WeSociety- Poetry Competition
Language, and poetry in particular, is a mirror of our world. It captures and reflects some of the deepest human emotions. Language is one of our most highly evolved functions, a tool that we continue to reinvent, sharpen and expand. And, since language is designed entirely around our constantly evolving needs of expression, it is one way to both examine human life and ultimately connect with ourselves.
Does poetry emerge from the need to express yourself? For a poet’s words to be heard, published, quoted or sung? For their name to be remembered and cherished (one could say a perfect example of “me” society)? Or, as Eliot says: “Poetry is not an expression of personality, but an escape from personality”?
Either way, poetry created is for everybody. Poetry takes on another life when it is shared in authentic and intimate ways: through reading or listening. Is poetry reminding us about the “we” of society, that is about relationships, collaboration and cooperation?
“
“We” society?
It scares me to see
how ‘me’
is our society.
Or is it only me?
”
How would you define the society we live in? Is it predominantly a common-good society, or an individualist society? Which society would you like to live in? What are we gaining and what are we losing as our culture changes? Can and does poetry enable us to explore and reflect on our values?
How do language, communication and intention, belonging, dreams, aspirations and connection relate to the changing nature of the way we live and our values? How does poetry respond to what makes us human and what it means to belong to one another?
This workshop, a part of “We” Society poetry project, aims to make people stop and think, build community awareness, take action …
While examining some of the poems, participants are invited to respond in their own voice. Within a most supportive environment, series of simple exercises will provide a platform for participants to unleash their creative potential.
Let one of the best known NZ performance poets take you on this unique poetic journey – an adventure and discovery of verse from all around the world. Be inspired by transformational nature of poetry – reading it, speaking it, writing it. All workshop material provided, participants are invited to bring a couple of their favorite poems, to share.
Let’s make poetry a strong link, between awareness and action!