Gus Simonovic and Peter O'Connor

Words are powerful things, especially for the young. Language and creativity have the ability to help navigate us through times of change and uncertainty. Both Gus Simonovic and Peter O’Connor have worked extensively with young people to give their creativity voice. Peter has used theatre and creativity to help children navigate through traumatic times, starting in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes. In The Secret Book of Poetry, Gus and Caroline Masters have compiled an anthology that reveals the vitality and imagination of young New Zealand poets, as language helps step them through the uncertainties of life. Together, they explore the transformative power of creativity and imagination.

Gus Simonovic is a cultural catalyst; poet, educator, creative entrepreneur, publisher, and producer. His work has been widely published, and performed, locally and internationally. Gus is a driving force behind long-standing poetic project Printable Reality. Even though he can be hard to understand, at times - his English seems to be broken in all the right places. He claims he understands himself, and is dedicating his life and work to understanding others. Most of his actions are inspired by simplicity, sustainability, beauty and minimalism.

Peter O’Connor is Professor of Education and Director of the Critical Research Unit In Applied Theatre at the University of Auckland. Peter has created theatre and researches its use in prisons, psychiatric hospitals, schools, dementia wards and natural disaster zones. He established Everyday Theatre in 2003 which has worked with over 60,000 young people creating a forum to talk about family violence and abuse.  Peter’s most recent books include The Pedagogy of Surprise, The Possibilities of Creativity and Playing with Possibilities.

Buy a single session $15.00 ($12.00 Concession). Bookings at iTICKET.co.nz