The Australian Poetry Slam is making its way back to the Goulburn Valley, with a heat slated for the Shepparton Library on Sunday, September 8 at 7pm.
A complimentary Slam Wordshop will also be on offer earlier in the day.
This dynamic event fuses performance and poetry, as contestants vie for the coveted title of Australian Poetry Slam Champion 2024.
Participants have a mere two minutes to dazzle judges handpicked from the audience.
The victor will snag a prize package worth $20,000, including publishing opportunities and performances spanning from Byron to Bali.
The Shepparton heat will showcase the talents of 2023 National Champions, K.J Hayward and Rob Waters.
K.J. Hayward entered the Shepparton heat in 2023 and went on to become the 2023 Australian Youth Poetry Slam Champion.
K.J. is an emerging spoken word artist: in her poetry she intertwines stories of feminism, youth, mental health and her own journey transitioning from ‘normal’ schooling to homeschool with the rap, rhythm and rhyme of slam poetry.
Mr Waters, a Gomeroi poet and cultural educator, boasts over two decades of performance experience.
Doors swing open at 6.30pm for registrations, with the heat kicking off at 7pm.
Poets must sign up on the night, and spots are limited.
A preparatory workshop is scheduled for September 8 at noon.
Those keen to participate can secure their spot through the Goulburn Valley Libraries website at www.gvlibraries.com.au, by phoning 1300 374 765, or by emailing shepparton@gvlibraries.com.au.
For a comprehensive rundown of competition rules, visit www.australianpoetryslam.com/rules
Poets are required to perform in their home state or territory.