In February of 2018, I was generously invited to perform at the International Women’s Day event hosted by the South Coast Writers Centre at the Wollongong Art Gallery on the 8th of March.
This was my first performance of 2018, and whilst it was not a new poem, it was a new experience, as it was my first time performing poetry outside of a poetry-exclusive event. My co-performers were author and publisher Dr Sarah Nicholson, and drummer and published poet Gabrielle Journey Jones. Sarah opened the event with an informative speech informed by her book The Evolutionary Journey of Woman.
After my poem, Gabe performed an inspiring and hilarious set of raps and poems set to her drumming, with some pieces from her new book of poems, Spoken Medicine. Following a break for refreshments and book signings, there was an open mic for the audience members, which had some unexpected gems.
The event was a touching testament to the female community, and I was honoured to be a part of it. The comments (and hugs!) I received following my performance were the greatest compliment to my writing, and a clear sign that my experiences resonated with many of the women I shared them with.
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