The Red Dirt Poetry Festival, a highly anticipated five-day celebration of poetry and spoken word, kicks off today in Central Australia, offering a vibrant lineup of events designed to inspire and engage attendees.
The festival’s program is packed with creative and thought-provoking activities, including performance poetry, panels, and workshops. One of the highlights is the re-staging of Agapi & Other Kinds of Love at the Araluen Arts Centre. This modern hip-hop opera, rooted in the ancient Greek storytelling tradition, is based on Plato’s The Symposium. Greek-Australian poet and rap artist Luka Lesson, known as one of Australia’s premier storytellers, will lead audiences on a journey through the diverse forms of love explored in ancient Greek culture.
Other notable events include the Australian Poetry Slam – Central Australian Heat, various writing and publishing workshops, and Moonrise Poetry—an enchanting evening of poetry and storytelling under the stars at the Earth Sanctuary. The festival also features a unique experience where participants on camelback will traverse the desert, encountering poets along the way who will share their work.
The Red Dirt Poetry Festival is supported by the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) through the Event Funding Program, ensuring that this celebration of words and creativity continues to thrive in Central Australia.