Poetic License

OUP Poetic License Mahmoud Samoun aka Babz - photo by (c) MIGUEL RIOSOnce 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.

Poetic License also features 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.

Poetic License 
fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Season: 21 – 24 June 2017
Bookings: www.fortyfivedownstairs.com

For more information, visit: www.outerurbanprojects.org for details.

Image: Mahmoud Samoun (aka Babz) features in Poetic License – photo by Miguel Rios