Upsized wordgames and debate teams set for Word-Fest battle
The Word Play organisers stand behind their words.
Some of this month’s Word-Fest activities and exhibits focus on creative writing. One such event celebrates the very words themselves.
Bay resident araLyn Doiron is a big fan of games like Boggle and Syzygy. A word that means “the configuration of the moon, earth and sun in a straight line”, Syzygy is also the name of a fast-paced Scrabble-like game invented in Oregon.
Intrigued by the idea of bringing a large group together to enjoy these games with upsized pieces, araLyn joined with fellow word junkies John Black, Murray Rodgers, Sarah Kay and Rose von Dreger to create “Word Play”, a casual night of grown-up silliness.
“If it works well it could become a regular event, and perhaps we could have game nights in the future for young folks,” says araLyn.
Word Play takes place on Monday 14 September at the Village Theatre. Doors open at 6.30pm and games begin promptly at 7pm. Admission is $5 and a licensed bar will be available. Please bring a notebook, a pen and a playful attitude. Space is limited, so get there early. For information call 525 6261.
The event on the very next night pits the flair and enthusiasm of youth against the wisdom and cunning of the less young in the Word-Fest debate.
The moot is that “You can’t trust anyone over 30”, and the affirmative team consists of three students at Golden Bay High School, Hamish McDonald, Millie Eggers and Kip Clere. Negating the moot, no doubt in a ruthlessly adult fashion, are Maria Polglase, Jan Stark and Hans Stoffregen.
The debate takes place in the Takaka Memorial Library at 7pm and librarian Tish Potter says she is really looking forward to it.
“It will be just great to have the library full of spoken words, clever orators and fascinated onlookers,” she said.
Supper will be available after the debate. Koha appreciated.
Neil Wilson
