The energy at BATS Theatre tonight is instantly warm and feels like a reunion of friends and supportive lovers of the arts. People are hugging and greeting and laughing, it feels lovely during such odd times (odd isn’t the word but let’s not be too down).

The Studio stage is set with beautiful art, sketches, photos, musical instruments, relics of Scottish ancestry.

Lisa Maule is already on stage, as is Michelle Scullion (musician). Lisa’s son, Giovanni Maule, is at the tech desk. We begin with Lisa’s version of a karakia, written in English. Spoken with the lights out and accompanied by the swooshing sound of breath, it unites us all for the hour together. A wonderful start.

Lisa is a veteran of theatre, having worked as a designer for decades, also as a manager, researcher and coordinator (in other words, one of those magical people who can wrangle the backstage and in-office parts of artistic projects). This is her first foray on stage, presenting her own work. What a privilege to be here to witness!

Lisa has a calming presence on stage, she’s relaxed and convivial and engaging. Her poetry explores her home suburb of Karori, now and past; the changes it has been through. I love her poem “life is a fuck, coming is a privilege” (unsure of the name of the poem but it was my favourite). Lisa’s poetry explores political and social themes, which I like, and is thought provoking and rousing.

However, I would so much like to know more about Lisa’s own life and experiences, as those are the things I find most fascinating about a person and most engaging in a poem. This isn’t to discount her current work, as I very much like it! I just find Lisa so compelling I wonder what else might be lurking in her depths that could be brought onto the page and the stage.

The energy buzzing between Lisa and the incredible Michelle Scullion is such a highlight of the show. Michelle and Lisa are friends and have worked together for years, and now they are together on stage. Michelle brings Lisa’s Revelation Valley to extra life with her vocal and musical accompaniment.  

Another major highlight of the night is guest poet Dylan Fa’atui. Dylan, an actor and community support worker, had never before spoken his poetry aloud to an audience; this is his first time. I am so gobsmacked at this because he’s brilliant. His poetry is funny, rich, rhythmic, honest and totally moving, especially the poem about shame. What an incredible performer, please keep doing this, Dylan!

I love seeing so many people revel in the joy and swirling emotion of hearing poetry aloud. The love and support in the room tonight is an example of how the arts just makes things better and good and all things we need.

Congratulations Lisa, Michelle, Dylan – and upcoming guest poets!  

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