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RED DIRT T E AM Festival Director
Venue Manager
Laurie May
Annie Pfeiffer
Artist Liaison
Atitjere Poetry Project Producer
Lisa White Graphic Designer
Nico Liengme Exhibition Space Coordinator
Tilly Reynolds
Else Kennedy Poetry Jukebox Makers
Bart Michael & Lenin Douglas Cover Photo
Else Kennedy
S P ON S OR S & S U PP OR T E R S
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W ELCOM E Welcome to the Red Dirt Poetry Festival for 2018! RDPF is a four day celebration of poetry and spoken word in the heart of Australia. We’re excited to bring you this year’s program, it’s full of heart, passion, rage and resilience as we journey through the inspiration and idea of confinement. Throughout the festival we explore the notion of constraint, the physical, mental, emotional and socio-political ideas of being contained and the resistance, defiance, acceptance and strength we find in it. This festival brings together poets and artists from many places and welcomes them here in Mparntwe.
This year our festival takes inspiration from the stunning Kumanjayi A. Eather: I welcome you to sit beside my fire I’m allowing you to digest my confusion On behalf of everyone who has worked together to make this festival happen, I welcome you to the Red Dirt Poetry Festival. Bring your poems and your passions, be the fire, digest the confusion, join us as we navigate this world and others that bind us, shape us, constrain us and liberate us. Remembering to always keep those fires burning.
Laurie May Festival Director
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INSTALL AT ION S Poetry Jukebox Fri & Sat 11:00am–1:00pm @ Todd Mall As poets we often get asked on the spot to “do a poem”*. Situated in the middle of the Todd Mall is the Poetry Jukebox. Inside is a feature poet from the program who will read/perform a poem for you when you hit the “do a poem”* button. *Offer limited to one poem per button push
Alter Shego Fri–Sat 10:00am–2:00pm @ Sandbox Self made textiles using microscopic imagery of oestregen combined with camouflage explores the idea of female militia and adornes many of the heroines within these video works by Hannah Brontë.
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Skin of the Text Sat 6:00pm–6.30pm @ Totem Theatre Skin of the Text is a lIve installation of poetry written on the body by Kim Zeneth. The bodies are arranged into formation sculptures so audiences can read the poetry inscribed. Thematically linked poetic phrases written across arms and legs join up to form lines of poetry.
Light Me Up Poetry Fri–Sat 10:00–2:00pm @ Sandbox We’ve carefully selected 5 poems, crafted artwork to belong and displayed in LED lightboxes for you to experience.
WORKSHOPS Thurs 2nd–Fri 3rd August School Workshops School Workshops will be taking place throughout the festival with visiting and local artists.
Saturday 4th August R.A.P.
Workshop with Jesswar & Hannah Brontë 2.30pm–4.30pm @Sandbox Rhythm and poetry, exploring the relationship between the written and spoken word as a tool for extending your creative work. A workshop for artists of all mediums.
The Page as a Hallway Workshop with Bill Moran 4.30pm–5.30pm @Sandbox In workshopping with Bill, you will work through the function of poetry as an art form in relation to its creator, debunk received myths about content and form, and produce a piece of art that is performative and transformative.
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THROUGHOUT THE F EST I VA L
Microaggressions @ Totem Theatre Microaggressions are the everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, which communicate hostile, derogatory or negative messages. This display sees poets from the program using poetry and imagery to highlight the microaggressions they face on the reg.
The Magic Tree @ Todd Mall The Magic Tree is inviting you to spend some time with it > to contemplate the beautiful mystery of life and art > and to write a poem.
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Poetry to Public Public signage poetry see how many you can find around town! We’ve turned 10 poems into street signage around town and carefully placed them among the signage. See how many you can find and post them to instagram #reddirtpoertyfest18
Poetry in Suspense @ Page 27 Cafe We’d hate to leave you hanging - please take a poem to go at Page 27 Cafe.
MAIN EV E N T S Thursday 2nd August The Dirty Word presents
Australian Poetry Slam Alice Springs Heat Festival Opening 6:30pm–7:00pm @ Totem Courtyard This is the time we open the festival - we acknowledge land, culture, art and history as it binds us to ourselves and our world. Welcome to this space we have created and welcome to the 2018 Red Dirt Poetry Festival.
7:00pm–11:00pm @ Totem Theatre Ignite the mic and set the stage alight in Australian Poetry Slam 2018! Are you the next Australian Poetry Slam - National Champion or a keen punter ready to cheer? You have two minutes to win the judges over! We will have an open mic session also for those who are ineligible for the Slam. Featuring Sukhjit Khalsa and Michael Moore Hosted by Laurie May. Please find more information on entry and rules at australianpoetryslam.com.au Cost: Entry by donation
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MAIN EV E N T S Friday 3rd August Poetry: It’s What’s For Breakfast 8:00am–9:30am @ Page 27 Cafe Have you just wanted some one on one time with the poets? Get to know them more, hear their words, maybe bring a poem of your own to share? Whatever your fancy, come and share poems, ideas and stories with the poets. Get up early and join our poets for an intimate experience. Facilitated by Alexandra Steffan. Cost: Free
(but feel free to tip your poets)
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Atitjere Poetry Project Documentary Screening 5:30pm–6:00pm @ Totem Theatre An Else Kennedy and Laurie May production. The Atitjere Community is a poetic place to be. In scenery and words. This short documentary takes a brief peek into the poetry being created in an isolated outback community. Cost: Free
Wom-Yarn
Arlhe-Kenhe Ayeye 6:30pm–8:30pm @ Totem Theatre Embrace the space in which we the “other” live (love) Some of Australia’s finest female voices in a session of storytelling, spoken word and poetry. This session is dedicated to the memory of Candy Royalle. Featuring: Marie Elena Ellis, Jess Knight, Ellen Van Neervan, Stevie Jean, Alexandra Steffan, Victoria Alondra, Jennifer Compton, Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa.
Rooftop Hip-Hop 9:00pm–1:00am @ Epilogue Rooftop A night of hip-hop to blow your mind. Featuring Jesswar, Dallas Woods, KND and appearances by Omar Musa plus a mystery DJ set! This is going to be huge. Get in early so you don’t miss out. Cost: $20 presale $25 at door Tickets from reddirtpoetryfestival.com
Hosted by Hannah Bronte. Cost: $10
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MAIN EV E N T S Saturday 4th August Haiku Deathmatch 10:00am–11:30am @ 8CCC Carpark Let’s get ready to rumble! Bring your haiku, write them on the spot whatever floats your boat. Using a syllabic 5-7-5 haiku structure we invite you to meet us in the carpark for the battle to end all battles. Who will be crowned Australia’s Haiku Death Match Champion? Broadcast live on 8CCC radio, sign up at 10am for a 10.30am start. Hosted by Laurie May. Cost: Free
Mixtape Memoirs 6:00pm–7:30pm @ Totem Courtyard A handcrafted mixtape you won’t get off the radio. Step back in time with us as we relive our glory days of highschool through poetry and song. Featuring storytelling magic from Jess Knight, Hannah Bronte, Michael Moore, Jeremy Garnet, Dina Indrasafitri, Alexandra Steffan, Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa, Declan Furber and Jennifer Compton. Hosted by Bill Moran. Cost: $10
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Riverside Readings 8:00pm–9:00pm @ Totem Theatre Get up close and personal with some of the finest voices in spoken word poetry. Featuring Australian icon Omar Musa, the captivating Lay the Mystic, Texan wordsmith Bill Moran & TV superstar Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa. Hosted by Stevie Jean. Cost: $10
Boulevard of Broken Dreams & Open Mic 9:15pm–10:30pm @ Totem Courtyard See out your Saturday night with a steaming mug of mulled cider and tales under the stars as we explore the realm we occupy between confinement and freedom. With poetry from Jennifer Compton, Alexandra Steffan, Jeremy Garnet, alongside YOU! Bring your poems and become part of the story. Hosted by Lay the Mystic. Cost: $5
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MAIN EV E N T S Sunday 5th August Journey the Dreaming Poetry Walk 10:00am–11:00am Meet @ Sandbox Join Arrernte woman Alison Furber for a walk around Mparntwe. Explore the cultural history of this place and hear from local poets along the way. This is a once in a lifetime journey you won’t want to miss out on. Please pre-book to avoid disappointment. Cost: $20 pre bookings from reddirtpoetryfestival.com
Living Poetry 4.30pm–6:00pm @ Sandbox Be enchanted by a stunning musical poetry Poesia Viviente by Juliana Menjura and Jeremy Conlon. Experience the moving works of Lay the Mystic, from across the ditch New Zealand poet Michael Moore will move you and the event capped off with a listening party from Dina Indrasafitri’s Alice Springs’ sessions. Hosted by Laurie May. Cost: Free
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The Afterparty 7:00pm–Late @ Black Wreath HQ Here’s where we cut loose. Let your hair down, it’s Picnic Day tomorrow so all you have to do is turn up and party with us at the Black Wreath. Featuring The Wiggle of Judas, Eastern Reggae Band, Stevie Jean, The Holy Dimes and a DJ set to close the night from our mystery DJ. Please note the event is BYO. Cost: $10
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THE ARTI S T S Jesswar Jesswar is an independent, Brisbane-based Hip Hop artist hailing from Fiji. She is as ferocious as she is fearless and commands audiences when her hands are on the mic.
Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa is a first generation Australian Sikh spoken word artist, educator, performer & human rights reformer.
Omar Musa Omar Musa is a Malaysian-Australian author, rapper and poet from Queanbeyan, Australia. He is the former winner of the Australian Poetry Slam and the Indian Ocean Poetry Slam.
Michael Moore Working as a creative developer and travelling spoken word artist, Michael has shared stories across New Zealand and uses poetry to reach into the uncomfortable and shed light.
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Bill Moran Bill Moran is a touring poet and teaching artist from Houston, Texas. He’s a two-time Austin Poetry Slam champion, and has an MFA Poetry degree from Louisiana State University.
Dallas Woods A young Noongar man raised in the E.K. [Wyndham – East Kimberley] Dallas is a quintessential underdog with raw talent and cheeky knack for word play.
Kim Zeneth Kimberley has published in journals, books, stone, parking-meters and on skin. She lives in the desert with her beautiful wife.
Ellen Van Neerven Ellen van Neerven is the award-winning author of the poetry collection Comfort Food and the fiction collection Heat and Light.
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THE ARTI S T S Hannah Brontë Hannah Brontë is a Wakka Wakka/Yaegel woman and practicing visual artist living and working in Meanjin (Brisbane), QLD. Employing video art, costume design, weaving, textiles and installation, her vivid videos depict her imagined futures.
Jennifer Compton Jennifer Compton lives in Melbourne and is a poet and playwright who also writes prose. When it comes to the poetry side of things she likes to have it every which way possible.
Jeremy Garnett A creative imaginist; Jeremy Garnett’s poetical adventures of high, low, and randomly generated renown appear in his recently self-published collection of poetry, Waiting on Rain.
Juliana Menjura & Jeremy Conlon Juliana Menjura is a Colombian designer and visual artist who loves music, sounds and literature. Jeremy Conlon, sound engineer, musician, and composer, who has over 25 years experience in many facets of the music industry.
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Dina Indrasafitri Dina is an Alice Springs-based writer, visual artist and musician. She performs regularly at the town’s open mic sessions.
Declan Furber Declan just wanted to be a rapper. That’s all. But he ended up with an unfinished law degree, a masters in theatre and a hypercasualised job as a removalist.
Stevie Jean Stevie Jean, at the emerging age of 18, sings and performs well beyond her years with her unique brand of indie rock and soul sensibilities. Born and raised in the NT, Stevie has already made a strong impact on the national scene.
Lay the Mystic Lay the Mystic is a lyrical poet, musician and performance artist based in Naarm (Melbourne). Lay blends music, poetry and varying other artistic mediums to create a performance space that is both magnetic and utterly unique.
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THE ARTI S T S Victoria Alondra Mexican Wixárika-Moroccan womxn living in Mparntwe and constantly ranting, raving and making art about social injustice. A student of life, always seeking to grow from the next (mis)adventure.
Alexandra C Steffan Alexandra C Steffan is a Darwin-based poet who finds pockets of joy amongst the challenges of life, weaving them into her writing and performance with vulnerability and grace.
Eastern Reggae Eastern Reggae are a 7 piece reggae band from the Aboriginal community of Santa Teresa. Their songs reflect their lives, featuring lyrics revolving around country, landscapes, dreamtime stories, family life, social problems and cultural history.
The Holy Dimes The Holy Dimes are like a slap in the face with a filthy old dishcloth that’s wiped up the kind of spillages that’d make you blush.
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KND KND (Karnage N Darknis) are a hip-hop duo from Alice Springs who have been writing and performing since 2008.
Jessica Knight Jessica Knight is a writer, zine maker, poet and play write based in Melbourne. She is working on her first play for The Malthouse Theatre.
Raymond Reiff Raymond Reiff is a local man from Atitjere Community (Harts Range). He started to write poems from his father Benny Pope who was his inspiration from childhood and teacher in life.
The Wiggle of Judas The Wiggle of Judas are a New Orleans style gypsy jazz quartet playing tunes from the 20’s till now combined with swinging band originals.
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THE ARTI S T S Marie Ellis Marie Elena Ellis is from Amoonguna community, she is an Arrernte Warlpiri woman, activist, environmentalist, creative, poet and lover of desert music.
Alison Furber A local of Alice Springs, Alison has returned to live on her ancestral homelands, just north of the town, to maintain and strengthen her connection to country.
Melanie Fiedler Melanie Fiedler aka melankolia_xx is a visual artist from Karl Marx Stadt, Germany, now living in Alice Springs. Her practice spans across different mediums including photography, video, projection, installation and poetry.
Laurie May Laurie May is the Artistic and Festival Director for the Red Dirt Poetry Festival, The Dirty Word and program manager of Bush Bands Bash. She’d write more poetry if she wasn’t so busy.
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S CHEDUL E Thu 2nd Aug
Sat 4th Aug
School Workshops All Day @ Local Schools
Haiku Deathmatch 10am @ 8CCC Carpark
Festival Opening 6:30pm @ Totem Courtyard
Poetry Jukebox 11am–1pm @ Todd Mall
Australian Poetry Slam 7pm @ Totem Theatre
Alter Shego 12–5pm @ Sandbox R.A.P. Workshop 2:30–4:30pm @ Sandbox
Fri 3rd Aug Poetry for Breakfast 8am @ Page 27 School Workshops All Day @ Local Schools Poetry Jukebox 11am–1pm @ Todd Mall Alter Shego 12–5pm @ Sandbox Atitjere Poetry Project Documentary Screening 5:30pm @ Totem Theatre Wom-Yarn 6:30pm @ Totem Theatre Rooftop HipHop 9pm @ Epilogue Rooftop
The Page as a Hallway Workshop 4:30–5:30pm @ Sandbox Skin of the Text 6pm @ Totem Courtyard Mixtape Memoirs 6pm @ Totem Courtyard Riverside Readings 7:45pm @ Totem Theatre Boulevard of Broken Dreams 9pm @ Totem Courtyard
Sun 5th Aug Journey the Dreaming Walk 10am @ Sandbox Living Poetry 4:30pm @ Sandbox The Afterparty 7pm @ Black Wreath HQ
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VENUES
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The historic Totem Theatre is nestled between the bank of the dry Todd River & ANZAC Oval, just a short stroll north of the Todd Mall.
With great food and entertainment, Epilogue provides tasty meals, snacks and drinks with great atmosphere and a rad rooftop.
Always a great spot for coffee and brunch, Page 27 is hidden slightly out of view down the Fan Arcade in the Todd Mall.
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Totem Theatre Wills Tce
Sandbox Fan Arcade, Todd Mall
Right past Page 27 in the Fan Arcade, this cozy coworking space gets coopted for Red Dirt as a gallery space, workshop space and informal hub.
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Epilogue Lounge
Page 27 Cafe
Todd Mall
Todd Mall
8CCC Community Radio
10/14 Lindsay Ave, East Side
The Black Wreath HQ 2 Smith St
Even by the industrial area’s standards, what Alice’s favourite outback gets manufactured here radio station, which now is heavier and louder features a regular cafe. than most.
Saint Philips College
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Tod dM all
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Stott T errace
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Bath Street
Sim pso nS tree t
Stott T errace
Sadadee
Ga pR oa d
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Tra ege rA ven ue
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Alice Springs Hospital
Wil tsh ire Str eet
Tel egr aph
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Ha rtle yS tre et
Tele gra ph Ter rac e
Ho ng Str eet
Str eet Blo om fiel d
Sim pso nS tre et
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Tuncks Road
Barr et D rive
Berger Cou
Traeger Park Sports Complex
Ga pR oad
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Skin ner Str eet
Sto tt T err ace Sto tt T err ace
Stuart Te rra ce
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Kmart
ive Dr pinta Drive 6 inta Larap
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IGA East Side
Ross Park
Merco rella
Gre gor yT err ace
Undoolya Road
Leich hardt Terra ce
Ba th S tre et
Coles
Tod dM all
Co lso nS tre et
Ba th S tre et
Ha rtle yS tre et
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Ross Park Primary School
Mueller Street
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Tel egr aph Ter rac e
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Our Wills Ter Lady rac e of the Sacred Heart College Bath Street Campus Target
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River Todd
McDonald Street W hit tak er S tre et
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An za cH ill R oad
Stokes Stre et
Rona Glynn Pre-school
t Stree urton Warb
Lind say Ave nue
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treet Smith S
Whitta ker Street
er Riv chwarz Crescent
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Hele Cre sce nt
Cha rles
ide Walk Rivers
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Riversid e Walk
MAP
The Fairway
Crom well Dri ve
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