A Sea of UPU Poetry workshop
8 May 2025
In the Studio
Theatre
Join UPU co-creator Grace Iwashita-Taylor and cast member Shadon Meredith for a free two-hour poetry writing workshop in the Studio on the set of UPU.
Whether you are a seasoned writer, or new to poetry, this workshop invites you to discover and celebrate your voice.
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Thursday 8 May 2025 | 11am |
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| All tickets | Free |
Maximum registration of 2 per customer.
The only authorised ticket agency for this event is the Sydney Opera House. For more information about authorised agencies, see the frequently asked questions below.
Wheelchair accessible:
There are a number of wheelchair and companion seating locations in our theatres. To book accessible seating contact Box Office:
Telephone
+61 2 9250 7777
(Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm AEST)
Email bookings@sydneyoperahouse.com
Find out more about accessibility at Sydney Opera House.
Run time
This workshop will run for approximately 120 minutes.
Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.
Age
Recommended for ages 18+
Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied at all times.
The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Read our Child Safety Policy.
Useful information:
Grace Iwashita-Taylor
Grace Teuila Evelyn Iwashita-Taylor is a poet and performer, and a strong contributor to the New Zealand and Pacific poetry community. Her mixed heritage – Samoan and English – and her search for cultural identity have informed much of her work.
She co-founded the South Auckland Poets Collective in 2008, an organisation that promotes spoken word poetry as a powerful tool for social change, and co-founded the Rising Voices Youth Poetry Slam in 2011.
In 2013, she established Niu Navigations with Daren Kamali, an organisation that is committed to encouraging the publication and performance of Aotearoa and Pacific poetry. Her first published collection of poetry, Afakasi Speaks, was released in 2013 (Ala Press, Hawaii).
Shadon Meredith
Shadon Meredith is a dynamic New Zealand-born Sāmoan actor with a commanding presence on stage and screen. A Toi Whakaari graduate, he has built an impressive career performing locally and internationally.
His theatre work includes King Lear and The Seagull (Auckland Theatre Company), UPU (Silo Theatre, toured to Mexico City and Montreal), and multiple productions with Red Leap Theatre, including the upcoming Wrest (May 2025). He also created and performed Waiting, an award-winning solo devised work under his company, SOS + SHA Creative.
On screen, Shadon starred as Andy in Rūrangi (Season 2) and appeared in Shortland Street, My Life is Murder (Season 3), and Double Parked. He was also a presenter and writer for Seasons 1–3 of TVNZ’s Toi Time.
His film credits include Shut Eye, Darkest Light, and The Paragon, which premiered at major international festivals before gaining a cult following after its U.S. release in 2024, earning recognition from The New York Times.
Spanning theatre, television, and film, Shadon’s work continues to captivate audiences.
Plan your visit
Venue information
Our foyers will be open 60 minutes pre-show for Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and two hours pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. Refreshments will be available for purchase from our theatre bars.
All Sydney Opera House foyers are pram accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to all foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators). Pram parking will be available outside the theatres in the Western Foyer.
Getting here
The Sydney Opera House Car Park, operated by Wilson Parking, is open and available to use. Wilson Parking offer discounted parking if you book ahead. Please see the Wilson Parking website for details.
Please check the Transport NSW website for the latest advice and information on travel. You can catch public transport (bus, train, ferry) to Circular Quay and enjoy a six minute walk to the Opera House.
Frequently asked questions
Please ensure that your group arrives at the venue 30 minutes prior to the performance start time.
If you are late, we will seat you as soon as possible, but please be aware that some events have lock out periods where late comers cannot be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. Occasionally this is not until the interval, and in some instances late comers won’t be admitted at all.
Yes, use this information to prepare a risk assessment and risk management plan. Teachers undertaking a risk assessment and risk management plan should be aware that Sydney Opera House cannot complete the risk assessment for them.
Food and drink are permitted inside the foyers, but not in the venues.
Please contact our Creative Learning Ticketing Specialists on 02 9250 7770 as soon as possible to advise if your group can no longer attend.
The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Read our Child Safety Policy.
The Opera House has also developed a Child-friendly Code of Conduct to engage with our youngest visitors.
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