TIFA presents: An Evening with R.F. Kuang

Join us for an unforgettable evening with R.F. Kuang, The New York Times #1 bestselling author of The Poppy War, Babel, and Yellowface. Kuang returns with her highly anticipated novel, Katabasis, a dark academia fantasy where two rival graduate students must journey to Hell to rescue their professor’s soul— perhaps at the cost of their own.

In conversation, Kuang with delve into the inspirations behind Katabasis, exploring themes of rivalry, redemption, and the boundaries between life and death. She will trace the evolution of her genre-defying storytelling, from the epic military fantasy of The Poppy War to the hugely successful satirical thriller Yellowface, that have captured reader’s imaginations around the globe.

Whether you are a long-time fan or new to her work, this is a rare opportunity to hear from one of today’s boldest and most boundary-breaking novelists.

TIFA Presents 2025 Season is generously supported by Presenting Donors Beth Nowers and Jack Curtin.