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Open-mic poetry nights return to Mangawhai Library this month.
The evening events started at the end of 2023 as a forum to share original work, or the work of other writers, creating an inclusive space for anyone who wanted to take part.
Susan Dugdale and Celia Pain were behind the project, which gave the community a place to talk about writing.
They say the format is similar to karaoke, but instead of singing, participants recite poetry.
“We welcome both participants and people who just want to listen,” Susan said.
Celia, who has since returned to live in the United States, said poetry offers a unique sense of completion.
“It’s like a small spark of emotion that you shape and complete in the moment,” she says. “Poetry is quite special, particularly in a country like New Zealand where people can be shy about expressing their feelings.
“It’s a safe way to show vulnerability. There’s something very open-hearted about sharing that with others, and it creates a lovely sense of emotional safety between people, which was one of the main reasons we wanted to offer this.”
When Celia left New Zealand, Damian Rowe stepped in to continue the project alongside Susan, He says the evenings are an opportunity to meet a wide range of people and to gain deeper insight into their lives. Some evenings draw up to 30 people.
The next event will be on February 26, starting at 7.30pm.
