Spoken Word performs at WORD semi's

Avondale College’s Spoken Word group performed in their first ever semifinal of the Auckland-wide poetry competition, Word the Front Line. There were 13 teams from all across Auckland competing in the semifinals. Meeting other youth poets was a highlight of the team’s time at Word the Front line.

The team, consisting of Tess Robinson, Sheneth Fernando, Zainab Sadat Mosavi, Mandara Keliduwa Gamage, and Harper Spurway, acquitted themselves well, presenting three poems: a full group piece, a trio piece, and a solo performance. The judges were highly complementary of all the poems, and noted that the team’s unity, stage presence, and writing made their performances powerful and emotive.

The team narrowly missed going to the finals but came away feeling encouraged and excited for next year. The club is always looking for new members and no prior experience in spoken word poetry is required to join. Since the beginning, the team has improved markedly and developed increased confidence in writing and performance. The entire team agrees that it has been a thoroughly successful year.

Thank you to Mrs. Gore, Mr. Moore, and Action Ed for supporting this kaupapa. We are all very grateful for the experience.

• Harper Spurway (Year 10)