It’s that time of the year again when writers, poets and literature addicts gather for Mumbai’s very own literary event – Tata Literature Live! The LitFest kicks off this week.

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The four-day festival beginning Thursday, November 17, will be held at the National Centre for Performing Arts, Nariman Point, and at Prithivi Theatre, Juhu. In its seventh edition, the festival has several new elements, including a Shakespeare Debate and a literary quiz.

The festival – with more than 120 writers, poets, performers, authors, historians and others from England, Israel, Brazil, Canada, Argentina, Ireland and Italy – comprises panel discussions, workshops, performances and awards. For the first time, an award has been instituted for a much neglected section of literary awareness – children's literature. There is the Big Little Book Award, initiated by PARAG, an initiative of Tata Trusts.

Whether you’re in school, simply young at heart, or an experienced literary wizard, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a slice of what to expect at this year’s edition. 

Venue and timings are subject to change. Check the festival website for the latest updates: www.litlive.in

Opening ceremony

The opening ceremony will be followed by the launch of Shashi Tharoor’s A Long Darkness: The British Empire in India. The author will be in conversation with Amitav Ghosh about the legacy of the Raj.When: Thursday, November 17; 2-3pmWhere: Tata Theatre, NCPA

Panel discussion

The verse case scenario: Should songwriters be considered poets?Panelists: Martin Amis, Prasoon Joshi, Simon ArmitageChair: Paromita VohraWhen: Thursday, November 17; 5-6pmWhere: Experimental Theatre, NCPA

Debate

India and Pakistan can never be friendsFor the motion: Mahroof Raza and Shiv Kunal Verma. Against the motion: Shashi Tharoor and Pavan Varma. Chair: Vir SanghviWhen: Thursday, November 17; 8-9.30pmWhere: Tata Theatre, NCPA

Performances

Going ViralGoing Viral is a show that explores the spread of disease of ideas and of panic. When: Friday, November 18, 6:30-7:30pmWhere: Sunken Garde, NCPAWhen: Saturday, November 19; 9-10:30pmWhere: Prithvi Theatre, Juhu

Mada's Marvels featuring Cardistry

An interactive performance that ensures there’s only one word on everyone’s mind... magic!When: Friday, November 18; 8-9pmWhere: Tata Theatre, NCPA

White Rabbit Red Rabbit

A script waiting in a sealed envelope on stage. No rehearsal, no director, a different actor each night, and It’s the World Premiere of the Hindi version performed by Anurag Kashyap.When: Sunday, November 20; 5-6pmWhere: Godrej Theatre, NCPA

Conversation

Backstage BoySam Cutler talks to Karsh Kale about managing the Rolling Stones and Grateful Dead.When: Sunday, November 20; 3:30-4:30pmWhere: Prithvi Theatre, Juhu

Workshops

Tales of Horror Writing spine-chilling stories by Darryl JonesWhen: Friday, November 18; 4-6:30pmWhere: Sea View Room, NCPA

How To Draw Everything 

Reading an Illustrated Story by Gillian Johnson (exclusively for children aged 9-12)When: Saturday, November 19; 11-1pmWhere: Easel Art Hub, near Prithvi Theatre

Special events

Shakespeare debate: The Greatness of Shakespeare in his language For the motion: Alyque Padamsee, Suhel Seth. Against the motion: Carlos Gamerro, Simon Choa-Johnston. Chair: Soumya BhattacharyaWhen: Sunday, November 20; 12-1pmWhere: Experimental Theatre, NCPA