As one would expect of a monthly event, this February 24 at 7pm sharp, Ruckus Slam burst back onto the New Globe Theatre in Brunswick Street, microphone in hand.

I was hesitant to attend my first slam; my plaid jacket was at the dry cleaner, and I don’t respond well to berets, but despite my reservations I found the Globe Theatre transformed into a place full of proud, strong, young and radical voices.

The rules are simple: two minutes on the stage, do what you will. And with these broad parameters, it’s no surprise the comprehensive range of voices heard. From middle-aged lawyers rhyming about depression and self-worth, raps about 21^st century slavery (with self-devised beat-boxing), all the way to a maximalist post-ironic interpretation of misandry. Fortunately, there was a lot less cigarette smoke, pale make-up, double bass and melancholy than one might expect.

Despite the often-weighty subject matter, a hilarious night was had by all. With topical hats designated to ‘judges’ at random, along with arbitrary flash cards depicting dinosaurs (with subsequent point values) the tone of the night was set, and only re-enforced by the enigmatic MC’s. Judges quickly determined their own criteria for judging this less than conventional art form. The alfoil covered ‘robo-judge’ assumed a somewhat ‘Paula Abdul’ approach to scoring, whilst the ‘sailor-judge’ was far more ‘Dickie’. The scoring system was ultimately proven less than crucial when the winner took home a ceramic leopard seal and all first time slammers received three free hugs (no more, no less).

Alongside the open mic aspect, which featured sixteen ‘slammers’, seasoned professionals Manal Younus, Stephanie Dogfoot and Deborah Emmanuel were also present and ‘slammin’. Younus, Dogfoot and Emmanuel are all global forces of the slam poetry world with some TEDx speeches, Glastonbury sets, and published works behind them. They were very warmly received.

Ruckus was the combination of young and wise voices, burning in a supportive environment. Important things were said. Funny things were said. There was cheering, booing, tears, and hugs. It will be returning on 16 March for their romance themed Date Night, which will no doubt be a chance for Brisbane’s poets to try and find rhymes for ‘unrequited’, ‘disillusionment’, and ‘heart-break’.

- Tom Glassey