Inspired by the 90s 'Def Poetry Jam', Revolution Renegade was birthed in underground Sydney and has created a home and nourishing ground for brave poets, story tellers and performance artists. Combining poetry and spoken word with performance art, dance and an invitational open mic, Mel Ree curates a night of survival, healing, growth, change and REVOLUTION featuring Andrew Cox, Huda the Goddess and Ethan Enoch. The program is an invitation to connect to each other so profoundly that suddenly, amidst such chaotic times, harmony seems possible again.

Producer and MC Mel Ree is an actor, dancer, poet and fierce woman. Born in Papua New Guinea to the daughter of a chief, her ancestors sit at the base of her spine spurring her on to tell her story. Having dedicated her life and art practice to healing, she hopes to spark wildfires within listeners that burn down differences, uniting us in our pain and understanding of this human condition.

Andrew Cox is a proud Filipino/Australian, from the Central Coast of NSW. A regional APS champion and NSW State finalist, Andrew has been a featured act for Sydney Writers Festival & Sydney Contemporary Art Fair. Andrew writes with a desire to see people experience the power of poetry and engage deeply, his live performances are memorable for intensity, honesty and abstract storytelling.

Huda the Goddess is a spoken word poet, educator, mental health advocate, dancer and workshop facilitator. As a proud African-Muslim woman it is important to her that young women from her community are represented and their stories are shared. Poetry is her connection to communities, land and her people. She describes poetry as a sense that allows her to turn experiences into art.

Ethan Enoch is a Noonuccal, Nughi, and Kaanju performer raised in Logan City, south of Meanjin. Ethan’s family hails from Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) on Quandamooka country. Ethan is a Hip-Hop artist, Poet, and an Actor, and has been performing on stage since a young age. Ethan uses Hip-Hop and poetry to enact his sovereignty and raise awareness to the fight of First Nations people in so called Australia, and aims to inspire action and change for all. Ethan released his debut ep in 2022 entitled, “Voice”, fully produced by Meanjin hip-hop producer, Calski. Ethan is also a part of the Hip-Hop duo, “Blak Cadence”, alongside Logan City rep, Trilla-D.

Presented in partnership with VENTspace.

About BEMAC Unplugged

BEMAC Unplugged is a series of shows that recreate the intimate vibe of BEMAC’s shows at Yungaba, showcasing diverse talent and inviting cross-cultural collaboration. For more information about BEMAC’s program of upcoming events, visit bemac.org.au/season/

7:30pm, Friday, March 15
VENTspace
23 Glenelg Street, South Brisbane
Tickets $25: https://events.humanitix.com/bemac-unplugged-mel-rees-revolution-renegades/tickets
More info: bemac.org.au

We encourage all guests to use public transport. VENTSpace is only a 5-minute walk from the South Bank train and bus stations, serviced by many routes. You can find more info about how to get to VENTSpace at https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/journey-planner

BEMAC is a subsidiary of Settlement Services International (SSI), supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.