The Big Issue

On June 16th, there was a performance at Carlton Courthouse Theatre of some of Melbourne’s Big Issue Vendors and Friends presenting work produced from writing and visual art workshops.

The workshops have been conducted by industry professionals, including acclaimed Melbourne writer and storyteller Arnold Zable; Alan Attwood, editor of The Big Issue; performance poet and writer alicia sometimes, and artist Jeanne Browne.

The workshops are intended to foster the natural inventiveness and originality that many of the vendors display in their daily life. Whether they represent Australia at the Homeless World Cup as a member of the Street Socceroos, stand on our street corners selling the magazine, busk for a living, or sing in the Choir of hard Knocks, our Big Issue vendors are arguably the highest profile marginalised group in Australia and this is an opportunity for them to be heard in their own right. Their poems and stories offer opportunities for critical reflection, a window to explore areas of social concern, and a chance to share their lives.

The program has also been generously supported by the City of Melbourne, Australia Council for the Arts, La Mama Theatre and Wesley Mission Melbourne.

For more information contact the Artistic Coordinator, Mari Lourey, Monday to Thursday; 0447679053