Andrew O'Hagan, Edna O'Brien, Kae Tempest and James Yorkston read and perform work on the theme of war.

Should we rake through painful experiences, and try to learn from them, or are they best forgotten? Why is the truth so often buried in secrets? And how much should we keep from the people we love? These are some of the questions posed by Andrew O’Hagan’s fifth novel, The Illuminations, a story of love, memory and war. In collaboration with Faber Social, we present an evening of readings, music and performance. Andrew O’Hagan shares the stage with novelist, poet and playwright Edna O’Brien, whom Philip Roth has described as ‘the most gifted woman now writing in English’; and performance poet Kae Tempest, winner of the Ted Hughes Award, and shortlisted for the 2014 Mercury Music Prize. With music from James Yorkston. Chaired by Kamila Shamsie.

Please note that this recording contains strong language.

Recorded on: February 3, 2015
Recorded at: Islington Assembly Hall