Speak Your Space

You may not know but Tongues of Fire has a mandate. A central axiom that we strive to live, and well, do shows by. It is:

Tongues of Fire strives to make poetry more inclusive, accessible and entertaining.

Pretty simple, and it has helped us create our three rules (especially 'Leave your hate - at the gate) and build shows that expand the definition of spoken word like Poetry in the Raw.

So now we're teaming up with the Positive Space Network to bring you a new one-time-only, special fundraising show: Speak Your Space, December 3 at the Solstice Cafe.

But wait- who is the Positive Space Network?

Glad you asked. We sat down with Tongues of Fire regular and Positive Space Network to get the answers straight from them. Here's ToF with Pamela Brown:

ToF: Who is the Positive Space Network? What's the goal of the organization?

Pamela Brown: The Positive Space Network is a visible network of students, faculty, staff and alumni who are working to make the University of Victoria a safer and more inclusive space for people of all genders and sexualities.

ToF: Why did you decide to do a evening of spoken word as a fundraiser? What about the art form appeals to creating positive space?

PB: It's not just spoken word... it's the community that gathers around it - esp. around ToF and Solstice Cafe! An inclusive space where people can share their creativity and stories with an attentive and respectful audience is powerful and empowering. It's also a hell of a lot of fun.

ToF: Who are the features? What are their styles of performing? What can we expect?

PB: The feature presenters represent students, staff and faculty at UVic. Paula Johanson is staff at UVic who also writes speculative fiction for youth, Lyn Davies is a faculty member and a poet, Sherrie-Ellen Silman is a writing student at UVic. They all bring something different - I've never seen any of them perform (I'm still new in town, remember) but I think it's going to be a great show.

To find out more about the Positive Space Network or to get involved email psn@uvic.ca or visit their website for more details.