Poets out of the box

17th March 2010

Fremantle Press poet, Scott-Patrick Mitchell, and editor, Wendy Jenkins, have both been included alongside literary greats David Malouf and Dorothy Porter in a new poetry anthology called Out of the Box.

Launched in February, the anthology is the first contemporary book to anthologise poems by Australian gay and lesbian poets of the 21st century.

Mitchell said he was asked to participate after co-editor Michael Farrell saw him perform at the WA Spring Poetry Festival during 2006 but that he never realised the anthology would include such great writers.

“When I look at the final product, I’m a little overwhelmed at being included alongside people I not only respect but immensely admire (particularly Dorothy Porter),” said Mitchell.

Jenkins said she was pleased with the poems chosen by the editors including her own ‘Classical Perspective (a romance)’ which she calls a playful attempt to turn classical notions on their head while, quite literally, embracing them.

“I was really pleased with the poems the editors wanted; they’re amongst what I see as my best and give a taste of the main lines of my work,” said Jenkins.

Out of the Box, edited by Michael Farrell and Jill Jones, is published by Puncher & Wattman.

Read the complete interview with Scott-Patrick Mitchell here

For more information please contact Claire Miller, cmiller@fremantlepress.com.au