Ma Thida: Myanmar and Democracy
Ma Thida is an award-winning Burmese writer, surgeon and former political prisoner.
This is your chance to hear from award-winning Burmese author Ma Thida in person at the University of Melbourne! Join us for a public talk where Ma Thida will share insights from her new critically acclaimed book 'A-Maze: Myanmar's Struggle for Democracy 2011-2023', presented by the Myanmar Research Network at the University of Melbourne in collaboration with the Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness.
Seating is limited, please book early. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity!
Praise for Ma Thida's new book
“Physician, novelist, publisher, activist, Ma Thida has a unique eye, insight, and lyrical voice. Read this for a deep, pleasurable, understanding of the amazing democratic revolution in Burma and the vicious repressive Junta trying to destroy them. Ma Thida captures both the exhilaration and tragedy of this dramatic moment.” — James C. Scott
About the Speaker
Ma Thida is a medical doctor, writer, human rights activist. She believes in freedom of expression. In 1993, she was sentenced to 20 years in prison for “endangering public peace, having contact with illegal organizations, and distributing unlawful literature.” She was released in 1999 and was awarded the Reebok Human Rights Award, the PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award, Freedom of Speech Award and Disturbing the Peace; Courageous Writer at Risk Award. She was an International Writers Project Fellow at Brown University and a Fellow of the Radcliffe Institute at Harvard University, the inaugural elected president of PEN Myanmar from 2013 till 2016. She served as a board member of PEN International 2016-21, then now is the chair of Writer in Prison Committee since 2021. She was a research associate at Yale University for 2021-2022. She moved to Germany as a fellow of Martin Roth Initiative for 2022-2023, then currently is a fellow at Writer in Exile program of PEN Germany.
Post-event Reception
Please join us for light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the speaker immediately following the conclusion of the talk at the Research Lounge (Room 552) next to the venue.
Accessibility
The venue is wheelchair accessible and hearing aid loop compatible. An accessible bathroom is available behind the lifts. More details on accessibility of the venue are available on this link.
Transport and Parking
Please refer to this link for transport and parking information.
Enquiries
Please email Christine Kan at ssps-tickets@unimelb.edu.au
Image credit: Viewfoto/Shutterstock
