What: Launch of a new collection of short stories poems and artwork from the Kapiti Community talking about alcohol
When: Monday November 28th 11am
Where: Paraparaumu Library
“I really loved the book! So many different stories and perspectives! I would recommend to everyone, young and old! Fantastic!!!” Sandra Moncrieff, Integrated Response, WINZ
“The book is amazing, moving and incredible – well done on a great venture!” Rae Lutman, Kapiti Women’s Centre
Some well-known Kapiti authors contributed works, Tina Makereti, Lindsay Rabbitt and Michael O’Leary. Importantly though, a voice came through from our elders that is insightful and moving but also humorous and highly entertaining.
In May 2011, the Kapiti Voices Against Violence Network undertook a project in conjunction with Kapiti Coast District Council and the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand to talk with our elders about alcohol and the affect it had on their lives. A series of writing and art workshops were held and the elderly were invited to participate and share any experiences that had alcohol as a factor. The result of these workshops is a new collection of stories, poems and images, The Elephant in the Living Room – A Conversation About Alcohol to be launched Monday November 28th 11am at the Paraparaumu Library.
The collection is published by the Kapiti Safer Community Trust and edited by Shona Jaunas who also facilitated at all the workshops.
“One of the interesting things about this project was that it was very difficult to get the conversation started. There is a taboo around alcohol and I think that is not just with our older community but across the board,” says Jaunas. “Using writing and art provided strong mediums for people to openly share their experience and enables barriers to come down.”
It became obvious quite early on though that these stories were not just about our older people but raised important questions across our society about how we view alcohol and the historical impact of alcohol on our nationally identity. The stories range from our pioneering days where the struggles for everyday existence overcame both men and women through to the 6 o’clock swill and falling asleep on the warm belly of a cow while milking it. Experiences with grandchildren and children are also prevalent, caring for a teenage son who had got drunk in the bath and a seven year old child who irreparably damaged her liver drinking a bottle of wine stolen from the fridge.
“I was amazed at the diversity of experience that came out,” says Jaunas. “One of the stories is about a couple getting caught out by a local liquor while on holiday in Ibiza. A teenager who read the story was amazed to think that this older woman had been to Ibiza, let alone ended up getting drunk there.”
The Elephant in the Living Room – A Conversation About Alcohol, launching Monday November 28th 11am, Paraparaumu Library.
Shona Jaunas, 04 905 8867, 021 905 886, shona@safercommunity.org.nz