DOORS 6PM // KITCHEN OPEN 6PM // SHOW STARTS 7:30PM With Ronan McDonald, Matthew Horsley, Evelyn Krape and Hamish Michael The meaning of reading Closely attending to the words of a fine writer seems to do something special for us – but what? There’s nothing like being transported to imaginative worlds by another person’s writing, but it’s harder and harder to read undistracted by digital pressures and lures. Join us and our guest, Ronan McDonald, professor of Irish Studies, as we explore whether reading in the old, immersive way still matters, and if so, why. For one special evening we’ll conjure the works of glorious Irish writers including Joyce, Yeats and others, with spoken word and live music brought together by uilleann piper Matthew Horsley and acclaimed actors Evelyn Krape and Hamish Michael. You just might find a philosophical justification for that delicious pleasure – tucking yourself away for a good few hours with a favourite book. ABOUT SOPHIA CLUB Everyone has a stake in philosophy; its vitality can be drawn out and re-energised through conversation, with each other, and the arts. The Sophia Club creates a space for people to come together, ponder big questions, encounter new perspectives, and appreciate the rich connections between thought, emotions and artistic expression. We call this space Live Philosophy. The Sophia Club is the latest venture from Aeon Media, the publisher of Aeon and Psyche magazines. Our events are produced on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Woiwurrung language group of the Kulin Nation, and we respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians. We value the knowledge traditions and rich practice of philosophy among Aboriginal and and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia, and all First Nations peoples around the world.