Performance Poetry
Sunday 10 November, 2-3pmteuru.org.nz
As part of the Open Studios Waitākere weekend, come and join three of Tāmaki-Makaurau’s most highly acclaimed performance poets in an interactive show as they weave rhythms and word-magic through the tapestry of text panels, photography and video that constitute the exhibition twenty-four-seven. This multi-media exhibition explores the collision of labour, time and round-the-clock networks that have become so influential in setting the tempo of contemporary life. Live performance poetry is the perfect medium to activate this environment.
Marcus MacKenzie is an established slam poet whose reputation has grown steadily in recent years. He has appeared in no fewer than three Going West Slam finals, and also recently reached the finals in the National Poetry Slam. With an innovative linguistic technique coupled with impassioned delivery, Marcus uncovers the profundity of the everyday with a sharp and poignant wit.
Eric Soakai is a Samoan and Tongan-based poet with a string of awards, including second place in the Going West Slam and first place in Grounded: Battle of the Arts. The primary focus of his writing pertains to unpacking different aspects of the self. Drawing on both ancient and modern Pasifika themes, Eric is at once a powerful storyteller, an engaging performer and an insightful cultural analyst.
Genevieve McClean is a renowned actor, singer and writer, and has performed poetry both in New Zealand and America for over 20 years. She was instrumental in developing a new wave of word performance in New Zealand prior to the internet and the subsequent resurgence of performance poetry. While poetry has imbued other projects in film, theatre and installation, it’s Genevieve’s live work — often delivered with explosive intensity — which has established her reputation for elevating the art form to new levels.
As part of the Open Studios Waitākere weekend, come and join three of Tāmaki-Makaurau’s most highly acclaimed performance poets in an interactive show as they weave rhythms and word-magic through the tapestry of text panels, photography and video that constitute the exhibition twenty-four-seven. This multi-media exhibition explores the collision of labour, time and round-the-clock networks that have become so influential in setting the tempo of contemporary life. Live performance poetry is the perfect medium to activate this environment.
Marcus MacKenzie is an established slam poet whose reputation has grown steadily in recent years. He has appeared in no fewer than three Going West Slam finals, and also recently reached the finals in the National Poetry Slam. With an innovative linguistic technique coupled with impassioned delivery, Marcus uncovers the profundity of the everyday with a sharp and poignant wit.
Eric Soakai is a Samoan and Tongan-based poet with a string of awards, including second place in the Going West Slam and first place in Grounded: Battle of the Arts. The primary focus of his writing pertains to unpacking different aspects of the self. Drawing on both ancient and modern Pasifika themes, Eric is at once a powerful storyteller, an engaging performer and an insightful cultural analyst.
Genevieve McClean is a renowned actor, singer and writer, and has performed poetry both in New Zealand and America for over 20 years. She was instrumental in developing a new wave of word performance in New Zealand prior to the internet and the subsequent resurgence of performance poetry. While poetry has imbued other projects in film, theatre and installation, it’s Genevieve’s live work — often delivered with explosive intensity — which has established her reputation for elevating the art form to new levels.
