It’s that time of year again – where we jump on board the love train and celebrate our first Poetica Petit of 2025. This year we have something a little different in store for our LOVE night at Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf on Feb 13. We have booked in two very fine actors to read/perform some of the greatest love poems ever written – curated by Poetica’s Miriam Hechtman (with a little help from her friends). Introducing NIDA students Ella Sexton + Robert Miniter (bios below) to Poetica Petit.

And for the music we are so thrilled to have singer-songwriter Lorenzo Guevarra return to Poetica Petit after his mesmerising open mic performance in December. PLUS the open mic for Feb is themed all around love so get your love poems ready poets! And of course there will be wine and kombucha and cheese.

Here is the ticket link: https://poeticapetit2025.eventbrite.com.au

And for all upcoming Poetica events see booking info here:

JAN 21 – CLOVELLY & CO. INFO NIGHT – https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-mary-oliver-tribute…

JAN 28 – A NIGHT OF OPERA #2 – https://events.humanitix.com/a-night-of-opera-2

FEB 3 – POEMS AS PROMPTS WORKSHOP #3 – https://events.humanitix.com/poems-as-prompts-writing-workshop-3

BIOS

ELLA SEXTON – Originally from London, Ella moved to Sydney with her family at a young age.
Ella’s introduction to performance was through movement; from dance training, to performing in musicals, and attending Australian Youth Theatre Program workshops during her school holidays. Ella has always displayed a passion for storytelling, constantly seeking outlets for her creative energy. In 2019, Ella was selected to perform at OnStage, the NSW Drama Exhibition for leading Year 12 students.

Outside of her creative pursuits, Ella has competed in representative-level athletics and netball, while also finding time for her love of recreational diving. Before her selection for NIDA, Ella studied psychology at university, which proved advantageous in elevating her character work during her training.
As a 2024 graduate, Ella’s love for storytelling has been abundantly enriched by her time at NIDA, leaving her inspired and eager for the opportunities that await her in the industry.

ROBERT MINITER – Robert is an Actor, Cinematographer, Editor, and Photographer. Born in salt-of-the-earth Wagga Wagga, Robert grew up in the leafy streets, private schools, and golf clubs of Canberra to a family of doctors and accountants. With an ATAR that wouldn’t take him anywhere near sandstone Universities, he studied Acting first at Sydney Theatre School. Then, Photography at RMIT. Looking back, an abysmal ATAR was his best high school accomplishment (sorry mum and dad). Acting was now all he could do.

Photography and Videography took Robert across the world. Including work with Medical NGO’s in India documenting communities, medical staff, and surgical procedures. Whilst at NIDA, Robert has collaborated with peers shooting and editing short films (some by fellow students); The Blueprint, Text Me When You Get Home, Bikeway Robbery, Land of the Snakes, Turning Points, and Polko. Combining Acting and Photography, Robert specialises in Theatre & Film Stills, and Actor Headshots. You’ll find Robert either on both sides of the camera, or behind the computer editing.

When it comes down to it though, it’s Acting that always wins out. Even when he has taken time away and wondered if it’s right for him, all it has ever taken is one moment on stage to remind him: this is what he does, what fulfills him, what he will do for the rest of his life. The stories we tell define us and connect people. It’s such a wonderful privilege to do what we do.

LORENZO GUEVARRA – Inspired by legendary troubadours such as Bob Dylan, Paul Simon & (especially) Leonard Cohen, Lorenzo has always been fascinated by the art of truth-telling. Enthralled by the organic nature of their music, he felt compelled to partake in what ultimately became his primary means of navigating his existence. He spent his youth busking on the streets of Sydney and playing under any roof that would take him, acquiring the dents and scratches that would define his unique style. In an effort to fit in with society, he retired in 2017 upon graduating university only to find disappointment (and depression) on the path laid out for him. Unable to conform, he returned to the “Tower of Song” (-Cohen) in 2023 with the help of Sofar Sydney and his fellow artists. Excited to be back, Lorenzo is once again slinging his guitar around to resume his self-appointed task: to be as honest as possible.