On Friday 9 March 2012, year 9-13 students will have the opportunity to enjoy talks from five engaging local and international authors as part of Schools Day, held during Writers and Readers Week – the literary celebration held as part of the biennial New Zealand International Arts Festival in Wellington. Adding icing to the cake will be the chance to attend the dress rehearsal of cinematic and orchestral event, Peter and the Wolf.

The day begins in the Wellington’s Town Hall with a fascinating talk from American slipstream writer Kelly Link (The Wrong Grave and Pretty Monsters), as she discusses the imaginative leaps involved in creating entirely new worlds. Link will be joined in conversation by Elizabeth Knox – one of New Zealand’s most adventurous writers (The Vintner’s Luck and the Dreamhunter duet).

Next up is the opportunity to attend the final dress rehearsal of Peter and the Wolf before its one and only performance that evening. Sergei Prokofiev’s classic tale has never looked or sounded so good, as Suzie Templeton’s Academy Award-winning animated short film is joined by the gorgeous music of the NZSO. The performance will conclude with a narrated performance of The Emperor and the Nightingale.

After a brief break for lunch, it’s time to venture back to the Town Hall to get under the skin of character development and dystopian worlds with two award-winning Kiwi writers: Bernard Becket, author of fiction titles Jolt and Genesis; and Jane Higgins, author of acclaimed debut novel, The Bridge.

Concluding the day will be a poignant address by scientist, explorer and chairman of the Copenhagen Climate Council, Tim Flannery, as he discusses the increasing environmental pressures being placed on our planet. Teachers notes based on his bestselling We are the Weather Makers (Text Publishing) are available.

With a wide range of subject matter on offer, Schools Day will appeal to students of English, The Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Parents and caregivers of younger readers might also be interested in learning about the Young Writers & Readers Day, with Lynley Dodd, Gavin Bishop and Margaret Mahy at Downstage Theatre on Sunday 11 March.

Tickets can be booked now for all these events. More information and booking forms can be found on The New Zealand International Arts Festival website.

image by wasabicube