The Poet’s Writing Shed

Out in the secret, silent fields of West Auckland, Michael sits alone in his tiny, wooden shed and creates a world of bizarre inhabitants and surreal recollections of his past life. In 2018 the talented New Zealand author and poet Michael Steven published his first book-length collection of gritty, dreamlike poems titled Walking to Jutland Street; in 2020 his critically acclaimed second book of poetry The Lifers was published. In this interview Michael reads from both his collections—bringing to life the grungy streets of Auckland and its inebriated inhabitants. Walking to Jutland Street and The Lifers reveals a mystic, tempestuous and at times nightmarish journey to literary and personal success. This 5- minute cinematic interview is a humble depiction of what it is to be a storyteller from Aotearoa.

Credits:

Featuring author and poet Michael Steven
A film by Isabella Esposito
Sound Mixkit – meadow birds, creative commons Mixkit – Thunderstorm and clear rain, creative commons mixkit.co/
With thanks to Rohan Spong, Paul Ritchard and Alan Nguyen for the feedback and Nash Hellyer for the assistance
Studio Instructor Rohan Spong
Created as part of Real to Reel studio School of Media and Communication RMIT 2021

 

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