TALK | Cameo: Transgression, Shame, and the Risk of Being Honest

Speaker: Rob Doyle

Moderator: Emilia Mason

Date: March 8, Sun

Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Venue: Fringe Club - Fringe Underground

Address: Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong

Price: HKD248

Language: English

Format: Talk

Description:

What happens when private impulses collide with public judgment? In this probing conversation, acclaimed Irish writer Rob Doyle explores fiction that tests the limits of selfhood, notoriety, and moral scrutiny. Known for his fearless examinations of desire, shame, and transgression, Doyle creates characters who cross social boundaries and confront the consequences of being seen. Drawing on novels including Here Are the Young Men and Threshold, he reflects on writing as risk, the allure of provocation, and the fragile line between authenticity and performance. This event considers why literature remains uniquely equipped to confront discomfort, complexity, and the darker truths of contemporary life.

*This event is presented with the support of the International Writers’ Workshop at Hong Kong Baptist University.

About the Speaker:

Rob Doyle

Rob Doyle is the Dublin-born author of several internationally acclaimed books: Threshold, Autobibliography,This Is the Ritual, and Here Are the Young Men, which has been adapted for film starring Anya Taylor-Joy. His work has been translated into several languages and nominated for various prizes. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Observer, New Statesman, Dublin Review and many other publications. His new novel, Cameo, is published by W&N .

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•⁠ 3rd March (Tue): On Muscle: The Stuff that Moves Us and Why It Matters (7:00-8:30pm)

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ABOUT HKILF

The Hong Kong International Literary Festival (HKILF) inspires the joy of reading by bringing the world’s writers and stories to Hong Kong’s diverse communities. A dynamic year-round programme and an annual festival offer dialogue, entertainment and perspective, while the Young Readers Festival (YRF) motivates students to engage with all aspects of the written word, improving communication skills, while nurturing the art of writing and storytelling.

The annual festival features established and emerging writers from around the world, alongside local literary talents, in a programme that includes panel discussions, book talks, readings, workshops, walks, school programmes, performances, and more.

We are a registered charity non-profit organisation dedicated to bringing the best in the literary arts to Hong Kong. To find more, please visit our official website: https://www.festival.org.hk.

Please note that:

*We are unable to process refunds, please consider your ticket purchase a donation to the festival.

*Photos and videos of participants may be taken during the activities,which may be used by the organiser and the major sponsor for educational and promotional purposes in any way deemed appropriate, including disseminationthrough printed and online channels. Participation in the programme will constitute the participants’ consent to the above arrangement.

*The views and opinions expressed by the speakers do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Hong Kong International Literary Festival. HKILF disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information shared by the speakers.

*If the Black Rainstorm Warning or the Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 8 or above is in force 3 hours before the start time of an event, the event will be cancelled and participants will receive a refund. If the Red or Yellow Rainstorm Warning or the Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 3 is in effect, the event will be held as scheduled.

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