Ask the Authors

“Why bother writing about queer tango?”, asks London-based dancer, activist and author, Ray Batchelor. “Why bother reading about it?”

“Dancing itself makes us think, and it is a great way to share our thoughts without language. But reading and writing are the language alternatives, and both are valid. Both deserve our attention. Both have effects, even if their effects are different”. 

At our Ask the Authors event, seven very different creators and authors have agreed to step off the dance floor to explain why they also write, or support writing about queer tango:

• Ray Sullivan - has written Changing the World One Tango at a Time, a deeply personal set of reflections on the nature of tango

• Else Buschheuer - has written Ex@Frau, a vivid, highly original, thought-provoking novel that tells the story of a lesbian woman who is at home in the Berlin queer tango scene

• Birthe Havmøller - is the founder of the Queer Tango Book Project, has written about queer tango and is a major publisher of the writings of others

• Arno Plass - has produced a series of thoroughly engaging academic publications

• Astrid Weiske - has begun a personal memoire 

• Tomek Kulinski - is publishing Tango Nevers BW, a book of his queer tango photographs

• Ray Batchelor - has written extensively about queer tango including Queer Tango Politics: or Why I think as I Do. He is launching a paperback edition of one of his books at the festival

Each author is bringing examples of their work for you to look at, and in some cases, to buy! 

So come and hear them, and “Ask the Authors” - why do you do this? What will I gain by reading your work? What difference will it make to my dancing?

You might be surprised at some of their answers.

Please note the date and time of this event has changed from the original advertised time and will now be at 4PM on Sunday

This event is FREE to those with a Festival Pass, Milonga Pass or Sunday Day Pass. You will not need to show a ticket.

BUT registering for a free ticket helps us manage this event, will mean we can update you with any changes and it will include it in your personal itinerary. Additionally, in the (unlikely) event that this event exceeds capacity, priority will be given to those who have reserved their space.