Elizabeth Routledge - NSW State Final Wild Card

Submitted by Australian Poet... on Fri, 10/29/2010 - 02:43

Elizabeth Routledge gained a wild card entry into the NSW State Final, after co-winning the Nimbin Performance Poetry World Cup with Tug Dumbly.

Elizabeth has a Masters in Teaching from Sydney Uni and a BA in Classics and English Literature from Victoria Uni, New Zealand. She went to The Drama Studio (1982-4), Acting in Film & Theatre in Australia & NZ. Elizabeth directed and acted in 'The Vagina Monologues' (2005-07) and took the show on a Regional NSW Tour with 2 other actors. She has published a poetry book called, 'Penelope's Shroud' (TopKnot Books 2008) and is currently working on a picture book for teens, to stop children having children. She is currently looking for a publisher and has other writing in the pipeline, including three hander play, 'Adam's Rib and the Longest War'.

APS: How did you feel performing your own writing?
ER: I was probably more attached to getting a good response from the audience... i.e wanted them to like my work which probably made me more nervous... at Nimbin I got dry mouth, which in theatre will go after a couple of mins so for the poetry slam I am think of experimenting with Sylk ( adult lubrication made from kiwi fruit ...completely natural.. hope it will keep my top lip from getting stuck to my teeth!)
Take note, fellow Slam competitors! - APS

APS: Do you have a favourite style of writing or a favourite writer?
ER: Too, too many; I have lately been reading Andre Mcgahan, DBC Pierre and Steven Hall. all brilliant ... old favourites ...Arundhati Roy, Kathering Mansfield, David Malouf... poets ... used to see Sam Hunt perform in NZ... suitably inebriated, think Taylor Mali is outstanding and thought that Tug Dumbly would win the Nimbin Cup ( cos' I thought he was brilliant) so I am honoured to share the Cup with him!

APS: Do you think it is important for Australians to write and perform their own work and why?
ER: Absolutely! Although I am German born, New Zealand raised with British parents, I am an Australian citizen since 1999. Alot of poetry comes alive when performed and a lot of poets are not great readers/performers so the performance poetry is an art in itself... a whole new world has opened up, which is very exciting for me!

Watch Elizabeth perform her poem, 'Fresh Meat & Intercourse' at the NPPWC

We look forward to seeing Elizabeth join the other Slam competitors at the NSW State Final on 19th November!