Meet Josiah Morgan
– Poet, Performer, Playwright and Creative Force.
Central Otago Arts is delighted to welcome acclaimed writer, performer and educator Josiah Morgan to Cromwell for three days of workshops, talks and conversations celebrating creativity, writing and the arts.
Fresh from performing at The Court Theatre in Christchurch and following his appointment as Visiting Writer at Washington
State University's Creative Writing Program, Josiah (Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Maniapoto) is one of Aotearoa's leading emerging literary voices. An award-winning poet, playwright, performer and educator, he is the author of i'm still growing (2024), the Macmillan Brown Writers' Prize-winning novella Road: A Postlapsarian Comedy, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, an experimental work blending memoir, criticism and performance.
Whether you're an aspiring writer, an established creative, or simply curious about the creative process, this is a rare opportunity to learn from one of New Zealand's outstanding writers.
Friday, 31 July – Schools Creative Writing Workshop. For local schools (by arrangement).
Working with local students, Josiah will introduce imaginative approaches to writing through poetry, storytelling and creative exercises that encourage experimentation, confidence and creative expression.
Saturday, 1 August – Public Talks & Q&A
Creative Practice as a Way of Living, 10.00am-1.00pm. $30.
This talk explores making a
living as a creative in Aotearoa, drawing ideas from the world around you, and meaningful ways of embedding creative practice into your day-to-day life. We'll dscuss the concrete building blocks of Josiah's pathway toward publicaton.
Writing as a Profession – A Practical Guide, 2.00pm-5.00pm. $30.
This talk explores the business side of being a writer, concrete steps toward
getting published, and how you can put your best foot forward when it comes to creative pursuits.
Attend both talks: $50
Sunday, 2 August – Public Writing Workshop
Writing from Creative Constraints, 9.00am–12.00 noon. $40.
Explore numerous ways to get the writing juices flowing, both in poetry and prose. We'll think about storytelling, using restrictions to help unlock creativity, and test out a range of new ideas together.
The Gate Conference Venue, Cromwell
To book email: [email protected] or text: 022 017 0478.
Whether you write every day, haven't picked up a pen since school, or simply enjoy hearing thoughtful and engaging creatives, this inspiring weekend offers something for everyone.
