Generations in conversation

This week, as people around the world gather with family, Chibundu Onuzo presents a series of conversations between artists across the generations exploring what unites and divides them. In the USA it’s estimated that nearly a quarter of the population will be 65 or older by the year 2060 with more and more of the country’s resources needed to care for them. In Nigeria, a young population of average age 18 is questioning the ability of older politicians to understand their needs. In light of these debates, we listen in on conversations between artists from different generations. Jewish American novelist Daniel Torday, 43, meets African American writer Monica Brashears, 25. Daniel is the author of Boomer1, a novel exploring intergenerational strife in the Baltimore suburbs and Monica is about to release her debut novel, House of Cotton, a gothic story set in the American South. They talk about their shared anxiety over climate change and the tensions between Gen Z and Baby Boomers. Two musicians from India, Suhail Yusuf Khan, in his 30s, and Sarvar Sabri who’s in his 60s discuss the way their musical tradition is handed down and different approaches to the student teacher relationship. Plus Australian Aboriginal artists, Mother and daughter Lauren Jarrett, 65, and Melissa Greenwood, 38, talk about their shared artistic practice and how making work helps them address intergenerational trauma within their community. Producer: Simon Richardson (Photo: Lauren Jarrett and Melissa Greenwood)