Iconic New Zealand Author Renée in Conversation

We are delighted to announce that on Friday 5th March at our Newtown Branch we will be holding a very special event with New Zealand writing icon and legend Renée in conversation with Rachel McAlpine.

Born in 1929 in Napier she left school age 12 and went on to work in a wide variety of jobs including as a cleaner in an Auckland’s Theatre. After completing a BA in 1979 Renée became closely involved in community theatre and writing for the stage.

Renée has now written so far over twenty highly acclaimed plays many of them featuring women in leading roles and works that often humanise working-class people.

Renée describes herself as a ‘lesbian feminist with socialist working-class ideals’ and nearly all of her written works expound these beliefs.

As well as numerous plays Renée has published (so far) nine fiction works Inc most recently the 2020 Ngaio Marsh shortlisted The Wild Card.

Her amazing life is documented in detail in her recently updated autobiography These Two Hands. 

This is a rare opportunity to hear Renée talking about her remarkable life and times and not to be missed by anyone interested in New Zealand literature, theatre and cultural history.

Renée will be interviewed by fellow multi award-winning poet, novelist and playwright  Rachel McAlpine.

We wish to extend our most heartfelt thank you to Renée and Rachel McAlpine.