The Flirtation of Girls/Ghazal el-Banat | State Library of New South Wales
Arts
Literary Arts
Experience an enchanting evening of poetic readings and captivating conversations at the State Library of New South Wales in Sydney. Mark your calendars for December 6, 2023, as Sara M Saleh presents her debut poetry collection, The Flirtation of Girls/Ghazal el-Banat. This extraordinary anthology explores the intricate identities of Arab-Australian Muslim women, delving deep into their personal and political lives through rich and thought-provoking dialogues across three generations.
Joining Sara M Saleh on this exclusive occasion are esteemed poets Sara Mansour, Anne-Marie Te Whiu, and Zainab Syed. Sara Mansour, a renowned writer and lawyer, co-founded and directs Bankstown Poetry Slam, Australia's largest regular poetry slam. Her exceptional work has earned national recognition and accolades, including winning the Special Award at the Premier's Literary Awards. In addition, Sara has curated and directed groundbreaking events such as Muslim Agenda, the country's first-ever Muslim Women's festival, and Brave New Word, a poetry festival dedicated to the youth.
Sara M Saleh, a gifted writer and human rights lawyer, has garnered widespread acclaim for her poems, essays, and short stories. As the daughter of Palestinian, Lebanese, and Egyptian migrants, her work presents a unique perspective on race and identity. Sara is the first poet to win both the prestigious Peter Porter Poetry Prize in 2021 and the Judith Wright Poetry Prize in 2020. Her remarkable achievements include being the recipient of the inaugural Affirm fellowship for Sweatshop writers and various residencies and grants.
Anne-Marie Te Whiu, an Australian-born Māori writer, is another captivating voice in the poetry scene. Her upcoming debut collection, Mettle, will soon be published by the University of QLD Press, showcasing her profound talent rooted in her Te Rarawa iwi ancestry. Currently a Senior Producer at Red Room Poetry, Anne-Marie has also served as co-director of the Queensland Poetry Festival and is involved with the Writers Program for the Aotearoa NZ International Arts Festival 2024.
Zainab Syed, a poet and producer, brings her unique blend of live performance and social justice advocacy to the stage. With a focus on intercultural collaborations and inclusive frameworks, Zainab has worked with marginalized communities across the globe, including incarcerated women, trauma victims, and refugees. Her recent appointment as Director, International at Creative Australia further establishes her commitment to enabling systemic change within the arts.
Don't miss this extraordinary evening of poetic brilliance and profound conversations at the State Library of New South Wales. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of The Flirtation of Girls/Ghazal el-Banat and discover the diverse voices shaping contemporary poetry. Admission is free, so mark your calendars and experience the power of words firsthand.