Mel Ree chats all things Revolution Renegade: “expect to laugh, maybe cry…and be outright entertained!”
We had a chat with Revolution Renegade host & curator MEL REE about the origins of REVOLUTION RENEGADE, what it means, and what audiences can expect from the shows.
(DARLO): Hi Mel, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to create REVOLUTION RENEGADE?
(MEL): I have been an active part of the spoken word/poetry/performance art community for some years now. In these spaces I have cut my teeth as a new performer and writer, made mistakes, learnt from them, defined and refined my craft. I owe who I have become to open mics, community spaces and other powerful women who let me have my turn. It is only right that I curate spaces to encourage, support and marvel at the new generations along with legends of the thriving QTBIPOC Sydney art scene!
I am a proud artist and member of the Inner West creative and Queer communities and a loud, bold, Woman of Colour. I noticed that the Queer communities and Black communities don’t often mix, although we do all have a deep understanding of being marginalised and living from a place of survival. I knew I could bring these communities together; the Revolution after all does not have a face, only voices and stories that will echo throughout history.
(DARLO): What does “REVOLUTION RENEGADE” mean and what can audiences expect from this event?
(MEL): It means come here love, bring your voice, your shame, your stories of all the ways you’ve expressed your pain; bring your weary heart, your love, your humble listening. When we gather we speak healing into each other. Let community open you; let profound, simple truths shake you or caress the humanity in you.
Storytelling is the oldest form of education. We come together to open, to understand, to learn and be held. After these past years we have all endured, I know we all need spaces like this. I am constantly amazed by the amount of people who tell me after an event how much they needed that level of connection. I use the word sacred all the time, but the fact is nothing else will do. It is sacredness - the people’s ‘church’ - where the only true belief is that we all exist; our existence is valid, our voices are vehicles for truth.
The audience can expect to hear stories from bodies they might not often roll with; new perspectives constantly carved, or stories from bodies that represent who they are: an affirmation of self mirrored in another. The audience can expect to laugh, maybe cry, to access a depth of humanity reserved for the hallways of poetry, and to be outright entertained!
(DARLO): It sounds like a vibe! Walk us through a typical event...
(MEL): We open with a performance of excellence: ME (haha)! I am in the delicious phase of gaining confidence as a writer and performance artist, I promise to bring new, surprising offerings each time!
Next up is the open mic: the first 10 to sign up will secure a spot. An eclectic mix of artists, poetry, song, rap; some fresh, some seasoned, the standard just keeps getting better!
After a short break we have 3 feature artists. They’re always a mix of disciplines, always QTBIPOC & always ridiculously talented!
(DARLO): The line-up on Sat 6 Nov looks incredible, can you give us a quick run on who the featured artists are and why audiences can't miss this show?
(MEL): ABSA-FRUITLY! I know I've said this a lot already, however, I’M SO EXCITED! The fact I get to curate artists I LOVE upside down and sideways is beyond heavenly!
We have:
KING CXNTESSA!
King Cxntessa, draws inspiration and curiosity from past, present and futuristic styles of Drag, Theatre and Pacific Culture to create storyboards relatable to the human experience. A beautiful beast entails her movement, composed yet stanch!
NEEMZ!
I met this talented sister at a previous Revolution Renegade. I heard her on the open mic and knew immediately I would feature her one day soon.
“When I was introduced to writing and language through school, I was struck with purpose and wonder for the infinite ways in which I could express myself. This subsequently evolved to poetry. Shortly afterwards, I felt the same image calling to rhythm. In 2020, fate aligned and I was earnestly welcomed into the music community. I've been germinating in it ever since. All I know is I’m ready to spread my roots and speak my mind” - NEEMZ
DANIEL MATEO!
I have curated this poet a few times this year at different events. I can't get enough of this beautiful soul!
Daniel Mateo is a descent of the Gomeroi/Gamilaraay people on his mother’s side and on his fathers, a descendant of the pasifika people of ma’ufanga in the remaining kingdom of Tonga. Daniel is a multidisciplinary artist exploring the colonial language in the form of poetry as well as painting and dance to showcase and tell the stories and true history that’s embedded in blak Australia’s history.
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS:
SELA VAI
One of Sydney’s best dancers/choreographers! World renowned and highly accomplished!
BASJIA ALMAAN!
House of Silky star, activist, model and community legend!
(DARLO): And finally, if you could describe REVOLUTION RENEGADE in 5 words, what would they be?
(MEL):
SACRED
CONNECTION
FREEDOM
COMMUNITY
REVOLUTION
REVOLUTION RENEGADE is on Saturday 6 November & Saturday 11 December at Darlinghurst Theatre Company. Tickets are from $35 and can be booked below.