Our first Walk in the Park brings writers Jessica Friedmann and Fiona Wright together for an ambling conversation.

Friedmann’s recent book, Things That Helped, chronicles her postnatal depression through a series of essays which reference theory, pop culture and her personal experiences. She describes the many significant changes she faced at once, and how on the advice of a hospital psychologist, walking and narrating her steps formed part of her recovery – helping to focus her consciousness on ‘the immediacy of voice and breath’.

Acute bodily awareness is a familiar subject for Wright, who in Small Acts of Disappearance describes vividly her encounters with anorexia. As they round Princes Park, they’ll discuss movement, change, and the body.

How will this event work?

Each attendee will have their own pair of wireless headphones (volume adjustable!). Speakers will lead the group at a slow walking pace around Princes Park, fitted with microphones. >Since this is a public park, we’ll be sharing the track with runners, dog walkers and other walkers. The headphones have a good range, so if you fall behind the group, fear not – you’ll still be able to hear the conversation up to ~150m away. Each event will run for 60 minutes, but depending on the group’s walking pace, may not complete a full circuit of Princes Park (which is 3.2km). We encourage participants to wear runners (and a raincoat if the weather is looking soggy), noting that some paths are sealed and some are sand.

Fiona Wright

Jessica Friedmann with Fiona Wright