On Saturday, 1 August, Flower Moon in Fremantle welcomed audiences to Upwards and Onwards, an evening of poetry, music and spoken word that celebrated creativity, storytelling and community. Hosted by Suraj Raja, the event brought together a diverse line-up of performers, each sharing their own unique voice and artistic style. Throughout the evening, host Suraj Raja guided the programme with warmth and enthusiasm, introducing each performer and helping the audience transition smoothly between the different styles of poetry and music. His welcoming presence helped create a relaxed atmosphere, making everyone feel part of the experience while allowing each artist’s unique voice to shine.
Flower Moon proved to be the perfect setting for the occasion. The intimate venue was beautifully decorated with colourful paper flowers, creating a magical and cosy atmosphere that immediately put guests at ease. Audience members could enjoy a selection of Japanese teas, homemade cakes or a warming bowl of porridge, all available for purchase, while settling in for an evening of inspiring performances.
Opening the event, Kaitlyn Sun shared a collection of gentle, soothing poems that celebrated the beauty found in everyday life. Her writing focused on quiet moments and small details, encouraging the audience to slow down and appreciate the world around them. Her calm and reflective style set the tone for the evening.
Mountain Meg followed with a captivating blend of music and poetry. Accompanying herself on guitar, she performed verses that flowed naturally between song and spoken word. Her thoughtful storytelling, creative ideas and relaxed stage presence drew listeners in before she also shared a selection of poems that reflected her distinctive artistic voice.
Lindsay delighted the audience with imaginative and highly original poetry. Exploring themes of gender through unexpected subjects, Lindsay demonstrated an extraordinary ability to transform everyday experiences, whether a visit to the dentist or simply observing insects—into entertaining, thought-provoking and memorable poems. The performance was both insightful and engaging, proving that inspiration can be found in the most ordinary moments.
Bringing a lively change of pace, Beatboxer Susay amazed the audience with remarkable vocal skills. Using only the human voice, Susay recreated musical instruments, rhythmic beats and even the sounds of Australian wildlife. The energetic and playful performance highlighted the creativity of beatboxing and had many audience members smiling throughout.
Vanessa, originally from Zimbabwe, presented a powerful collection of poems exploring politics, identity and lived experience. Her work balanced personal reflection with broader social issues, offering thought-provoking perspectives while remaining heartfelt and accessible.
The evening concluded with featured poet Cass Cormack, whose empowering poetry encouraged audiences to embrace their authentic selves, love wholeheartedly and become the main character of their own story. Drawing on themes of feminism, identity and self-acceptance, Cass delivered a confident and inspiring performance. It was easy to see why her poetry collection, Meet Me in the Meta, debuted as part of the I AM WOMAN Fringe World show, with her closing performance providing a fitting and uplifting finale to the evening.
What made Upwards and Onwards particularly memorable was the diversity of its performances. Gentle reflections, musical storytelling, imaginative poetry, dynamic beatboxing and socially conscious writing came together to create an event that celebrated creativity in many different forms. Every performer offered something unique while contributing to an evening united by artistic expression and a genuine sense of community.
With its welcoming atmosphere, whimsical paper flower decorations, comforting refreshments and talented line-up of local artists, Upwards and Onwards was much more than a poetry event. It was a celebration of connection, creativity and the vibrant arts community that continues to flourish in Fremantle.
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