Sharing Kupu of Kaupapa

13 December 2012

Psalms of The Revolution: Sharing Kupu of Kaupapa

Rotorua is full of talented, articulate writers, from the late Don Stafford to our very own Aunty Bea. From accounts of history to childrens stories, each has their place here by contributing to Rotorua as a cultural centre. What has never been done though, is the bringing together of artists of Spoken Word.

“Spoken word is a way to express the realities of our world, it is a form of poetry, performance andprotest all rolled into one, for those who appreciate the art-form, it is bringing together Kupu of Kaupapa” said Chanz Mikaere, organiser of the upcoming “Psalms of the Revolution: A Night of Poetry & Spoken Word”.

The writers and performers for the Psalms of the Revolution are locally and nationally recognised kaupapa driven Artists that are passionate about their communities. This can be seen as “an evening of social commentary, where no topic is sacred. For this reason we have had to advertise the event as having restricted entry, R18” says Chanz.

The list of performers includes three guest artists from outside of Rotorua. Ngatai Huata, Marama Davidson and Anatonio Te Maioha. Ngatai is a composer of waiata, poetry and originalmember of the “Black Cats”. Marama Davidson is a known social network protestor regularly involved with expressing a Maori women’s perspective on hot topics. Anatonio, will be sharing his powerful “Let me tell you about Tame” to the stage of the newly rebranded establishment ’Eleven53’ (formerly the Pheasant Plucker).

Local Artists are Rowley Habib, Brian Potiki and Chanz Mikaere. Rowley was one of the first generation of Maori poets, playwrights and short story writers - he began his writing career in the 1950's while at Teachers Training College in Auckland. His book of selected poems "Raw Men" will be on sale on the night. Brian Potiki has published a book of poems & songs called "Aotearoa" and a book of South Island history plays called "Te Wai Pounanmu: Your Music Remembers Me". He'll be reading an extract from his recent book "Hey Maori People" about the radical Maori theatre play "Maranga Mai". Chanz was the recipient of the 2011 Te Taonga a Tupu-A-Nuku award for excellence in Original Poetrycomposition and contribution to the Fine Arts of Te Arawa.

While hanging posters all over Rotorua, Chanz was asked, “Why now? Why host this event just before Christmas?” She responded with “There is an air of desperation here. This time of the year is difficult for many whanau due to financial and social stress. The Psalms of the Revolution is a night to uplift spirits and share ideas of solidarity in struggle. The aim is to steer thinking away from the consumerism of Christmas toward thinking about the future where each citizen of Aotearoa deserves better than what is happening now.”

The event is also a fundraiser for Nga Tai o Te Reinga. There will be quick-fire raffles of donated artwork. For further information and ticket bookings there is a Facebook event page “Psalms of The Revolution” or text Chanz at 02102571789.

Due to the intimate venue, space is limited.

Psalms of the Revolution
• Tuesday 18th December 2012
• Start: 6pm – Late

ENDS

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