Description
Jawdance! Expect performance poetry, honest and real storytelling, a resident DJ, an open mic, and a very warm and welcoming poetry community.
October brings you performances from: Amina Jama, Aklia Richards and Roger Robinson. This event will be in collaboration with Flipped Eye Publishing.
Open Mic is there for you to grab the mic and take the stage. Unleash your words to the world via a lucky dip with typically 10 slots up for grabs. Jawdance is a place for everyone, so if you’re a first-timer, you’ll find an audience eager to hear your work. We will always support you, so take that first step up to the stage.
Together, we witness the power of performance poetry.
Listen up, people!
We know that performing can be a daunting experience – and it can be even worse if you’re feeling like your blips and misslips are going to be online for all the world to see. We also know that the best part of performances is when you find yourself completely immersed and linger on that sense of awe. That’s why we ask that audiences do not use phones during performances. We will have a videographer on the night to capture the moments so you can watch them back. Photos when performances aren’t on are okay as we do encourage you to share the night. Watch the show through your eyes and not your screens. Relax, enjoy yourself, vibe along.
Who’s on the stage?
Roger Robinson
Roger Robinson is a writer and performer, has won the T.S. Eliot Prize, RSL Ondaatje Prize, and Cholmondeley Award, and is a former Vice Chair of the Royal Society of Literature. His poetry has been translated into five languages, and his book with Johny Pitts was named a Guardian Best Poetry Book of the Year.
He has judged major literary prizes, and his poem ‘A Portable Paradise’ is on the GCSE syllabus. His acclaimed workshops inspire writers worldwide.?
Insta: @rogerrobinsononline
Amina Jama
Salaams lovelies. My name is Amina. I’m a writer, curator, producer, facilitator and all round empath, with a focus on creating and maintaining safe spaces for my fellow black beauts. I’m London based and more Somali than British.
I’m a Barbican Young Poets alumna, member of the Octavia WOC Poetry Collective, and co-host/producer for Boxedin. I often get the chance to perform my work, sometimes on this island, sometimes not. My writing explores displacement, dual cultural identity and family.
Akila Richards
Akila Richards is a published writer, poet and spoken word artist. Her performances and readings take place in a variety of artistic, cultural and educational settings. Her work features in Covert Magazine, Flipped Eye, Peepal Tree Press, Penguin, Versopolis, Wasafiri, Writers Mosaic, Waterloo Press and online platforms. Her collaboration with other artistic genres includes film, digital, visual art, live music and theatre