Two free community performance events – How We Heal and Who We Become, are coming to Murwillumbah in December 2022 and February 2023.
Poets Out Loud, a local initiative that empowers voices through writing and spoken word, will host the events on December 2 and February 24 at the Regent Cinema. As part of the ‘Together Tweed: Let’s Reconnect’ program, a showcase of stunning poetry, art and storytelling will inspire the community to reconnect after recent disasters.
Headlining How We Heal on Dec 2 will be WA poet Scott-Patrick Mitchell, wisdom keeper Kylie Miles, and First Nations artist Michael Philp.
In addition to the feature artists, a small group of participants will perform personal stories developed at a free writing workshop prior to events.
Director of Poets Out Loud, Sarah Temporal, says she wants to give people the tools to process difficult experiences with creativity and courage. ‘To help us reconnect in a safe space, and to let the light in.’
People need to be heard
The idea for the events stemmed from years of hosting the iconic Poets Out Loud open mic nights – Temporal noticed participants’ need to be heard. ‘Now more than ever, with all our community has faced, there is a need for our stories to be shared and heard.
‘With these new events at the Regent, I have the opportunity to bring many different stories of healing to the stage, and also present some incredible performers and cultural leaders to guide that conversation.’
Expanding on their inclusive programming motto that ‘Poetry is for everyone’, Poets Out Loud will offer Auslan interpreting, quiet space, and wheelchair access for these events.
Attendees with special requirements are encouraged to contact the organisers.
Poets Out Loud Community Voices events are proudly funded by the NSW Government and delivered in partnership with Tweed Shire Council.
Free tickets for How we Heal on Friday, 2 Dec, 6.30pm, are available now at poetsoutloud.org. Bookings are essential.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
