Better Off
Said
Eulogies for the Living and the Dead
Better Off
Said
Better Off
Said
Better Off
Said
Better Off
Said
Better Off
Said
Better Off
Said
From members of the team behind international literary phenomenon Women of Letters, Better Off Said: Eulogies for the Living and Dead is a spoken-word art salon celebrating words, stories, and human experiences.
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Better Off Said is an afternoon of words it’s time to air; thoughts and reflections for the living and dead. At one time or another, we all find there was something we wish we’d shouted aloud, someone out there in the world waiting to hear an important message, a piece of history we feel our voice could have improved. Better Off Said offers the opportunity to leave no verbal stone unturned. To find closure. To sing truth from the rooftops before it’s too late.
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Each show, four guests will speak to the phrase "The words I wish I’d said", and a special guest will deliver a Living Eulogy, to someone or some thing still of this Earth, to celebrate the best in our lives while we're here to hear it. There'll also be a musical performance to help make each salon special.
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Presented by Emilie Zoey Baker and Marieke Hardy.
Upcoming dates
April 5
Newcastle Writers Festival
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May 11
Melbourne Writers Festival
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Welcome
“There are times when we find ourselves caught up in a spiral, overthinking those unsaid comments or responses that scream to be let out. Better Off Said is a platform to release these words in a composed and cathartic way. It may be a comeback line, a confession, revenge or even a compliment.” – Emilie Zoey Baker
“Humans often just accept that everything and everyone dies. We’ve curated a space where we can all reflect on love, loss, healing and letting go together. It’s a privilege to even be able to sit in this realm and ruminate. To listen and learn. I never want to take for granted life’s impermanence.” – Marieke Hardy
An album of some of the wonderful speakers and beautiful audiences we've enjoyed to date.
Melbourne Writers Festival
May 11
AC Grayling
Join us for a special event at the Melbourne Writers Festival, featuring writer and editor KALIANE BRADLEY, writer and broadcaster GIDEON HAIGH, academic and public intellectual MARCIA LANGTON, playwright, author and poet SAMAH SABAWI and human rights lawyer VANESSA TURNBULL-ROBERTS as they read original pieces responding to 'The Words I Wish I'd Said', before philosopher A.C. GRAYLING delivers a 'Living Eulogy'. Hosted by EMILIE ZOEY BAKER and featuring special musical guest ELIZA HULL.
Sunday, 11 May 2025,
Show 2.30 - 4.30pm
Tickets: $36 or $31.50 concession
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The Capitol,
The Walk Arcade,
113 Swanston St, Melbourne
TICKETS from MWF
2 hours+ with interval
Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts
Support
Better Off Said is proud to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation by donating a portion of profits from our monthly salons. The ILF is a not-for-profit charity that respects the unique place of Australia's first people and draws on the expertise of the Australian book industry.
You can donate directly by clicking here.
Indigenous Literacy Foundation
PO Box 663
Broadway NSW 2007 Australia
(02) 9280 0644
www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au
Newcastle Writers Festival
April 5
David Marr
We're thrilled to be putting on a special show at the Newcastle Writers Festival. Melbourne for a show featuring a stellar cast of authors, including ROBBIE ARNOTT, SULARI GENTILL, NIKKI GEMMELL, and ANITA HEISS, as they read original pieces responding to 'The Words I Wish I'd Said', before journalist, author and social commentator DAVID MARR delivers a 'Living Eulogy'. Hosted by EMILIE ZOEY BAKER.
Saturday, 5 April 2025,
Show 8 - 9.30pm
Tickets: $30
Civic Playhouse,
375 Hunter St, Newcastle​
TICKETS from Civic Theatre
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Anita Heiss