A reading by the Erotic Fan Fiction group at Surry Hills library lured many away from the Crown Street bars last Thursday night. As 9pm drew closer, an eager audience gathered to hear an hour long special LGBTI edition of the readings made famous at last year’s Sydney Writers Festival. The entire venue was filled, and people kept piling in until many were left standing.
But any discomfort was made worthwhile as four of Sydney’s most talented writers told tales filled with hilarity, wit and a tongue in cheek humour so infectious it tickled the most prudish listener. The theme of the night was “brief, light jokey and quick”, and was hosted by Brian Fuata, who spent the night with a multicoloured sheet over his head.
The crowd chortled as Frances Barrett told a story detailing a liaison between red heads Julia Gillard and Kerry O’Brien, a comical scenario that managed to send a message about sexual rights within the LGBTI community. There was also a piece speculating about the secret love affair between Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, and the comedy continued with an entertaining account of “wogs, civil weddings, lollipops and unrequited gay desire”, read by Pete Polites.
However, the tale that may have stolen the show was one involving a collaboration of Mariah Carey and Beyonce Knowles, read by Kelly Dolan. It transformed the idea of rivalry between divas into a story of sexual longing as Carey eventually asks Beyonce to “eat her”.
The readings were part of the Adults Only autumn events at the inner city library which will be open until midnight on Thursday nights throughout April and May. In addition to the steamy Erotic Fan Fiction night, there will be a diverse program of talks, workshops and films. Sexpert Jacqueline Hellyer will instruct busy people how to sharpen their tools in the bedroom on May 12. Also highly anticipated is Law Week, beginning May 19, which will explore Australia’s history of literary censorship and allow readers the chance to borrow previously controversial books. Did you know a translation of the Karma Sutra was banned in Australia for sixty eight years?
For those after a fright, Surry Hills Library will host Ghost Stories on April 21, which promises an evening of literary terror.
by Milly Caffrey and Lauren Mackie
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