Fever! A Poetry Gala
Part of VERB Readers and Writers Festival 2026
Some feelings arrive knotted together, blissful and aching all at once.
Inspired by words from Chris Tse’s new collection Dance-Floor Romance, this electric poetry event invites poets to respond to the line: ‘pleasure and pain share a heart’.
Where longing meets euphoria, and nostalgia pulses through the body like the beat of your favourite pop ballad, Hinemoana Baker, Simon Sweetman, Jackson McCarthy, Helen Rickerby, and Nafanua Purcell Kersel take to the stage with poems that shimmer, sting and seduce.
Hosted by award-winning playwright and Arts Laureate Victor Rodger, guiding us through the beautiful tension where pleasure meets pain.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Chris Tse and Tusiata Avia are no longer able to attend Verb Readers & Writers Festival. Victor Rodger will be replacing Chris to MC this event.
8:30pm Friday 25 September 2026
See Ticketing T&Cs.