Adelaide Festival’s executive director, Julian Hobba, has expressed long-standing concerns that controversy surrounding the Adelaide Writers’ Week (AWW) could ignite a “wildfire” beyond the festival board’s control. His comments follow the board’s decision to exclude Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah, a move that has sparked significant backlash.
Hobba, who advised against removing Abdel-Fattah from the program, shared his perspective on ABC Radio Adelaide. He revealed that he had urged the board to consider alternative actions, emphasizing the potential for uncontrollable fallout.
“The board heard my position quite thoroughly and quite respectfully over a kind of long, long period and many, many meetings, and they arrived at a different position and that was within their prerogative,” Hobba said.
Background and Resignations
The controversy has led to significant changes within the festival’s leadership. Former board member Tony Berg resigned last year, citing disagreements with the direction under former director Louise Adler. Berg’s resignation was reportedly linked to his concerns about the festival’s trajectory and specific decisions, including the inclusion of Abdel-Fattah.
Berg elaborated on his decision, stating he could no longer support Adler’s leadership. His resignation occurred before the exclusion of Abdel-Fattah, highlighting ongoing tensions within the board.
“I resigned when I did because I no longer supported Louise Adler, the director of AWW, and the direction she was taking,” Berg stated.
Political Pressures and Board Decisions
Amidst the unfolding drama, questions have arisen regarding potential political pressures on the board. However, Hobba maintained that the decision to exclude Abdel-Fattah was solely the board’s, as per the Adelaide Festival Corporation Act.
“The [Adelaide Festival Corporation] Act is very clear that it’s a board decision,” Hobba affirmed.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, who supported the decision to cancel Abdel-Fattah, noted that discussions regarding the author began as early as September. He emphasized the importance of civil discourse while acknowledging the complexities of freedom of speech.
“If you support Palestinian statehood and you want to express those views in our country, you’ve got to be willing to have other people express their views too,” Malinauskas remarked.
Impact and Future Directions
The decision to exclude Abdel-Fattah has led to widespread repercussions. More than 180 writers have withdrawn in protest, resulting in the cancellation of AWW. Louise Adler has resigned, and the festival board has issued an apology. Abdel-Fattah has threatened legal action, and a new board has been appointed to steer the festival forward.
Reflecting on the situation, Hobba likened the fallout to a bushfire, emphasizing the need for the festival to “reset the stumps” and refocus on its core values. The controversy underscores the delicate balance between freedom of speech and the responsibilities of cultural institutions.
Looking Ahead
As the festival navigates its future, the implications of these events will likely influence its direction. The need for open dialogue and diverse perspectives remains paramount, as the festival seeks to rebuild its reputation and trust with both authors and audiences.
The Adelaide Writers’ Week saga serves as a reminder of the challenges cultural events face in navigating complex socio-political landscapes. As new leadership takes the helm, the festival’s commitment to fostering inclusive and respectful discourse will be crucial in shaping its legacy.
