Overland 254 is the first in a set of four special editions dedicated to commemorating 70 years of Overland. This issue also launches a new design and format by Common Room Editions, inspired by Overland’s trove of radical literature spanning from 1954 to today. Andrew Brooks and Astrid Lorange consider the asymmetrical responses to two events: the wearing of keffiyehs by three cast members during the Sydney Theatre Company’s production of Anton Chekov’s The Seagull, and, on the same day in the US, the shooting of three Palestinian men wearing keffiyehs. Jeff Sparrow uncovers the Sydney Herald’s legacy of Terra Nullius, and Daniel Lopez writes on Marx, Meredith and the festival as an inversion of modern life.
Overland was founded from a broad progressive movement of political organisations, trade unions, writers and activists. They shared a commitment to literary quality, and to publishing and fostering diverse writers.
Overland maintains its progressive founding editorial vision of publishing underrepresented perspectives on issues rarely given space in traditional media. The magazine continues to dissect media hysteria and dishonesty, give a voice to those whose stories are otherwise marginalised, misrepresented or ignored, and point public debate in alternative directions.
Now, more than ever, Overland strives to nurture a community of activists, artists, writers and readers — diverse, informed, impassioned, curious and brave.
Overland’s content is available for free to everyone, allowing more democratic participation in cultural and political conversations. This choice reflects our belief in the importance of open access to and participation in the means of cultural production, no matter who you are.
Overland will continue to be at the forefront of progressive thought in this country. Given the magnitude of the challenges we collectively face, and with recent threats and organised attempts to bring down our publication and attack our staff and undermine their livelihoods, we are committed to continuing our work in a robust and fearless way.
With the literary arts increasingly under threat (from many directions — a lack of reliable ongoing government funding is just the tip of the iceberg), we need your help. Buy, read, subscribe, contribute, share. And if you’re in a position to, give a tax-deductible donation and send your money straight into the hands of progressive media.
O.L. Society Limited, publisher of Overland, is on the Register of Cultural Organisations and reports to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
