difficult nature of her new position, stating, “I don’t envy anyone in this position.” Her leadership will be crucial in navigating the aftermath of the controversy and rebuilding the reputation and engagement of the AWW.
English Translation:
After Collapse and Controversy, Adelaide Writers’ Week Has a New Director: ‘I Don’t Envy Anyone in This Position’
Rosemarie Milsom, who established and directs the Newcastle Writers Festival, will take over from Louise Adler after the literary festival imploded following the decision to disinvite author Randa Abdel-Fattah.
In January, as the implosion of Adelaide Writers’ Week garnered national and international attention, Rosemarie Milsom was observing the situation closely. The board overseeing AWW had overruled the literary festival’s director, Louise Adler, and disinvited Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah due to past comments she had made about Israel and Zionism. This decision did not result in a quieter, less controversial festival as the board members might have anticipated. Instead, it led to a boycott by around 200 writers, the resignation of Adler, followed by the entire board, a potential defamation lawsuit against the South Australian premier, and ultimately, the collapse of AWW.
Milsom, who now steps into this complex role, has candidly expressed the daunting nature of the position, admitting, “I don’t envy anyone in this position.” Her appointment marks a new chapter for the festival, tasked with addressing the recent turmoil and guiding its future.