Poet Laureate Chris Tse to perform in Queenstown
New Zealand Poet Laureate Chris Tse is set to appear in Queenstown for a special one-night performance this August.
Hosted by the Arrowtown Creative Arts Society (ACAS) and the Queenstown Writers Festival, the evening will see Tse read from his award-winning collections, alongside local poets.
Tse, named New Zealand’s 13th Poet Laureate in 2022, is known for exploring themes of his Chinese heritage, queer identity, and the role of joy during challenging times. He's also a short story writer and editor.
His Queenstown appearance will be held at The Sherwood on Friday, 8 August, at 7.30pm, with tickets available through Eventfinda.
The following morning, Tse will lead a public poetry masterclass at Te Atamira, Frankton, from 10am to 12pm. He will also teach a workshop for local high school students during his visit.
ACAS Co-Chair Kelly Carmichael said she was proud to help bring Tse to the region. “I genuinely believe a creative community is a collaborative community, and when arts organisations support each other we make the whole scene stronger.
"Given the spiky times we’re living through it is exciting to have a contemporary poet like Chris Tse in town, someone at the top of their game who is helping to redefine New Zealand poetry.”
Queenstown Writers Festival Chair Tanya Surrey added: “We are delighted to be part of the team bringing Chris Tse to Queenstown. One of our objectives as a trust is to provide opportunities for education and learning as well as showcasing a range of voices in contemporary New Zealand
literature."
Tse is the author of three poetry collections published by Auckland University Press: How to be Dead in a Year of Snakes, HE’S SO MASC, and Super Model Minority. With Emma Barnes, Chris Tse edited the landmark book Out Here: An Anthology of Takatāpui and LGBTQIA+ Writers from Aotearoa.
The Poet Laureate role, established by the government in 2007, supports the creation of new work and raises the profile of poetry across Aotearoa.
What: An Evening with the Poet Laureate
Where: The Sherwood, Queenstown
When: 7.30pm, Friday 8 August
Tickets: $25 / $20 ACAS members available from Eventfinda
What: Poetry Masterclass with Chris Tse
Where: Te Atamira, Frankton
When: 10am–12pm, Saturday, 9 August
Cost: $40
Tickets at Eventfinda
