Arrow FM showcases 100 poems by Janet Frame

Access Radio Wairarapa, Arrow 92.7fm is celebrating literary hero Janet Frame by broadcasting 100 of her poems between August and December.

Fifty-nine readers will showcase Frame’s works from The Pocket Mirror (1967) and The Goose Bath (2006) in a 100-day programme to celebrate the centenary of her birth on 28 August, 1924.

Readers include students, retirees, teachers, councillors, actors, librarians, cinephiles, museum staff, radio presenters, people with autism and dementia, people from several countries, publishers, booksellers, editors, playwrights, journalists, and poets Kate Camp, William Connor, Rhondda Greig, Bill Manhire, Mary McCallum, Madeleine Slavick, and the Poet Laureate Chris Tse.

Special features will include a reading in Te reo Māori by Te Whakapono Waikere and a 2002 recording by Janet Frame herself.

Wairarapa Word coordinator and assistant librarian Madeleine Slavick says Frame’s writing has significantly impacted her work.

“This 100-day radio gig has involved more than 100 people, and I acknowledge all the volunteers, readers, supporters, and organisers – and I mihi Janet Frame. Her writing has impacted my own writing.”

Arrow FM station manager Michael Wilson says Arrow FM is delighted to be part of such a substantial and worthwhile literary feat.

“[The event] showcases many excellent Wairarapa poetry performers, as well as a few national dignitaries and experts. To have secured Poet Laureate Chris Tse and the indomitable Bill Manhire is a coup.”

The 100-day event would not have been possible without the Janet Frame Literary Trust’s permission and Masterton Creative Communities’ financial contribution. Arrow FM, Wairarapa Word, and Wairarapa Library Service produced the episodes.

Each episode will be available every day at 12 noon via Arrow FM 92.7fm and arrowfm.co.nz.