Victorious Voices Poetry Workshop @ Haus of Owl (Doors @ 4:15-4:30PM) 4:30 - 5:30PM
Meet at the entrance at the corner of Burdett and Blanshard

Join Victoria Poet Laureate Marie Metaphor Specht for a 1-hour poetry workshop as part of Victorious Voices Festival!
With guidance from Marie Metaphor, explore the power of unexpected imagery and figurative language in your poetry through a series of prompts and writing exercises. Together we will reflect, write, listen and discuss in a mutually respectful and collaborative atmosphere*. Let’s shake out the narrative and push your audience to visualize your words, inviting them to help you tell the story by connecting it to their own experience. Please come prepared with an open mind, something to write with and water or any refreshments you need to be comfortable.

*This workshop is a consent-focused space and participants can engage at whatever level is comfortable for them.

Marie Metaphor Specht is a multidisciplinary artist, poet, and educator living on the unceded territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən- and SENĆOTEN-speaking peoples. In addition to her independent practice, she has collaborated with filmmakers, lighting engineers, dancers, and musicians to create immersive and interactive works. A long-time member of the Canadian spoken word scene, Marie is currently serving a two-year term as the 6th Poet Laureate of Victoria, British Columbia. Her work has been featured at festivals, arts events and poetry slams across the country. She believes in the transformative power of this art form and has had the privilege of coaching and creating space for youth poets for two decades.

Marie’s poetry has been published in Oratorealis, Untethered Magazine, Chestnut Review, The Hellebore, and Room Magazine, among others. Her debut full-length poetry collection, Soft Shelters is available now with Write Bloody North Publishing.