Will Do! Celebrating William Shakespeare

Poetry Sydney presents an evening of poetry and performance in celebration of William Shakespeare at the Shakespeare Hotel on Wednesday, 27 April 2022.

As a writer we may think Shakespeare to be courtly, cerebral, metaphysical, melancholic, Machiavellian, neurotic, light-hearted, loving and much more. However, as there are few factual things known about him we are in the curious position of compelling ourselves to adding to his portrait.

This is the eighth annual Sydney Shakespeare event that celebrates his life and work with performances, poetry and open readings. It is an inclusive community event and welcoming to all who share a passion for Shakespeare and would enjoy participating, being in the audience and being entertained.

The event will occupy four rooms on the first-floor of the Shakespeare Hotel, offering a speak-easy atmosphere with the interior design and architecture of the mid-eighteen hundreds.  Hosted by Tug Dumbly, a poet, performer, satirist, and singer, songwriter, who has worked extensively in live venues, schools, and radio. 

The evening will feature a cast of celebratory performances that include original compositions on piano by celebrated musician Anton Koritni, ‘Shakespeare is a master of brevity. He condenses deep and complex sentiments into a handful of lyrics. In writing the music for these songs I have attempted to create an atmosphere that echoes the various sentiments of these exceptional poems that strike to the very core of the human condition’.  

Sydney based poet Richard James Allen will take centre stage, ‘William Shakespeare casts a long shadow over Western writers. Like the big brother who sets the stage and who it is impossible ever to live up to. You can see it in the number of his lines that have become titles for books or quotes within them. As a poet interested in the lyrical, in the dramatic, and above all in the voice of interior consciousness, Shakespeare has been inescapable for me’.

Sonnets will be recited by Peter Whitehead, a traditional Czech puppetry performance of an adapted scene from Hamlet monologue Act 3 Scene 1, by award winning puppeteer Lenka Muchová. Playwright, director and performer Trisha Starrs of Starrs productions will perform Lady Macbeth. Well-known Sydney bard on his bass, John Maddox will play all sorts of bizzare and unique styles with many acts.  Cabaret performance poet Lou Steer will surprise, and the Shakespeare trivia competition will be hosted by radio maker and poet Regina Botros. There are more performance acts programmed including an open mic.

An open reading and open mic will be staged throughout the event. Registrations are encouraged to ensure a position. Email through your participation to mail@poetrysydney.org.

Expect new experiences through poetry and performance in celebration of Shakespeare at the Shakespeare Hotel.

Poetry Sydney gives respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the traditional owners of the land we live, create, meet and work.

poetrysydney.org