Hester writes lyric, poetry, scripts, short stories and essay, has experience in dramaturgy, review, (the art of shaping plays) and editing.
Her plays have been performed internationally on professional stages.
Her words can be found in print in various locations including the following publications:
CATALYST Volume 17, Wild Pressed’s YOUR DARK ANIMAL YOUNG POETS ANTHOLOGY, TAKAHĒ, A FINE LINE, 1964: Mountain Culture Aotearoa, Love in the Time of Covid, A Breach of All Size. Her first (and only) foray into poetry slamming lead her to the NZ finals in 2020. She is a regular featured artist at various spoken word events in England and Aotearoa and was a recent featured artist with a season of PARAGON DREAMS at the Auckland Writers Festival 2022.
COMMON GROUND SPOKEN WORD
February 27th 2022 marked the first of Hester Ullyart’s COMMON GROUND spoken word sessions. Koha entry, all inclusive, relaxed gig style evening of poetry and expression. Each session is curated and hosted by Hester with 2/3 featured guest artists and opens with an open mic session open for sign up upon arrival. This is not slam poetry. There is no competitive aspect, just a place to connect, enjoy, listen and share some Common Ground at The Commoners, Oxford St. (Sherpa Kai) Lyttelton/Tē Whakaraupo.
Previous poets featured include:
Popi Newbery, Ciarán Fox, Ben Brown, Ray Shipley, Andy Coyle, Rebecca Nash, Mike Moroney, Liz Breslin, Erik Kennedy, Gary McCormick, Annabel Wilson, Kommi Tamati-Elliffe, Juanita Hepi, Ariana Tikao, John Allison, Kirsty Dunn, Isla Huia, Joanna Preston and musician Hannah Everingham.
More sessions to come in 2024. Follow Hester’s writing instagram handle at @hesterullyartpoetry to stay on the pulse.
