SUNDAY Bites is back for its second monthly event of 2022 to be held in Raleigh Hall, Walter Street Raleigh on Sunday 10 April at 4pm until 5pm, admission free.

“This month sees the MC of Bellingen’s Poetry Slam, Jason John, sharing some of the backstory about writing and performing slam poetry, and perhaps inspire you to share your story this June at the Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival (BRWF),” Beth Gibbings, Sunday Bites spokesperson told News Of The Area.

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Jason is a nationally recognised performance poet, and winner of the Bellingen Poetry Slam at BRWF in 2019.

Jason told NOTA what attendees can expect, “To some extent it will depend on the audience, but they will be seeing a very enthusiastic amateur bring religion, sex, politics, science and climate action into often awkward conversation, using often awkward rhyming structures to do it.

“I’ll talk about some of the why of it all, and maybe invite someone up to perform a simple poem.

“I try to mix absurdity and serious reflection, sometimes it works, and if it isn’t, people can pop out to get a cuppa and then wander back in two minutes later for the next bit.”

With the Poetry Slam coming up at BRWF 2022, Jason offers some tips and techniques to potential performers.

“The only legal way to get over stage fright, and still be coherent, is to frighten yourself on stage enough times.

“Each fright gets a little less, like a flatworm being exposed to the light.

“Almost everyone is going to be very supportive and wishing you well, after all, they want to be caught up in the moment too.

“And almost everyone will have forgotten what you say between five minutes and five hours after you finish, whether you crash and burn or excel, so hold it all as lightly as you can.

“And wear black pants/skirt so no one can see if you pee yourself on stage, then your biggest fear is taken care of already.

“If you’re starting out, just read it, but still practise it a lot.

“When you are totally sick of it, it’s ready to go.

Most importantly, come to the writing and performing workshops on 7 May and start giving it a go.”

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“The audience at BRWF Poetry Slam has a great energy, and it’s always sold out, so it’s packed and noisy.

“Everyone is really positive and supportive, and hopefully the poets feel more like a team or a temporary little community than competitors.

“And with random audience judges you know that the scores are nearly as much about luck as your actual poem and performance, which takes the pressure off.”

“This second Sunday Bites follows on from a highly successful session with Bellingen’s new shire Mayor, Steve Allan in March,” said Beth.

By Andrea FERRARI