Upcoming
September 10, 2026
to October 15, 2026
Culinary historian Dr. Laura Carlson returns with this fun new series on the world’s meccas of food.
Join Eleanor Wachtel, the beloved host of CBC’s Writers & Company, and an all-star roster of Speakers Annex favourites, for this exciting series on history’s greatest writers.
From Eleanor’s opening talk on the lives of the brilliant authors she’s interviewed for her show, to thought provoking lectures on Lucy Maud Montgomery, Mordechai Richler, Jane Austen and other iconic writers, each of our lively speakers will explore the life and work of one of their favourite authors, revealing the cultural impact that each has on the world.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the writers discussed, or completely new to their work, you’ll come away with rich and entertaining insights into the brilliant books of these master storytellers, and the equally fascinating stories of their lives.
This series will feature six exciting speakers:
● Eleanor Wachtel on the lives of writers, and the brilliant ones she’s interviewed for Writers & Company.
● U of T scholar Terry F. Robinson on Jane Austen and the obsessive fandom that her books inspire
● Writer Jessica Johnson, former editor-in-chief of The Walrus, on Lucy Maud Montgomery, Canada’s most beloved literary export
● U of T’s Nick Mount on three great Montreal writers: Mordechai Richler, Mavis Gallant and Leonard Cohen
● Author and scholar Ira Wells on the visionary work of Margaret Atwood
● Author Julia Zarankin on Leo Tolstoy, his literary epics, and his lifelong quest in pursuit of a meaningful life.
For bios of our speakers, the full course schedule, and a rundown of each of our sessions, please check out our course syllabus HERE.
Interested in attending all four of our fall programs at a significant discount? Then sign up for our Fall Season Pass – more info HERE.
Notes: All Lectures are in the Al Green Theatre. Course Subscriptions: $99+Tax for MNjcc Members. $119+Tax for Non-Members. Drop-In Tickets for Individual Lectures: To be made available within 8 days of the first lecture in the series, pending availability. Questions? Email thespeakersannex@gmail.com or contact the Miles Nadal JCC Help Desk at help@mnjcc.org or 416-924-6211 x0.
Al Green Theatre, Miles Nadal JCC
