Sydney’s premier poetry night, “Word In Hand”, is set to host one of the greatest voices of our time on April 4th with the Windham-Campbell prize winning, Yankunytjatjara/Kokatha poet, Ali Cobby Eckermann.
As an award winning writer and survivor of The Stolen Generations, Cobby Eckermann uses her own experiences to weave powerful and provoking poetry that often shines a light directly on issues Australia continues to try to ignore.
When asked why she writes by Poetry International Rotterdam, Cobby Eckermann said: “I guess I write for both my families, and for my ongoing healing that I need in my life. Mostly though for the Aboriginal audience. It is my biggest thrill when they attend any forum to hear my words. I have been amazed at the reaction from the wider Australian and international audiences to my poetry, which encourages me to keep writing too . . . Poetry has also been the tool to assist my adopted family to understand some of the change that occurred deep within myself. I often say “poetry saves lives”.”
Poet and activist Candy Royalle, who will also be hosting the night, wrote about Cobby Eckermann’s work for The Guardian saying: “Poetry has the potential to pierce through the intellectual and aim straight for the heart. It can move people in ways other crafts can’t. So it is with Ali Cobby Eckermann’s work.”
This April, Word In Hand promises to be a night full of passion, power and pride, and with Ali Cobby Eckermann well on her way to international superstardom, this may be the last chance to catch her in such an intimate setting.
This awe inspiring event at Glebe’s Friend In Hand Hotel will also feature a performance by Sydney superstar Nancy J Dennis whose impressive resume includes: Truth (2012), alongside Cate Blanchett; 2:22 (2008) opposite Michiel Huisman; and the role of Foxy Baker in Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby.
As always, Word In Hand offers the audience more than just a night of inspiring and thought provoking entertainment – it gives them the chance to be involved too, with open mic, games and prizes up for grabs.
DETAILS
Word in Hand with Ali Cobby Eckermann will take place on April 4 between 7 pm and 10 pm at the Friend In Hand Hotel, Glebe.
For more about Word In Hand – April Edition, visit http://www.wordinhand.org/
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