GRAN SLAM 2020
In 2020 Gran Slam was re-imagined into the virtual world to reach more poetic seniors who were ready to step up to the soap box and slam – slam poetry, that is. This year, seniors from New South Wales and Queensland went head to head after attending 8 weeks of virtual poetry masterclasses under the guidance of poets Sarah Temporal and Luka Lesson
The participants learnt how to write and perform slam poetry to move and inspire, then they took their works to the online stage, participating in a virtual open mic night and a live streamed event.
The finale was the creation of two extraordinary collaborative poems which were then lovingly crafted into bespoke poetry films clips accompanied by new original music composed especially for the poems.
Gran Slam is a project by Everybody NOW! Proudly supported by Feros Care.
“The whole Gran Slam experience was very, very special. I don’t know when I last felt so nurtured and cared for.” Robbie Wesley – 73 years
‘The Citizenry’
Created by Gran Slam Participants 2020 with lead poet Sarah Temporal Original Music by Tom Thum
‘Beyond the Storm’
Created by Gran Slam Participants 2020 with lead poet Luka Lesson Original Music Composed and Produced by Gordon Hamilton
“This project gave me a voice. What a wonderful opportunity for learning new skills and challenging myself to overcome fears” Julie Crow – 78 years
Get to know this years lead poets
Luka Lesson is an Australian poet of Greek Heritage, his work engages with the mythology of his Greek homeland, the fiercely political and the vulnerably self-reflective. Luka is an Australian Poetry Slam Champion, has performed with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and has poems being studied in curriculums and educations programs across Australia. Luka has toured with Akala (UK), Nahko and Medicine for the People (USA), Tiki Taane (NZ) and Dr Cornel West (USA).
Sarah Temporal is a prize-winning poet and educator from the Northern Rivers NSW. Her work combines the immediacy of slam poetry with finely-honed craft and sensitivity. She has performed poetry Australia-wide and has delivered workshops and poetry slams at schools, festivals and online. Sarah initiated and runs Poets Out Loud, a community arts initiative which empowers people of all ages through the spoken word. Her debut poetry collection is currently in development.
Gran Slam is a project by Everybody NOW! in partnership with Feros Care.
Everybody NOW! is supported by the City of Gold Coast.
