Theatre of Authors

Theatre of Authors is a free public event at the Pacific Northwest Creatives Summit, created in celebration of World Book Day.

This unique gathering offers a rare opportunity to meet some of British Columbia’s most acclaimed and award-winning authors—including two-time Giller Prize winner Esi Edugyan, alongside celebrated writers Monique Gray Smith and Danny Ramadan and others—in an intimate, welcoming setting.

Join us for a meet-and-greet and book signing, where readers, writers, and curious minds can connect directly with the storytellers shaping today’s literary landscape.

Taking place within Publishers House, the Summit’s exhibition space, Theatre of Authors also brings together book and magazine publishers from across British Columbia and the Yukon—offering a behind-the-scenes look at the vibrant publishing community that supports and amplifies these voices.

The event will feature a special welcome from Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC, recognizing the importance of storytelling and creative industries across the province.

Whether you’re an avid reader, an emerging writer, or simply someone who loves stories, this is a chance to experience the energy of the Pacific Northwest’s creative community—up close and in conversation.

Free and open to the public. Please register.

Onsite bookseller Munro's Books will also have a selection of the authors' books on hand for purchase if you are hoping to get a copy or two signed!

If you want to spend more time with these authors, join us for the Summit and catch their keynotes and conversations on stage! Tickets here: pnwsummit.ca

Esi Edugyan is a two-time Scotiabank Giller Prize winner, two-time Man Booker finalist, and the brilliant mind behind Washington Black and Half-Blood Blues.

Esi has a gift for uncovering untold stories from history's margins and bringing them to vivid life. Her work explores race, identity, and belonging with prose that critics call "perfectly executed" and "magical." Washington Black made Obama's favourite books of 2018 list, and the series based on the book was released on Hulu in July 2025.

Monique Gray Smith is an award-winning, bestselling author. Her books cover a broad spectrum of ages, topics and emotions. Woven into all of Monique’s writing, speaking engagements and online courses is the teaching that Love is Medicine. Monique’s book Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults, received the Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award for 2022. Originally written by Robin Wall Kimmerer and the adaptation includes illustrations by Nicole Neidhardt. Monique’s novel, Tilly and the Crazy Eights was longlisted for Canada Reads 2021. Her children’s book, Dreaming Alongside (April 2025), gives readers permission to daydream and think of what magic their lives have the potential to hold. Sharing the Light: Stories and Reflections (January 2026), was an instant national bestseller. Monique’s newest book, Kookums First Drum will be released April 2026.

Monique is trained as a Psychiatric Nurse and has worked in various capacities in community and as a consultant since 1990. Her focus has been weaving history, resilience and trauma informed training for educators, social workers, librarians and early childhood teams. Monique is Cree and Scottish and has been sober and involved in her healing journey for over 34 years. She is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity and focus on resilience.

Danny Ramadan is a Syrian-Canadian author, storyteller, and LGBTQ+ refugees’ advocate whose work explores identity, migration, queerness, and belonging with honesty, compassion, and humour. From award-winning novels and memoir to beloved children’s books, his writing spans genres while staying deeply rooted in lived experience.

Beyond his work as an author, Danny has raised over $300,000 to support LGBTQ+ refugees, helping secure safe passage for queer and trans individuals seeking safety and community.

Prem Gill is the Chief Executive Officer of Creative BC, the agency designated by the Province of British Columbia to unite, sustain, and grow the province’s dynamic and diverse creative sector. This includes motion picture, music and sound recording, interactive and digital media, and magazine and book publishing.

An acclaimed sector leader, Prem has been recognized among The Most Powerful Women in Canadian Entertainment by The Hollywood Reporter, named to Vancouver Magazine’s Power 50 list, the Business in Vancouver BC500, and received the Community Catalyst Award from the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. She brings over 20 years of experience in the digital media and entertainment industries to her role as CEO, where she leads the delivery of programs and services that advance B.C.’s creative economy to reach its economic, social and creative potential both at home and globally.

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