Crossing Genres

Amber Dawn, Claudia Dey, Jaap Robben, Jordan Tannahill

Some writers’ talents traverse form. Four of these unusual polymaths engage in a discussion about their work. Amber Dawn (Sodom Road Exit) is an award-winning writer and the co-artistic director of the Vancouver Queer Film Festival. Claudia Dey(Heartbreaker) wins accolades for her play- and novel-writing alike. Jaap Robben (You Have Me to Love) is a multidisciplinary author and artist revered in Europe. Jordan Tannahill is described by the Toronto Star as “one of Canada’s most accomplished young playwrights, filmmakers and all-round multidisciplinary artists.” Do their stories always manifest in a particular medium, or does deciding how to use an idea come later? How does the evolution of their work in one area impact the others? Do they ever feel hindered by their cross-industry approach? Creativity runneth over during this intelligent conversation.

Shaena Lambert is a novelist and short story writer whose stories have appeared in prominent publications including Toronto Life and The Walrus, and have been anthologized in Best Canadian Stories and The Journey Prize Anthology.

This program is supported by the Dutch Literature Foundation and as a part of the Dutch Culture USA program by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York.