Finals
The information below is from our 2012 program.
Australian Poetry Slam - National Final
It began in Chicago in 1986. Made it's way through hit TV and radio shows; award-winning docos and features. It was spit into a Def Jam mic by Kanye West and Erykah Badu. Miles Merrill brought it to Sydney in 1996 and took it national in 2007. Now Australia's Poetry Slam reaches it's annual climax at Sydney Theatre.
From June until Dec, in small towns and suburbs across the country, communities have joined together in libraries, youth centres, schools, bars, theatres and festivals to choose their local poetry heroes and send them off to storm stages in their capital cities.
Almost 1000 Australians have opened up in front of the mic this year. Now two slam champions from each state and territory will face an epic finale on Sydney Theatre's Main Stage. They will wrestle your imagination, draw tears to your lashes, inspire you to run onto the stage, raise your fist and shout, “HELL YEAH! ME TOO!”
Witness raw verbal passion in this live uncensored event. You might get riled over the plight of a refugee, giggle at a cheeky relationship with a traffic cop or just be stunned by mad intricate wordplay.
Selected audience members decide who will carry the title of Slam Champion in a tour to the China Bookworm International Literary Festival, the Ubud Writers' and Readers' Festival and The 2013 Sydney Writer's Festival. It's a festival tour worth over $11,000 and priceless professional experience.
Featuring Australian Poetry Slam Champion 2011, Luka Lesson and NZ Poetry Slam Champion, Ali Jacs. Music by DJ Tom Loud and hosted by Miles Merrill.
Your ticket to the National Final also doubles as entry to a free screening of ‘Louder Than A Bomb’ – Wednesday, 28th Nov, 6pm at State Library NSW. For more information and to reserve your seats click here -http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/events/events_talks/events/Louder_than_a_bomb.html
The Australian Poetry Slam is proudly supported by:
- State Libraries of NSW, QLD, VIC and SA
- China Bookworm International Literary Festival
- Ubud Writers' and Readers' Festival
- Avant Card
“Bubbling up from Australia's underground is a cutting edge poetry, no longer bound up in books or lecture theatres" - Rachel Olding – Sydney Morning Herald
“When I saw the variety of people from all walks of life telling stories that made me laugh, cry and reflect, I realised how important it is for all of us to have a voice through which we can channel our passions and stories in front of a live audience and leave feeling uplifted, amused and empowered.” - Simon Marnie – Weekends presenter, 702 ABC Sydney
"Slam poetry performers have moved beyond flippant, self-indulgent verse and are using the medium to incite political and social change” - Hannah Tattersall – The Australian Financial Review
Check the Australian Poetry Slam 2011 Champion, Luka Lesson, in one of his award-winning performances -
The Australian Poetry Slam 2012 National Final
Saturday 1st December
8pm
Main Stage, Sydney Theatre
22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay
