Events

This seminar is presented as part of the Louise Hanson Dyer Colloquia Series.

When people in positions of power make proclamations so extreme or absurd that it is difficult to distinguish between satire and the real thing, how might comedians or politically-minded artists approach their work? When the far-reaching effects of cruel histories are forgotten or weaponised, when popular discourses around wokeness and privilege are directed at those surviving structural inequalities, what role is there for humour?

This paper examines these questions through three musical examples. First, the Ljubljana-based collective Laibach, self-described as a ‘music and cross-media group’, draws on theories of Gesamtkunstwerk(‘total work of art’) to invite its audiences to reconsider the mis/representations used by those in power. Laibach moves from the juxtaposition of historic and contemporary symbols and sounds to the production of popular song covers that subvert or extend assumed meanings and associations, usually to simultaneously humorous and political effect.

Secondly, the West Belfast-based hip hop trio Kneecap raps in Irish and English about the effects of colonialism, practising what its members describe as ‘cheeky storytelling’, appealing to listeners’ senses of humour and justice. Kneecap’s name refers to the paramilitary practice of taking violent retribution in the absence of access to official justice systems.

Finally, the Adelaide-formed duo The Coconuts are multidisciplinary artists Leela Varghese and Shabana Azeez, who produce musical comedy that addresses ‘being Brown in Australia’, the contradictory discourses and practices around ‘diversity’ and the problematic politics of entertainment industries. Together, these three examples invite us to consider the multidirectional possibilities of music and political humour.

PARKING

The City of Melbourne has recently changed the parking restrictions around the Southbank Campus. Parking control hours are now expanded to 7am–10pm, seven days per week, and are capped at three hours. A $2-per-hour fee after 7pm is also now in place. There is no change to the $4-per-hour peak rate between 7am–7pm. Parking inspectors are regularly in the area fining drivers who overstay their meter, so we encourage everyone to be aware and avoid an expensive fine. More information.

ACCESSIBILITY

All venues at the Southbank campus are wheelchair accessible. To read more about access services available at our venues, please visit: https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/access-our-events.

Seen the Left Write Hook documentary and want to learn more?

Join this free online session, to meet survivors from the film, the film’s director and producer, and Dr Cathy Kezelman, President and Managing Director of Blue Knot Foundation, as they chat to television and radio presenter, Jo Stanley.

This session brings together voices of lived/living experience, filmmakers, and experts in the field of child sexual abuse and gendered violence, as they further unpack the themes explored in the film. Discussion points will include the prevalence of child sexual abuse in Australia, the life-long impacts of complex trauma, and personal perspectives on the journey towards, and barriers to trauma recovery.

The discussion will explore the film participants’ experience of Left Write Hook’s innovative, trauma-informed recovery program, featuring creative writing and non-contact boxing, along with the challenges and rewards of sharing their truths via the film.

Dr Cathy Kezelman will discuss myths and misconceptions about child sexual abuse and complex trauma, pathways to healing and insights from her own lived and living experience.

Who is this session for? We welcome victim-survivors, supporters, fans of the film and anyone who wants to learn more about this issue, to join us for this session.

In order to facilitate a relaxed conversation and questions from the audience, this session will not be recorded.

Haven’t seen the film yet? Watch Now on Netflix and then join us for this special event!

Book your Spot

This in conversation is free to attend online via Zoom. Please register your place via Humanitix to receive the session link.
If you find you can no longer attend the session we encourage you to “refund” your ticket so that others have the opportunity to attend in your place.

Donations

Assist Left Write Hook to deliver vital support programs for childhood sexual abuse survivors.
Donations can be made here: leftwritehook.raiselysite.com

About the Left Write Hook documentary

This multi-award-winning, survivor-led, documentary follows eight female and gender diverse survivors of childhood sexual abuse as they embark on a groundbreaking trauma recovery program. Combining the strength of boxing with the vulnerability of creative writing, the program empowers survivors to release trauma, reclaim their bodies and reimagine their futures.
View the film website

★★★★☆ - Screenhub
“Heartbreakingly sad yet ultimately creatively triumphant.” - Margaret Pomeranz
“A moving portrait of what it looks like to live with, and work through, trauma.” - The Guardian Australia

Read more reviews

Please be advised that the Left Write Hook documentary and online session will involve discussion of lived/living experience of child sexual abuse, incest, gendered violence, complex trauma and mental distress. This content may be distressing for some viewers. If you need support, please contact:

Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7) or text 0477 13 11 14
Blue Knot Helpline – 1300 657 380 (9am–5pm, 7 days)
Bravehearts – 1800 272 831 (8:30am–4:30pm, Mon-Fri)
SAMSN – 1800 4 SAMSN (9am–5pm, Mon–Fri)
More support services: leftwritehook.film/support

Presented by the University of Melbourne, in partnership with Left Write Hook and the film’s key impact partner Blue Knot Foundation, Australia’s National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma.