Victor Rodger to convene Māori and Pasifika Creative Writing Course
Te Hiringa a Tuhi, the Māori and Pasifika Creative Writing Workshop, and convenor Victor Rodger, return to the IIML this summer.
Acclaimed Samoan-Scottish writer Victor Rodger will again convene Te Hiringa a Tuhi, the Māori and Pasifika Creative Writing Workshop at Victoria University of Wellington's International Institute of Modern Letters (IIML). Download a course flier for Te Hiringa a Tuhi (207KB PDF).
Victor's career has included writing theatre, film, television, radio and, most recently, fiction. 'After over twenty years of writing, I'm still figuring it all out, but I've picked up a few things along the way and I enjoy sharing that knowledge,' he says.
Te Hiringa a Tuhi was established in 2014 by award-winning writer Tina Makereti, assisted by leading poet Hinemoana Baker. The previous workshop run by Victor featured several visting writers included Briar Grace Smith (Waru), Tusi Tamasese (O Le Tulafale/The Orator) and Tusiata Avia (Wild Dogs Under My Skirt). Mr Rodger's first piece of fiction was last year included in the acclaimed Māori and Pasifika anthology, Black Marks On The White Page, edited by Witi Ihimaera and Tina Makereti. His personal essay 'Voyage Round My Father' was also published last year in The Best of ETangata. He is well-known for his groundbreaking plays, including Black Faggot, which was published last year along with At the Wake and Club Paradiso. His television writing credits include Shortland Street and the Māori Television series This Is Piki. He is currently finishing his first collection of short fiction Warmish Pacific Greetings.
Damien Wilkins, IIML Director, says, 'We're delighted that Te Hiringa a Tuhi will continue under Victor's guidance. He's a great supporter of emerging artists and he's a lot of fun to hang out with and learn from.'
Te Hiringa a Tuhi is a practical writing paper for students who wish to produce fiction, creative non-fiction, drama or poetry that is informed by Māori or Pasifika perspectives, cultures and origins, the process of colonisation, or questions of identity and belonging. In addition, students with Māori or Pasifika heritage are free to write literature that does not directly address these subjects.
Te Hiringa a Tuhi will run in twice-weekly classes from 9 January – 19 February 2019. Applications close on 1 November 2018. For more information about applying, please contact modernletters@vuw.ac.nz.