By Tanya Steele
The Writers and Rhythm community group presented an all women’s line up at the Memo on Friday 10 March.
Catherine Nolan, the group coordinator is a long time supporter of local talent and was proud to present the line up to support women in the arts.
The artists featured were Merrilyn Duff, Gaia, Szara Fox and Vasudah Harte, a diverse line up of talent who presented original music singing in language, poetry and shorts for a burgeoning film project.
Gaia, who is a younger talent and filmmaker, thoroughly enjoyed performing on the night and described it as a supportive space as a younger artist.
“It was absolutely such a powerful experience, such an honour to be a part of and just playing and sharing alongside those women, I think everyone in the room could feel how beautiful it was,” she said.
The young filmmaker enjoyed the line up and was impressed by the range of singing, poetry and the powerful performance by Merriln Duff who is a proud Palawa woman who sang in language at the event.
“There’s no judgement and it is such a safe space for people to share, it brings a real authenticity to the performances, it was so warm,“ she said.
Gaia said she loves performing with Writers and Rhythm, enjoyed the event and appreciates how it has helped her development as an artist.
“The first time I ever played it was with Writers and Rhythm it was my first gig, and it’s such a vulnerable thing to share your own songs and stories and it’s such a safe space you can completely do that, with the other artists and the audience,” she said.
Writers and Rhythm has been running for over 30 years in different formats and organiser Catherine Nolan likes to bring a range of experiences to the public, while supporting artists on their creative journeys.
More events will be held throughout the year.
