‘The Heart of the Advocate’ – our day in court

Standing room only – the court room was packed

All wigged up – Gypsy troubadours ‘Vardos’ set the scene

Claire Gaskin reads

Alana Kelsall launches ‘The Heart of the Advocate’ – the key witness

Angela Costi and Jennifer Harrison

Angela reads

WATCH AND LISTEN As Angela reads her poetry and Nick Tsiavos responds on double bass – a joint performance that had the court spell-bound. Filmed at the event by Colin Hodson.

‘Reclaiming the court for advocacy’

The Old Magistrates’ Court in Russell St Melbourne was the perfect venue for an outstanding book launch. The court was packed as Alana Kelsall launched Angela Costi’s new collection The Heart of the Advocate.

Opening and closing performances by Vardos set the scene; Claire Gaskin read; and Angela read with accompaniment by Nick Tsiavos on double bass.

A wonderful afternoon of poetry and music in the historic surroundings of the Old Court room – literature rewriting legalese.

In her compelling collection The Heart of the Advocate, Angela Costi asks what it means to be an advocate – how it might be possible to speak for others, whether that be migrant parents, legal clients, or those who for varying reasons are less well positioned to speak for themselves. This is reflective and challenging poetry.

Read Alana's speech - Rochford St Review

Buy the book - softcover or digital