In a world defined by rising geopolitical tension and challenges, the ADS Refugee Week Poetry Slam provided a moment of reflection through spoken word poetry performances. Poets from diverse cultural backgrounds pushed the boundaries of language to explore themes of loss, hope and resistance. This unique platform offered a safe space for an artistic, cultural and intergenerational exchange. As poet, Elizabeth Mora, reflected after the event, ‘I have never felt so at home in my local community’.
Rob Waters – Australian Poetry Slam Champion 2023
We were deeply honoured to have Rob Waters – a poet, storyteller, cultural educator and spoken word artist – open the night. As a Gomeroi man deeply connected to the north-west of New South Wales, Rob uses poetry as a captivating vehicle for storytelling. In a true masterclass in reclaiming power through spoken word, Rob Waters’s poem about the Stolen Generation served as a poignant reminder of the original dispossession experienced by Australia’s First Nations people when the first tall ships sailed into Botany in 1788.
It was a privilege to listen and bear witness to Rob’s story through his spellbinding spoken word performance. As one audience member reflected, ‘It was a unique opportunity to see how CALD and Aboriginal communities can come together and to meet and get together through poems.’
Open Mic Performances
Seasoned performer and creative, as well as our very own ADS staff member, Shymaa Khalifa, took to the open mic component of the event with a brilliantly written and performed poem about her daughter’s feelings and experience as a migrant child in a new country. Shymaa also reflected on the need for more local spaces where women can write and express themselves creatively without judgement or scrutiny. ‘It is important to provide safe spaces for women to connect and empower one another through creative pursuits.’
One particularly moving performance from the night came from another open mic participant, Pema Lama. Pema, a recent first-time mother, took to the stage to express her creative voice through a melodic poem in her native Nepali. She prefaced her performance by explaining that the poem helped her process the challenges of moving to Australia and navigate her journey into motherhood. As a first-time performer, Pema commanded the stage with raw vulnerability and bravery – a true honour for the audience to witness.
Feature Performances
The audience was treated to a selection of featured performances. Many were original pieces, while others were renowned poems from their performer’s home country. The poems were delivered in native languages and in English, or a hybrid of both.
Lujane Elwan, a 17 year old high school student of Palestinian heritage, invited the audience to travel with her as she performed ‘Palestinians’, a poem conveying the intense struggle of emotions between the beauty of Palestinian heritage and the ongoing fight for liberation.
Veronika Babchenko, an 18 year old Ukrainian and ADS client, beautifully encapsulated her Ukrainian culture and identity through a poem by Vasyl Symonenko, a renowned Ukrainian poet and activist. Veronika reflected on her creative journey and experiences by saying, ‘Life is like modelling clay; the more I sculpt, the more interesting and defined it turns out.’
Through the loving eyes of a daughter and granddaughter, Elizabeth Mora shared a poem and a vivid short story about her family’s migratory travels. Filled with humour and heart, Elizabeth explored the concepts of ancestral wisdom and displacement as seen through multiple generations.
Palestinian-Kiwi writer, Huda Shahira, powerfully performed her poem ‘My Arabic is Broken’, a biting commentary on the enduring impact of colonialism on the cultural and linguistic development of her Palestinian identity.
Paris Rosemount then burst onto the stage with an animated and visceral performance of ‘Banana Girl’, a poem exploring issues of identity, displacement, generational trauma and the ultimate reclaiming of one’s power through literary expression.
Najah Haider, a poet, artist and creative all-rounder, enchanted the audience with a haunting recital of a poem by renowned Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish.
Rosie and Shaun Liang formed a dynamic husband and wife duo, with Rosie enthralling the audience with a poem exploring the intergenerational differences in the migration journey as experienced by their daughter.
Finally, an honoured member of our Ukrainian community and ADS client, Liudmyla, took to the stage to perform a poem written specifically for this special occasion. Through spoken verse, Liudmyla wielded strength and resilience as she processed feelings of homesickness and her fervent wish for peace in Ukraine.
Poetry on Canvas
Hana, another Ukrainian ADS client and artist, brought the magical night to life on canvas, offering a remarkable rendition of each poet’s contribution to the night. Hana came to art as part of her own healing journey and we were honoured to have her share her incredible skills as part of this amazing night.
Parting Words
As a surprise finale, Rob performed his most recent poem, written just minutes before. He was accompanied by his son Jayden Kitchener-Waters on guitar, singing in Gomeroi language. It was a perfect and impactful end to an extraordinary night.
Inspiration and Thanks
This year’s Refugee Week Multilingual Poetry Slam was inspired by Ukrainian refugee Liudmylla Dzyba, an honoured member of our Ukrainian community and ADS client. Liudmylla’s moving recitation of Ukrainian poems at ADS’ International Day of Mother Languages in February captivated and transported her audience, transcending language and borders. Her performance showcased strength and resilience in the face of the most harrowing circumstances. This poetry event (hopefully the first of many) recognises the need for a formal platform for Liudmylla and other poets like her to express their artistry, language and culture through poetry and space for many diverse voices and native languages to be heard.
Our heartfelt thanks goes to Marguarite Elson, from Georges River Council, and Shyama Sri from ADS. A special shoutout goes to Caitlin So, a UNSW Social Work student whose creative vision and energy were pivotal in making this event a success. Caitlin ensured the space was warm, welcoming and safe for all the poets, including newcomers and first-time performers.
We extend our gratitude to all the amazing poets and artists who participated, shedding light on the transformative power of familial bonds to face adversity and provide solace, support and belonging to those forced to flee their homelands.
Extensive Reach
This event has impacted beyond our local community with national exposure on SBS News. Rob Waters, Lyudmila Dzyba, Lujane Elwan and Shyama Sri were recently featured on the SBS News podcast showcasing this special multilingual poetry gathering. You can listen to the podcast HERE.
Stunning Visual Poetry
Each featured performer had their poetry visually depicted in a booklet given to every audience member. Written in the native language of each poem, this booklet served as a beautiful keepsake, allowing audience members to continue their own reflections on the theme of ‘Finding Freedom’.
View the ‘Refugee Week 2024 Poetry Slam: Finding Freedom through Verse’ booklet and the poets HERE