STREETSIDE: Britomart is our surprising, hilarious, profound, and a little bit wild fringe evening! For one night only, writers, musicians and artists take to the streets of Britomart for an extravaganza of creative shenanigans. From intriguing performers to captivating conversations to enchanting activities, Streetside is for everyone — whether you’re a reader, writer, both, or neither… It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s full of surprises. Expect the unexpected and get ready to experience a night of literary mayhem. No ticket or registration required — just turn up and join the ride.
ART CHEMIST
From the mind of Audrey Baldwin, Art Chemist is a cross between an apothecary, a therapist’s office and an arts’ directory. With a roster of the AWF ‘24 events at her fingertips, the Art Chemist is here to soothe your ailments with creative prescriptions and literary cure-alls. Drop by for a one-on-one consultation with Aiwa Pooamorn as your Art Chemist.
6-8pm
Takutai Square
BOOK (FIGHT) CLUB
For one night only, Takutai Sqaure is transformed into a wrestling ring where eight randomly selected books enter the literati ThunderDome… and only one leaves. In this hilarious street performance, former WWF wrestling superstar, El Jaguar, brings together his two deepest loves: books & fights. Don’t miss out on the world’s first Book (Fight) Club where book club discussions are followed by a deadly battle between some of our favourite reads.
6.15-6.45pm Round 1
7.15-7.45pm Round 2
Takutai Square
SHOULD I HAVE READ THAT?
Eight writers share the moment they realized they were ‘reading beyond their age’... Saraid de Silva, Rachael King, Sam Orchard, Nathan Joe, James Wenley, Jess Karamjeet and romesh dissanayake will be your confessors for the evening, alongside event curator Claudia Jardine as MC.
6-6.15pm Rachael King & Jess Karamjeet
6.30-6.45pm Sam Orchard & James Wenley
7-7:15pm Saraid de Silva & Nathan Joe
7.30-7.45pm romesh dissanayake & Claudia Jardine
Rocketman, 10 Roukai Lane
A LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF
What would you tell your younger self if you had the chance? Four spoken word poets perform works in response to Marcus Mackenzie’s award-winning poem, A Letter to My Younger Self. If you feel inspired while listening to the performers – envelopes and paper will be available to write your own letter, with an open mic at the end of the night to read your work. Led by Marcus Mackenzie, and featuring performances from Tim Heath, Jess Rayner, Talia Stanley, Ngaio Simmons.
6-6.15pm Marcus Mackenzie
6.30-6.45pm Tim Heath & Talia Stanley
7-7.15pm Jess Rayner & Ngaio Simmons
7.30-7.45pm Marcus Mackenzie
7.45-8pm Open Mic
Spacefor, 52 Tyler Street
VOICES FROM THE PACIFIC
This collaboration between internationally renowned UK climate poetry activist collective, Hot Poets and dynamic Māori & Pacific poets based in Tāmaki Makaurau captures the effects of the climate emergency on tangata whenua and tangata moana. Supported by The British Council Connections Through Culture Grant and curated by Zech Soakai, read through the powerful words of four emerging Pacific storytellers who are writing at the intersection of arts and activism. Featuring works from: Kapitania Funaki, Simaima Palei, Luani Nansen and AigagalefiliFepulea’i-Tapua’i. For the month of May, you can view the exhibition on the Britomart Pavilions.
Te Ara Tahuhu and Galway Street
TE AWA O KUPU
Eight authors from the recently released Te Awa o Kupu anthology come together to perform their work. With originality and insight, these poems illuminate the vibrant writing of contemporary Māori authors. Hear from Kiri Piahana-Wong, Vaughan Rapatahana, Arihia Latham, Amber Esau, Jessie Puru, Briar Wood, Robert Sullivan and essa may ranapiri.
6-6.15pm Kiri Piahana-Wong & essa may ranapiri
6.30-6.45pm Arihia Latham & Robert Sullivan
7-7.15pm Jessie Puru & Briar Wood
7.30-7.45pm Amber Esau & Vaughan Rapatahana
Valet Parking, Opposite Takutai Square
SOMETHING HAPPENED HERE
Five writers have been deep in the documentary archives of the Auckland Museum exploring the theme of landscapes, memory and history. They emerge for one night only to perform an original new piece inspired by something they found (or did not find) there. Be sure to pick up a free zine of their work to take away too! Hear from Selina Tusitala Marsh, Jade Kake, Michel Mulipola and Tsitsi Mapepa, peppered with activities by MC Dominic Hoey.
6-6.15pm Dominic Hoey
6.45-7pm Selina Tusitala Marsh
7.15-7.30pm Tsitsi Mapepa
7.45-8pm Michel Mulipola
Hayman Kronfeld Building Lobby, 15 Galway Street
ASK ME ANYTHING! (EXCEPT ABOUT MY BOOK)
Award-winning author and Better Off Read Podcasthost Pip Adam is here to interview four writers about anything…except their books. Through a series of unhinged quick-fire questions (and a buzzer in case writing or books are brought up), learn all about your favourite authors beyond what they write. Chris Tse, Airana Ngarewa, Jan Kemp, Shilo Kino take to the stage fueled by croissants and coffee.
6-6.15pm Airana Ngarewa
6.30-6.45pm Jan Kemp
7-7.15pm Shilo Kino
7.30-7.45pm Chris Tse
Daily Bread, 13 Galway Street
STREETSIDE: BRITOMART is in partnership with the Auckland Writers Festival
