World of Words Kupu o te Ao World of Words is a celebration of voices, ideas, creativity and the spoken word. This extremely popular festival gem has a newly revamped home for 2019, along with an exciting line-up that now extends into the evening. Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Kunming Garden, alongside an upmarket bar, World of Words features an inspiring collection of awardwinning thinkers, authors, comedians, poets and photographers. Sponsored by the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT), World of Words is a must-see part of WOMAD.
Elizabeth Smither Elizabeth Smither is a multi-award-winning New Zealand poet, novelist and short story writer. Her numerous collections of poetry have been published alongside several novels and short story collections. In 2002 she was named the Te Mata Poet Laureate, and in 2018 her collection Night Horse won the poetry category of the 50th Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. Fans should also keep their eyes peeled for Elizabeth’s new novel, Loving Sylvie, to be published this April Fri, 6.15pm, Kunming Stage
Sonya Renee Taylor Sonya Renee Taylor is a bestselling author, activist and the Founder and Radical Executive Officer of The Body is Not An Apology, a digital media and education company that examines the intersections of radical self-love and social justice issues. Sonya has shared her awardwinning performance poetry and transformational work on countless stages and on major media outlets all over the world. She continues to perform, speak, and facilitate workshops globally. Fri, 8.15pm, Kunming Stage
Neil Silverwood and Marcus Thomas Marcus Thomas and Neil Silverwood are the team behind one of the most handsome books published in 2017, Caves: Exploring New Zealand’s Subterranean Wilderness. The book delivers a treat for cavers and non-cavers alike by showcasing the beauty of this country’s underground caverns and the mettle of those who explore them. This book won an Ockham award and images within earned Neil the New Zealand Geographic 2017 Photographer of the Year Award. Fri, 10.30pm, Te Paepae Stage
49
