Outer Urban Projects Presents POETIC LICENSE Next Month

Once upon a time, a god believed that he could save an ancient city from ruin by bringing a dead poet back to life. Now in 2017 the need has again arisen - our world, our city, our neighbourhood is in need of poetry and a great poet to save it: a leader, an inspirer, an orator.

Poetic License takes Aristophanes' ancient Greek comic masterpiece The Frogs as its inspiration to ask and debate the timeless question - can the spoken word really move and inspire? Can it change anything?

Poetic License effortlessly integrates text, music and poetry to create a performance work that crosses generations and is of its time.

Following sell out seasons during Melbourne Writers Festival (2014) and at Darebin Arts (2015), Poetic License returns with an impressive cast and surprise guest artists assembled by director and performer, Irine Vela.

Underscored by harpist Genevieve Fry, Poetic License features 15 year-old poet Dante Sofra who must hold his own with wordsmiths and performers who span seven decades, including pioneer of Australian comedy and social activist Rod Quantock; singer, writer, weaver and orator Grace Vanilau; speed rapper and beat box champion Kevin Nugara (aka Spitfire); alternative jazz vocalist and neo-beat poet Ileini Kabalan; a poet performer of freefalling and confronting emotion, Koraly Dimitriadis; and the understated but infectious, indefatigable hip hop artist Mahmoud Samoun (aka Babz).

The evening shows will also feature guest performances by ARIA Award winners the haBiBis, with exquisite traditional and contemporary music from Greece, Anatolia, Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean.

This season of Poetic License will launch the Outer Urban Projects 2017-2018 artistic program.

Season 20 - 24 June 2017 (Opening Night Wed 21 Jun)

Times 11am Tue, 11am and 7pm Wed - Fri, 7pm Sat

Artist Q&A following 11am shows

The haBiBis perform following the 7pm shows

Venue fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Tickets $35 Full / $25 Concession / $12 11am matinee shows

Bookings 03 9662 9966 or fortyfivedownstairs.com

Outer Urban Projects creates new forms of contemporary performance imagined from the life experiences of young emerging artists from the outer northern suburbs - a part of Melbourne that although not at the epicenter of mainstream cultural life, possesses great artistic wealth and community energy. The company gives voice to the unexpressed aspirations and creative potential of ghettoised, culturally diverse emerging artists whose origins span five continents.

Photo credit: Miguel Rios

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