Poet Selina Tusitala Marsh in Newcastle

Pasifika poet Selina Tusitala Marsh will be in Newcastle on Friday 11 October for a free lunchtime event hosted by the University of Newcastle. The Queen and I: A Poetic Journey Through Power, Identity, & Colonialism is a thought-provoking performance during which Selina unravels the tangled threads of history, identity, and power as she recounts her journey from the sun-soaked shores of the South Pacific to the hallowed halls of Westminster Abbey.

Dubbed ‘Colonialism 101 for kids’, Selina’s second graphic memoir Mophead TU: The Queen’s Poem comes to life in this riveting talk. Watch as she grapples with the ultimate question: Can one stand with their people who struggled against the Crown, while simultaneously serving it? Prepare to laugh, reflect, and be moved as Selina’s fast-talking, sharp-witted poetry challenges our perspectives on the lingering shadows of colonialism.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the power of words to bridge divides and inspire change. Hosted by Associate Professor Keri Glastonbury.

From 1pm to 2pm, 11 October, at Watt Space Gallery. This is a free event but registration is required.

Professor Selina Tusitala Marsh is an Auckland-based poet and scholar of Samoan, Tuvaluan, English, Scottish and French descent. Selina’s work has been widely published and has appeared in a range of online and hardcopy literary journals and anthologies. Selina established Pasifika Poetry, an online hub celebrating the poetry of tagata o te moana nui, the peoples of the Pacific. She was Aotearoa New Zealand Poet Laureate from 2017 to 2019.