World of Words

World of Words took WOMAD by storm last year, so we’ve brought it back for 2018! This year’s line-up is filled with a mixture of speakers, interviews, presentations, a poetry slam, and even a book launch. The World of Words is a site-wide programme that has been created to provoke thought and encourage people to learn, listen, and participate. Supported by

DAVID MERRITT

Interviewed by Virginia Winder Renegade wordsmith David Merritt has followed an unconventional path towards becoming one of New Zealand’s most intriguing and beloved poets. Selling and gifting his unique handmade recycled books on the streets, his poems are tender and arresting, full of love and the trials of life. Fri, 7.15pm, Pinetum Stage

APIRANA TAYLOR

Interviewed by Warren Smart Apirana Taylor is a nationally and internationally published Ma -ori poet, storyteller, Apirana Taylor playwright, novelist, actor, painter and musician. He travels throughout Aotearoa reading his work and has been invited to many festivals overseas. Sat, 1pm, Pinetum Stage

Rob Suisted

ROB SUISTED

Rob Suisted is one of New Zealand’s most established and best known photographers. As well as having 16 books under his belt, this award-winning photographer often features in the pages of National Geographic. Sat, 2pm, Te Paepae Stage

TAME ITI

Interviewed by Miriama Kamo Well-known Tu -hoe Ma -ori activist Tame Iti is no stranger to controversy. He grew up in the Urewera area and has been passionately involved in numerous political protests, including protests against the Vietnam War and apartheid in South Africa. Sat, 4pm, Te Paepae Stage

Tame Iti

DAME DENISE L’ESTRANGE CORBET

Interviewed by Susette Goldsmith As well as being a renowned fashion designer, Dame Denise L’Estrange-Corbet Dame Denise L’Estrange-Corbet is also a mother, a published author, an actor, an Ambassador for the IHC Art Awards and Diabetes NZ, and an ardent supporter of New Zealand made products. Sat, 5.15pm, Pinetum Stage RAHIM ALHAJ

SHARON ARMSTRONG

Interviewed by Hilary Bennet In 2011 Sharon Armstrong logged online and fell in love with a stranger. She was tricked into trafficking 5 kilos of cocaine. Her new book, Sharon Armstrong which will be launched at WOMAD, is a cautionary tale that details her ordeal. Sat, 7.30pm, Pinetum Stage

PAUL CLEAVE

Interviewed by Kevin Chapman New Zealand’s multi-award winning crime writer has catapulted into best-selling lists around the world. His nine books have been translated into more than 15 languages and have sold more than a million copies. Sun, 5pm, Pinetum Stage

WOMAD reserves the right to alter without notice any advertised artist or schedule Interviewed by Rahim AlHaj Carol Hirschfeld In 1991 oud master Rahim AlHaj was forced to leave his homeland of Iraq after his political activism against the Saddam Hussein regime. Since then he has lived in Jordan, Syria, and the US, and has gone on to be nominated for two Grammy Awards for his intricate compositions. Sun, 6.30pm, Te Paepae Stage

DATE & TIME WHO STAGE

Fri, 7.15 pm David Merritt Pinetum Sat, 1pm Apirana Taylor Pinetum Sat, 2pm Rob Suisted Te Paepae Sat, 3pm Poetry Slam Pinetum Sat, 4pm Tame Iti Te Paepae Sat, 5.15pm Dame Denise Pinetum L’Estrange-Corbet Sat, 7.30pm Sharon Armstrong Pinetum Sun, 3pm Poetry Slam Pinetum Sun, 5pm Paul Cleave Pinetum Sun, 6.30pm Rahim AlHaj Te Paepae