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An Evening with Fran Lebowitz
with Benjamin Law

13 – 14 February 2024

In the Concert Hall

Talks and Ideas

In a cultural landscape teeming with self-proclaimed experts and incessant chatter, Fran Lebowitz reigns supreme with scathing and insightful social commentary. A force to be reckoned with, she possesses an unparalleled ability to dissect life with biting precision.

Prepare to be captivated by the formidable Fran Lebowitz

An American original and purveyor of urban cool, the cultural satirist and author is pointed, forthright, unapologetically opinionated, and known for her hilariously dry social commentary on American life. Lebowitz’s recent Netflix documentary series directed by good friend Martin Scorsese, Pretend It’s A City, was an unmitigated hit with its offering of a tantalising snapshot of New York in full bloom, along with Lebowitz’s lively and unapologetic commentary on what it means to live there.

By turns ironic, facetious, deadpan, sarcastic, and wisecracking, Lebowitz takes to the stage to share her invariably cutting take on anything and everything; from growing up in New Jersey and being expelled from her high school for being a “pernicious influence” on her peers, to moving to New York City in the 70’s, and writing a column for Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine. She’ll offer insights on such timely issues as gender, race, gay rights, and the media. She will regale you with a litany of personal vexations, aiming her disdainful gaze at the revolting spectacles of celebrity culture, the nuisance of tourists, the encroachment of technology, and fresh disdain of baggage-claim areas. Moreover, she will engage in her favourite recreational activity: unleashing her razor wit on the audience in a 60-minute Q&A. 

This evening promises to be a balm in a wildly shifting world, offering spot-on observations about contemporary living and the opportunity to ask Lebowitz your own controversial questions. Do not miss it.

Fran Lebowitz will be joined on stage with Benjamin Law ahead of the Q&A, and will sign copies of her book after the show.

Presented by Sydney Opera House, FANE and Andrew Kay

 

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Watch Fran in action

Watch the video

Think before you speak. Read before you think.

Lebowitz on wisdom

Spilling your guts is exactly as charming as it sounds.

On frankness

If you are truly serious about preparing your child for the future, don't teach him to subtract—teach him to deduct.

On parenting

Success didn’t spoil me; I’ve always been insufferable.

On herself

Your life story would not make a good book. Don't even try.

On you

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