NZSA Courage Day Poetry Open Mic
Schedule
Wed Nov 13 2024 at 07:00 pm
UTC+13:00Location
118 Tory Street, Wellington, New Zealand 6011 | Wellington, WG
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New Zealand Society of Authors celebrate... Courage Day Each year, the 15th of November marks the International Day of the Imprisoned Writer, also named “Courage Day” in New Zealand. This day recognises writers who defend the right to free speech, and those who suffer oppression and imprisonment because of their writing.
The New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ) gave our Day of the Imprisoned Writer the name, Courage Day after James Courage.
James was born in Amberley and went to school in Christchurch. He was a novelist and poet whose novel A Way of Love was banned because he dared to express homosexuality in his writing. His life and work is recognised in a plaque on the Christchurch Writers’ Trail outside his old school, Christ’s College. James's Grandmother, Sarah Courage was also a writer, and worth remembering on Courage Day. Her book describing colonial life in New Zealand was apparently burned by neighbours who resented comments she made about them.
On Courage Day we recognise brave New Zealand writers, and others whose voices have been silenced. We remember those imprisoned either literally or figuratively for having the courage to write their truth. And we make space for those who have not yet found the courage to tell their story.
The Wellington Branch will be marking Courage Day as part of our next Open Mic event, on 13 November, at The Undercurrent Bookshop. The first half of the evening will be dedicated to works that are relevant to the concept of Courage Day. Our broad theme is imprisonment, which you can interpret as you please. We invite you to join us and share your Courage-inspired writing with us.
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Where is it happening?
118 Tory Street, Wellington, New Zealand 6011, New ZealandEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
