6PM SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER & 2PM SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017

WORD BENDER will be hitting The Lock-Up with a focus on spoken word, poetry, unexpected encounters, music and text-based creative practice. This weekend-only event will transform the city’s old police station and lock-up into a dynamic and festival-like space exploding with performance, celebration and discovery.

A weekend only art happening, ‘The Bender’ has become an annual feature of The Lock-Up’s program. An immersive experience, this two-day interdisciplinary feast will feature invited headline acts and local artists.  A celebration of collaboration, the BENDER is a time for experimentation, exploration & getting twisted.

Saturday night will be jammed pack with performance artists, animators, projections, translations, hip-hop grooves and even a poetic boxing match between Newcastle’s very own Word Hurl Anti-slam and the Maitland Versus. Multi-media party crew Palace will be taking over the Main Gallery on Saturday night to install the powers of disco beats and a visual feast.

Sunday afternoon will have a more chilled vibe and is suited to all ages. It will feature a very special daytime edition of Speech Night, a preview of new work from the Tantrum Youth Arts Trajectory Ensemble, a comedy show written in one hour, poetry of the heart, hip-hop grooves and the adventures of Candyboi Detective.

The weekend will also feature the launch of the 7^th Edition of The Line; a local periodical publication of short stories, poetry, and art; a public collaboration between a theatre-maker and an animator; as well as musical acts and delicious food!

Get ready for an immersive experience like no other.

Entry is FREE!