PO Box 1389
Darlinghurst NSW 1300
Telephone 02 9319 5090
Mobile 0425 312 334
info@redroomcompany.org
ABN 35 103 464 446
MEDIA RELEASE
27 October 2009
POLITICS AND POETRY DO MIX
Politicians, Poets and the Public will rejoice in the delights
of new verse at the inaugural NSW Parliamentary Poetry Soiree
tomorrow night.
The Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts, The
Hon Virginia Judge MP, will host the event that will feature special readings by two of
Australia’s finest poets, David Malouf and Judith Beveridge.
A roll-call of politicians has signed-on to share their verse on a range of subjects and
issues, along with community members, with a maximum time limit of four minutes per
reading.
“The importance of poetry and verse to bring pleasure, communicate ideas, enliven
imaginations and clarify feelings cannot be underestimated,” commented co-organiser
Johanna Featherstone, Artistic Director of The Red Room Company.
“This event supports established poets and also offers a space for others to read their
own work.
“We congratulate Minister Judge for encouraging this fun platform for generating
increased respect for, interest in and reading of Australian poetry.”
The audience will also be treated to the music of guitarist, pianist, composer and
arranger Ashley Chatto.
The Soiree is sponsored by The Week, Poets Union and the NSW Writers Centre.
What:
NSW Parliament Poetry Soiree
When:
Wednesday, 28 October
Where:
Piano Lounge, Strangers’ Dining Rooms, Parliament House, Macquarie
Street, Sydney
Time:
6-7pm
Media inquiries: Johanna Featherstone, Red Room Company, on 0425 312 334, or
Graham Cassidy, Cato Counsel, on 0419 202317
The Red Room Company creates, promotes and publishes a spectrum of poetry by Australian writers, in
unusual ways. The company is not-for-profit and is supported by The Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation,
The Australia Council for the Arts, Arts NSW, The Ian Potter Foundation and The Keir Foundation
NEWS 
