Teamwork Arts, the producer of JLF USA, has announced its list of speakers for the inaugural edition of JLF Seattle. Set to take place from 20 – 22 September 2024 at the Seattle Asian Art Museum and Town Hall Seattle, this festival marks the grand debut of JLF in the Pacific Northwest and will embody the infectious energy of its mother ship, annual Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF). Supported by the Consulate General of India in Seattle, Seattle Asian Art Museum, and Town Hall Seattle, the event celebrates Seattle’s seaport charm, musical heritage, and vibrant university culture.
JLF Seattle, hosted against the city’s pristine backdrop of water, mountains, and parklands, will ensure a truly unparalleled experience With its seven hills, vibrant trade and technology sectors, rich musical history, and dynamic university culture, the festival will bring in JLF’s hallmark camaraderie, energetic exchange of ideas, and enchanting flow of conversations.
The first edition of JLF Seattle promises to bring a diverse group of speakers who will inspire and engage audiences with their profound insights and experiences. Navdeep Suri, former Indian Ambassador and acclaimed translator, and Shashi Tharoor, politician, diplomat, and author whose works address global issues and Indian politics, will also be featured. Also on the roster are Ijeoma Oluo, a Seattle-based writer and speaker known for her impactful work on social issues such as race and gender, and Kanan Gill, a well-known comedian and writer of Acts of God celebrated for his sharp wit and social commentary. The list extends to legal and academic fields with Ketu Shah, a presiding judge and mental health advocate, and Martin Puchner, a Harvard professor with prize-winning books on philosophy and literature. Joining them are Shin Yu Pai, the 2024 Shelley Memorial Award winner and Seattle’s civic poet, Srijith Gopinathan, chef whose culinary expertise enriches his literary discussions, and Vijay Seshadri, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet.
Other notable speakers include Sital Kalantry, an award-winning author, tenured professor of law and associate dean, and Amitava Kumar, acclaimed author whose latest novel, My Beloved Life, has garnered high praise from The New Yorker. The festival will also include Anand Yang, a globally recognized professor specializing in South Asian history, and Sonora Jha, author of three books, most recently, The Laughter. Feminist literature will be represented by Cat Bohannon, award-winning researcher and author of Eve which is a New York Times bestseller, while Devika Rege, author of the critically acclaimed political bildungsroman Quarterlife, will share her insights.
JLF Seattle promises to be a landmark occasion, highlighting the cultural fabric of Seattle through stimulating conversations and thought-provoking discussions.Â
For more information, please visit:
JLF Seattle: https://jlflitfest.org/seattle
