Morning Musical Performance

Brown Foundation Theater Sessions

Allen Education Center Sessions

A Life Like No Other
Sonal Mansingh in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy

Scholar, artist, and dancer Sonal Mansingh's passion for her art is matched by her passion for life. In conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy, she speaks of the legacy of three dance forms — Bharatnatyam, Odissi, and Chhau — as well as the evolution of classical arts in post-independence India and a tumultuous life full of intensity and unparalleled creativity.

The Fictional Leap
Daniel Peña, Rajesh Paramswaran, and Shobha Rao in conversation with Anis Shivani

"I build half the bridge, the other half is the reader."

If art is a lie that makes us realize the truth, fiction opens our eyes to living reality. Four writers — Anis Shivani, Daniel Peña, Rajesh Parameswaran, and Shobha Rao — discuss the craft of fiction and their books, as well as the context in which they were written.

The Dance of Democracy
Milan Vaishnav and Shashi Tharoor in conversation with Jay Aiyer

For the past seven decades, India has defied the predictions of skeptics who forecast its democracy would not withstand the pressures imposed by poverty, illiteracy, and ethnic diversity. Celebrated author and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor will provide an insider's perspective on democracy's growing pains in India, while Milan Vaishnav offers his take as a scholar of Indian political life. In conversation with public policy consultant and attorney Jay Aiyer, Tharoor and Vaishnav will bring to life the complexities of governing the world's largest democracy — and the implications for the world.

Walls and Bridges
Daniel Peña, Rubén Martínez, and Roberto Tejada in conversation with Marina Tristán

The "U.S.-Mexican Border Wall" has become a metaphor for the closure of cultural and human interaction. Three writers that tell their stories across the continuities of Mexican and American experience speak of their narratives of the violence of cross-border realities, and of pluralism and diversity. A riveting session with readings and conversation with Daniel Peña, Roberto Tejada, Rubén Martínez, and Marina Tristán.

Myth and Memory in India
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and Namita Gokhale in conversation

The complex social, political, and religious attitudes of "modern' India cannot be understood without knowledge of its myths and their impact on the collective faith of the people. Examining contemporary Indian women through the lens and perspectives of Indian goddesses, the session revisits myth, memory, and culture to interpret current Indian feminism. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is the author of The Palace of Illusions, and Namita Gokhale is co-editor of the landmark anthology In Search of Sita.

Ticker: Genetics of Health
Mimi Swartz and Sharad Paul in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy

Medical narratives take us to the core of our being. In this compelling session, Mimi Swartz talks of her bestselling book Ticker, an account of the quest to create an artificial heart. Dr. Sharad Paul, acclaimed author of several books on the human body and the journey towards understanding it, speaks of how we decode our genes for better health. The conversation will be led by Sanjoy K. Roy.

Water: The Fluid Mosaic
Lacy M. Johnson and Marcus Moench in conversation

In a session on water, climate change, and social issues, Marcus Moench and Lacy M. Johnson speak of the social and ecological issues that govern one of the most essential prerequisites for our life on this planet. The session looks at our collective relationship with water, land, and one another.

Unbelonging: Across Continents
Novuyo Rosa Tshuma and Anis Shivani in conversation with Omar El Akkad

Two writers across continents and cultures speak of personal and political awakenings, and the stories of the lands they have left behind. Novuyo Rosa Tshuma is the author of House of Stone, and Anis Shivani is the author of Karachi Raj. In conversation with Omar El Akkad, author of American War.

Second Thoughts: A Writer and Diplomat
Navtej Sarna in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy

Navtej Sarna, Indian Ambassador to the United States of America, is the author of several acclaimed books on subjects as varied as romance, religion, and history. In conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy, he speaks of his life, travels, and writing.

The Poetic Imagination
Jasminne Mendez, Jovan Mays, Rich Levy, and Robin Davidson moderated by Kurt Heinzelman

In a session of readings and conversations, poets Jasminne Mendez, Jovan Mays, Rich Levy, and Robin Davidson read from their work and speak of the sources, inspirations, contexts, and philosophies of the poetic imagination.

Forensic Anthropology: From Crime Lab to Crime Fiction
Kathy Reichs in conversation with McKenna Jordan

Creator of the popular series Bones, Kathy Reichs is also a senior academic and forensic anthropologist. "Fastidiously conscientious about getting the science right," she balances her passion for forensic anthropology with her dedication to writing, bringing deep layers of understanding and real life science to the investigation and exhumation of criminal mysteries. She speaks of her writing, popular science and communication, crime and punishment, as well as gender and equity.

Dreams and Dystopias
Omar El Akkad in conversation with Milan Vaishnav

Dreams and dystopias, polarities and binaries are constants of the modern world. Journalist and writer Omar El Akkad, who was reported on the Arab Spring, from Guantanamo Bay, and on the Black Lives Matter movement, is also author of the perturbing dystopian novel, American War. In conversation with Milan Vaishnav, he speaks of his journalistic encounters and takes us down the disquieting potential reality of an America ravaged by civil war, the subject of his novel.