Chaired by Danielle Benda, the theme of truth and fiction was explored by six acclaimed writers, whose diversity made for a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the topic.The line-up started with 2007 Australian of the Year and scientist Tim Flannery, who explained that while scientists are on a quest for facts and certainty, they only believe in the probability of the truth. He went on to say the most important truths are found in fiction, which he sees as a kind of modelling. Scientists build models to have a representation of the truth and Flannery sees theatre and fiction to be comparable – setting up a representation of life and relationships and playing out these complex topics.
Next up was young British novelist Anjali Joseph, who proposed that the best fiction was honest – that authors needed to portray authentic experiences while still having creative expression. She drew on her experiences of life to write Saraswati Park and said language and story was the best way to express the truths in life.
Joseph was followed by South African writer and twice Man Booker nominated Damon Galgut, who apologised at the outset for hiding behind a piece of writing – and that not his own. He read well and it was an interesting piece of writing that shed insight into the way writers can create a version of reality through characters. But I would accept his apology as it was a shame not to hear his own words on the theme.
Having written a biography on the 19th century poet Emily Dickinson, biographer Lyndall Gordon is aware of the limitations of telling the ‘whole truth’ when examining a life. She expressed some shame at having “rummaged through the drawers” of Dickinson’s life and posed the question of whether “imaginative truth” had a place in biography, as she sees confining biographies to mere documentation and compilations of facts to be excessively dull.
Man Asian Literary Prize winner and journalist turned writer Miguel Syjuco said as a journalist he knew that words could twist meaning – fighters can become terrorists if necessary. He finds comfort in fiction because things are more certain – we all know Tony Soprano was a loving father – and it is not claiming to be the truth – it is transparent about its purpose. He used the phrase “transparent artifice” to describe the way fiction is honest about its created truths.
To finish the evening’s discussion was philosopher Raimond Gaita, perhaps best known for his memoir Romulus, My Father. He addressed the topic through telling a couple of stories of his life growing up and his perceptions of events as a child. He shed some light on his understanding of how we know what is true.
It was a well spent hour and a half and made for robust conversation following the event. Perth Writer’s Festival events are a must for every writer and lover of words.
2011 Perth International Arts Festival
Truth and Fiction
Perth Writers Festival
Venue: Winthrop Hall, University of Western Australia
Date: Fri 4 March 2011
Duration: 1hr 15min no interval
Tickets: Standard $35, Friends $33
Bookings: bocsticketing.com.au