You probably know broadcaster Richard Fidler as his
Conversations program is one of ABC's most popular program on radio and is Australia's most downloaded podcast. He has conversations (no surprise there) with people who have seen and done amazing things. The tables have been turned and now it's Richard's turn in the spotlight in an
ABC Talk: A Conversation with Richard Fidler about Conversations.
In two special shows LIVE on stage (not on the radio this time), he will have a conversation with ABC colleague, host James Valentine. They will discuss Richard's favourite interviews, some of his disasters, the art of conversation and whatever crops up on the night. The organisers promise that this special live show experience will be a broad-ranging and all-revealing dialogue.
Over the last 12 years, Richard has developed a personal approach to interviewing, or conversing, which combines extensive research with empathy to produce compelling listening. The
Conversations draw you into the life story of someone you may not have heard about – yet. Richard has interviewed prime ministers, astronauts, writers and scientists, and many less famous people but who are nevertheless, remarkable in some way.
Event details:
1. The first of the two events is being held at
The Art House, 19-21 Margaret Street in
Wyong, on Saturday 22rd September at 8.00 pm. Tickets are from $25.00 to $49.00.You can get your tickets
here.
2. The second event is presented by Live Ideas and is on at the
Blue Mountains Theatre in Springwood, on Sunday 23rd September at 3.00 pm. Tickets are $39.00 for adults or a Concession for $36.00 (plus a one-off booking fee of $3.30). Get your tickets
here.
Richard Fidler Live (May Cross)
I first came across Richard in his previous life when he was a member of the Australian musical comedy trio The Doug Anthony Allstars or
DAAS, with Tim Ferguson and Paul McDermott (him off
Think Tank). They were hugely popular and I saw them at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. If Richard and DAAS aren't familiar to you, check out YouTube or see if you can find some of their old DVDs. They were hilarious and talented.
Richard is also an author. He wrote the best-selling book
Ghost Empire the story of his journey to Istanbul with his son Joe, to uncover the history of the lost civilization of Byzantium.
Up Close and Personal with RF (May Cross)
I recently went to a live talk in Brisbane where Richard told of how he first met author and academic Kari Gislason, when he had a conversation with him for his show. He continued that conversation "off-line" and off radio and they discovered that they had much in common. They live in the same Brisbane suburb, have kids of similar ages, both have a love of literature and music. They and their families became firm friends and they share a deep attachment to the
sagas (historical stories) of Iceland, Kari's birthplace. They travelled together across Iceland to where the sagas unfolded a thousand years ago. This incredible journey and experience became the wonderful book
Saga Land. It is difficult to classify it as it is part storytelling, part history, archaeology, geography (supplemented with some of their photos) and it even has recipes. And if you love a mystery, that is covered too as Kari solves the question of his ancestry. It is a beautiful tale of friendship and travel. Throw in a famous chess tournament and politics and this saga of a book has it all.
Richard Co-authored Sagaland
