POETS, authors, soothsayers and scribes of every type – it is time to share your wares.
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Wendouree “dark fantasy” author Jason Nahrung is starting up a monthly spoken word, slam poetry and readings night at Ballarat’s Babushka lounge, giving writers and rhymers an opportunity to practice their performance art skills and become part of a literary community.
Each event will include feature readers followed by a open mic section, where anyone is welcome to get on stage and try their skills for five minutes in front of an open-minded audience.
Mr Nahrung said he got the idea from similar events run successfully in many other cities such as Melbourne and felt Ballarat had more than enough talent to give it a go.
The first event will be held Sunday, January 17 from 2pm to 4pm, with monthly events held every third Thursday night from February.
Cost for the first event is $5, with proceeds going towards Babushka’s current crowdfunding campaign.
Mr Nahrung said January’s event would have a “spooky stories” theme, but welcomed open mic performers to speak on any topic they wished.
“It’s a chance for readers and writers to come together and just enjoy literature.
“By making it a spoken word event, it makes it easier to share and participate in. It’s a chance for up-and-coming writers to have a chance to read their work.
“It’s a way to try to interact with other writers in Ballarat – to reach out a little bit.”
Performers are welcome to read their own fiction, poems, memoir or indulge in poetry slam performance of any type.
The events will also welcome people wanting to read work by other writers. Mr Nahrung’s partner and co-organiser Kirstyn McDermott, also a fantasy author, will read from Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven.
“We were quite surprised there wasn’t already a spoken word night in Ballarat because it’s such a cultural town,” she said.
“There are little things that happen but there have been no regular (spoken word) events.”
Anyone interested in reading or performing is welcome to sign up on the day of the event at Babushka Lounge.
Alternatively, performers are welcome to contact Mr Nahrung on jnahrung@gmail.com or via www.jasonnahrung.com
