2026 SCHOOL TOUR SHOWS
Poetry in Action is proud to present shows for both high school and primary school audiences!
rhyme battle royale: YEARS 7-8
Strap in for a wild ride through the magical-poetical world of Inspiration! Zephyr is a slam poet wannabe who is about to bomb (badly) in a high-stakes rap battle. But a mysterious collapse onstage lands our hero in a strange world where a mysterious poetry coach and some lively locals bring to life the five core elements of poetry: Rhyme, Rhythm, Imagery, Story, and Theme. Along the way, Zephyr must face fears, learn techniques and find a truly unique voice. With audience interaction, laugh-out-loud poetry games, and an engaging narrative to capture your students’ imaginations, this playful adventure makes poetic devices come alive for students – and reminds us all why words matter.
International anthem: YEARS 8-9
In a hilarious and sharp-edged satire, International Anthem thrusts students into a poetic showdown like no other – think Eurovision meets the Olympics, not only with song but with spoken word. Australia is under pressure to win “Poetry’s night of nights,” and their usual anthem, Horses, has been… sold to Mongolia… because, you know, they like horses. Chaos ensues as our unlikely trio of performer, coach and marketing guru scramble to define – in real time – what it truly means to be Australian. Can one song or poem truly represent this nation? Any nation? Featuring a mashup of iconic poems, anthems, protest lyrics, and post-colonial critique, this high-octane piece is a thrilling ride through the past, present, and imagined future of Australia’s poetic voice. Students will engage with critical thinking around how we express identity with language, how we harness techniques to beautifully illustrate our values, and be left inspired to share their sense of nationhood through creative expression.
WORDS OF WAR: YEARS 9-12
Dive into the raw world of Wilfred Owen with Words of War, a dynamic performance showcasing several of his most powerful poems, including “Dulce et Decorum Est”, ‘Futility’, and “Anthem for Doomed Youth”. Students will explore poetic techniques such as imagery, irony, and rhythmic schemes while reflecting on the brutal realities of World War I. This engaging show educates and inspires critical thinking about war through the lens of one of history’s greatest war poets, linking text and context in English literature studies.
words that changed the world: YEARS 9-12
With the advent of today’s fractured world of online echo chambers, is it still possible to listen to people with different opinions? To agree to disagree? Maybe even to win them over? To find the answers, three characters: a leftist, a right-winger, and someone who relishes the noise, take to the stage to bring to life Words That Changed the World. What begins as a shouting match becomes a masterclass in the power of speech throughout history. Using real speeches and a generous dose of humour, Words That Changed the World unpacks rhetorical techniques including logos, ethos, pathos, claptraps, euphemism, and propaganda. Students will leave with the knowledge to analyse persuasive language critically, how it is crafted to unite, divide, protest, and transform societies – and how to harness it themselves.
Rhyme Battle Royale: YEARS 3-6
This version of Rhyme Battle Royale, specially adapted for primary age students, is sure to capture their attention! Strap in for a wild ride through the magical-poetical world of Inspiration! Zephyr is a slam poet wannabe who is about to bomb (badly) in a high-stakes rap battle. But a mysterious collapse onstage lands our hero in a strange world where a mysterious poetry coach and some lively locals bring to life the five core elements of poetry: Rhyme, Rhythm, Imagery, Story, and Theme. Along the way, Zephyr must face fears, learn techniques and find a truly unique voice. With audience interaction, laugh-out-loud poetry games, and an engaging narrative to capture your students’ imaginations, this playful adventure makes poetic devices come alive for students – and reminds us all why words matter.
