Poems for Paws

Overview

Redfern's Giant Dwarf Theatre is doing its bit for bushfire relief with a poetry slam for charity. The space will host Poems for Paws on Thursday, February 13 and Saturday, February 15, with all proceeds going to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.

Headlining the first night is Brendan Cowell, the famed Sydney-based actor (Game of Thrones), writer (Ruben Guthrie) and director. He will perform excerpts from his one-man show Cowell at the Moon. On the second night, all-round talented human Tim Minchin and award-winning journalist Leigh Sales will also be on the bill.

Apart from Cowell, Minchin and Sales, heaps more Aussie stars will take the stage to perform their original poetry. Expect to hear from the likes of singer Sarah Blasko, radio presenter Merrick Watts, actress and model Lily Stewart, actress Claudia Karvan (The Secret Life of Us, Newton's Law, Love My Way), The Whitlams' lead singer Tim Freedman, Christiaan Van Vuuren of Bondi Hipsters fame, rapper and radio presenter Matt Okine, and award-winning actress Susan Prior (The Rover, Puberty Blues).

Apart from the pros, budding poets everywhere are encouraged to get involved, too. If you're interested, you can email poetryforpaws@gmail.com to submit your entry until midnight Thursday, February 6.

Tickets are $30 a pop, with all proceeds going to charity. The performances will run (with intermission) from 7.30–10pm, with the courtyard bar open from 6.30pm so you can grab a drink and even chat to the performers before the night begins.

UPDATE: FEBRUARY 6, 2020 — After selling out its first show, Poetry for Paws has added a second show on Saturday, February 15 with more notable performers taking the stage. The above article has been updated to reflect this.