Meet the 2023 APS Sydney Finalists
In the lead-up to the Australian Poetry Slam Sydney Final, we ask the 2023 Sydney Finalists about poetry, slams and community.
Slam Final audience – photo credit: Nicola Bailey
What motivated you to perform your poetry on stage?
I've always found it easier to put my thoughts into words on paper than to speak them aloud. In fact, I used to leave handwritten notes on my parents' dresser whenever I needed to communicate something that felt too daunting to say in person…
…Music has always been the foundation of most of my poems; I draw inspiration from the lyrics and instruments. Just as people find solace in listening to music, there's something incredibly comforting about someone verbalising their feelings and thoughts in the form of a beautiful chorus. Along the way, I discovered the immense power of vulnerability. When I decided to perform my poetry on stage, I realised that it was a way to connect with others on a deeper level. If even one person in the audience resonates with my words, if they feel seen and understood, then I believe I've done my part on Earth.
Danielle Osifo rep’n Parramatta
For me, sharing poetry is like sharing my soul. In casual conversation you typically don't get to see "inside" an individual. I perform to share areas of self so deep that hopefully it gives others the courage to one day do the same.
Eddie "E3" Young rep’n Randwick
I have only recently come across the world of performance poetry. In fact, I have only recently realised that what I have been writing, my whole life, is poetry… …One and a half months ago, I found a local poetry slam event via instagram, and my name ended up in the hat. The gentleness, generosity, and LOVE that filled the room that first time was all it took. I have been searching for this community for a very long time. How delightful, to have finally found it.
J.L Brown rep’n Northern Beaches
My answer to this has always been the same; To share my story. I want to show girls just like me that we all go through the same things, and that we can persevere. We don’t have to suffer in silence, it’s okay to speak your mind.
Ifeoma Obiegbu rep’n Parramatta
To share a positive message and my own lessons I often capture and confirm through poetry.
JMo rep’n Randwick
My motivation is my love for connecting to people and sharing my artform to inspire & empower whom ever it resonates with.
Cocoa the Conscious rep’n Woollhara
To challenge myself and share a fun poem.
Lily O'Leary rep’n Blue Mountains
I love poetry as a carrier for shared knowledge - speaking and feeling the audience respond, being together in a collective recognition of something, these are really special to me. There are few spaces as democratic and immediate for sharing personal and group truths. Right now is an important time to be holding onto the vehicles we have for truth-telling and understanding each other better.
Anastasia Radievska rep’n Sydney Central
My teacher.
Lyna Le rep’n Camden
What does a poetry community mean to you?
A like minded set of artistic and expressive people who, through slam competitions especially, can work together to not only entertain but inspire and share life’s insights and experiences in a beautiful art form.
JMo rep’n Randwick
It means to me a platform where all individuals have the freedom to be their true self, a place where community holds space for vulnerability, a place of healing, expression & creativity.
Cocoa the Conscious rep’n Woollhara
A place with people I feel a belonging with.
Lily O'Leary rep’n Blue Mountains
A space that supports everyone to feel the magic and beauty in the language they give to the world.
Anastasia Radievska rep’n Sydney Central
When I walked into the cafe that first time, I understood that I had stumbled across something precious. A room heaving with others like me, stuffed with words to wrap around all their big feelings. I think that the gentleness, generosity and love mentioned in my first answer was in part, a simple recognition. Ah. There you are. Nice to meet you.
J.L Brown rep’n Northern Beaches
Literary family and the last of a long generation of storytellers.
Eddie "E3" Young rep’n Randwick
It’s a safe space point blank. A place with no judgment. A group of people who are always pushing you to really receive your flowers. A poetry community is a support system
Ifeoma Obiegbu rep’n Parramatta
Watch the APS Sydney Finalists compete for the crown of 2023 APS Sydney Final Champion at the 2023 APS Sydney Final on Friday 6 October at Customs House. Read more about all of the Sydney Finalists here.
