Upon discovering her predecessor Ellen F Young in the pages of a little-known handwritten poetry collection from the 1800s, award-winning spoken word artist Megan J Riedl embarks on a transformative journey to discover what it means to be the voice of a city. Now, give this woman a soapbox!
Megan J Riedl makes her full-length debut in this thought-provoking solo theatrical performance featuring spoken-word, lecture, video and soundscape.
In an impossible collaboration spanning 175 years, new poetic works are woven from the space between the lines in Ellen F Young’s 1850s collection. Her encounter with her predecessor reminds Megan who she’s always been – a woman of audacity and drive, destined to leave a poetic legacy.
These two “difficult” women gain agency through the poetic voice and ultimately craft themselves as The Ballarat Poetess. Their words will leave your heart full of hope.
Not just for history buffs, the show will appeal to lovers of literature, but also politically savvy people who see themselves as rebels.
“Dynamic, reflective, poignant and artful.” “Moving, beautifully woven and captivating!” “A triumph! Megan’s poetry is *chef’s kiss*” “Got me thinking about my own personal inspirations, and how I’m linked to the past.”
Suitable for ages 12+. Parental guidance suggested for younger viewers.
The Ballarat Poetess is suitable for school audiences. The work is aimed to align with F-10 curriculum in Years 7-10 History, Civics & Citizenship, The Arts – Drama and English, and with VCE Curriculum in Drama, Theatre Studies, History & Literature.
Show Duration / Runtime
90 mins (75 mins + 15 minute interval)
Setup / Bump In Duration
2.5 hrs (includes tech set-up and cue-to-cue rehearsal)
Pack Down / Bump Out Duration
1 hour
Warnings:
Mild and very occasional course language. Adult themes (misogyny, bigotry, discrimination, political activism, riot, arson, grief, death of a parent, cancer). Depiction of haunting voices.
Performance Fee
$3,105
Does this fee include travel costs
No
Royalties % (if applicable): Community Presenters.
$225 flat fee OR 15% net box office takings, whichever is greater.
Breakdown of Royalites
Royalties are paid equitably to the lead creative and videographer.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
The Ballarat Poetess also offers a range of add-on events for community engagement including artist talk/q&A, workshops and masterclasses in poetry and performance. Please see Megan’s website for more information. www.meganjriedl.com/the-ballarat-poetess
Before continuing, please ensure you meet all five eligibility criteria listed above.
Applications that do not meet these criteria cannot be funded.
Regional Arts Victoria acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners and Elders – past and present – of the lands on which Regional Arts Victoria operates. We acknowledge that sovereignty was not ceded. We acknowledge Aboriginal connection to cultural and creative practice for more than 65,000 years on the lands that we work on and extend our respect to First Nations people throughout the communities where we live and work.
