The site where the Old Melbourne Gaol now stands holds many stories – of a violent carceral system, of sacred land, of deep pain and of bold resistance.

What stories might ten young poets uncover within its walls?

Over the course of a day-long workshop, 10 past participants of the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative’s Wondering Poet program will travel from different corners of regional Victoria to the Old Melbourne Gaol, to uncover stories from the historical site, and come up with poetic responses.

With guidance from RMIT law lecturer Lloyd England whose work focuses on therapeutic law and innovative justice, narrative poet and Lecturer in Language and Literacy Education from the University of Melbourne Dr Jack Tan, and Wondering Poet facilitator Sas Hall, students will have the chance to push their poetry in new directions while listening to the stories held within the historical site.

What to expect:

A 90-minute performance facilitated by Sas Hall, featuring original poetry created and performed by ten high school students from across Regional Victoria.

Being Human 2026

This project was produced in collaboration with the 2026 Being Human Festival. Founded in the UK as the only national festival of the humanities, Being Human is now a global celebration dedicated to demonstrating the breadth, diversity and vitality of the humanities.

View the full Festival program here.

Contact the host of Poetry in the Slammer

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