The Write Thing to Do: theme for Ubud Writers Festival 2020 announced

From 28 October–1 November 2020, more than 150 writers, artists, activists and performers from over 30 countries will converge for the 17th Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF), to share stories and ideas exploring this year’s theme, Mulat Sarira.

Like the festivals of previous years, the theme is drawn from a Balinese-Hindu philosophy. Mulat Sarira – or ‘Self Reflection’ – is the ability to reflect on oneself and understand the reasoning behind our actions. For Balinese Hindus, Mulat Sarira is the spiritual principle of looking into our own deeds, thoughts and values before judging others.

“As egocentrism continues to cause human conflict, from discrimination to wars, disease and genocide,” commented UWRF Founder and Director Janet DeNeefe. “Balinese Hindus believe in looking at their own choices and behavior, to contemplate these first before looking into those of others.”

This year’s Festival will explore the simple act of self-reflection: understanding who we are, our values and the reasons behind our actions.

The theme invites compelling conversations between literary luminaries, emerging writers, activists and leading journalists, to discuss how self-reflection relates to their work and artistic process and how storytelling that mirrors an artist’s self-perception can connect with others across cultures.

Along with the 2020 theme, UWRF has also unveiled the artwork for its 17th year, created by acclaimed Balinese artist Teja Astawa. His artwork has received national recognition and his distinctive Kamasan-style art represents stories that are told in a thematic series.

The fiery discussions, powerful performances, literary lunches, and after dark events will delve into the heart of every gripping story: who we are and what drives our actions.

With the world currently in fright mode, mainly due to the coronavirus scare, hopefully things will have subsided by the time late October comes around. Certainly, there will be plenty of reflection and discussion at the festival about how we, as a species, cope with such international trauma.

Antonino Tati

For more information visit www.ubudwritersfestival.com.