Dr Madison Godfrey is a writer, editor, educator, and the author of two books: Dress Rehearsals (Allen & Unwin, JOAN 2023) and How To Be Held (Burning Eye Books, 2018).

Commencing their career as a performance poet, Madison has performed at the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Glastonbury Festival.

Madison’s recent publication Dress Rehearsals was listed as one of the most anticipated books of 2023 by Refinery29, RUSSH Magazine, and Sydney Morning Herald. Their writing has been described as “sensual and often funny” by The Guardian and “fiercely punk and undeniably powerful” by ArtsHub.

Madison completed a First Class Honours and PhD at Curtin University. Their PhD, which received a Vice Chancellor’s Commendation, explores how womanhood is performed in the contemporary prose poem: as a mosh pit, a screen, and a site of gendered subversion. Madison’s research embraces an experimental intersection of creativity and theory: incorporating poetry, gender, and fandom studies.

In recognition of their commitment to community advocacy and their ongoing mentorship and leadership roles, Madison was awarded the 2021 WA Youth Award for ‘Creative Contributions’ to the state. Currently they live on Whadjuk Noongar land with a rescue cat named Sylvia.