poetry – The Cultural Exposé

Somewhere you should go… Homework season finale

The Cultural Exposé — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 11:00:51 +0000

Talented wordsmiths keen to polish their craft know all about Homework – the saloon in east London that promises a “night of literary miscellany” with impressive guest performers – Nick Hornby has rolled through – and the monthly challenge of a topical writing assignment (you don’t mind doing for once). Created by a clique of clever writers called Aisle16, Homework takes place six months in the year and so far, has touched on everything from true stories to transport – but it’s the season finale theme that’s peaked our interest. On November 27th, the night will be dedicated to the “art of the interview” and will explore everything we’ve come to know about chat shows. There will be a live interview, a special musical guest, a “palindromic play”, a few extras to make this not only a quality night out – for a fiver no less – but one event that’s guaranteed to give plenty of food for thought.

Homework takes place at the Bethnal Green Working Mens’ Club. For more info, visit: www.aisle16.co.uk/homework-ldn

The post Somewhere you should go… Homework season finale appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Somewhere you should go… I Have a Dream: Architects of Our Republic at Southbank Centre

Matilda — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 10:00:12 +0000

It was on August, 28th 1963 that civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr shared his vision for the future while marching to Washington DC to demand equality for all. 50 years on, his I Have A Dream speech remains one of the most stirring, historical moments in modern history, especially as it would come a year before the Civil Rights Act was passed, outlawing all types of discrimination in the US. Since then, King’s address has continued to inspire around the globe and a number of events will be held on Wednesday, August 28th to celebrate its impact on its 50th anniversary. The likes of Charlie Dark, Zena Edwards and Malika Booker will be part of an incredible line-up of contemporary artists who will descend on The Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall to honour the speech through spoken word, music and film. There will also be a chance to learn protest and freedom songs at Voicelab’s Sing Freedom! workshop and sing them during a march from Jubilee Gardens to Queen’s Walk – but the main highlight of the event will be a rare yet welcome appearance from the legendary Last Poets, who rose to prominence during the civil rights movement. It’s set to be an inspiring day and evening where art celebrates history, so for more info, visit: www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/i-have-a-dream-architects-of-our-republic-78235

The post Somewhere you should go… I Have a Dream: Architects of Our Republic at Southbank Centre appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Somewhere you should go… Poetry Slam at The Roundhouse

Laura Thornley — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 10:00:20 +0000

If you think that poetry belongs in the days of Wordsworth, then prepare for a re-education. The Roundhouse‘s event returns to air the UK’s hottest contemporary talent in spoken word. There is a cash prize up for grabs, as well as the accolade of being crowned poetry slam champion – and stars of the art will be present to judge the young newcomers, including Inua Ellams, Kat Francois and the mighty grammar-man, Polarbear (pictured below).

Originating in the US back in the 80s, the poetry slam event draws on a variety of influences and styles. It may have all begun in a Jazz club in Chicago but performances range from Hip-Hip rap deliveries to dub poetry and unrhyming narrative formulas. The content of the performances can be anything from politicised verse to current events (could there be some olympic references in there too?). Last year Zia Ahmed took the prize and it’s not hard to see why. Since the performers will be aged between 16 and 25 the subject are likely to be more politicised than ever, just like the days of Alan Ginsberg and the beat poets. So it’s sure to be a great event at the Roundhouse – a place that always concerns itself with pushing the boundaries – and we just can’t resist that! (Words: Laura Thornley)

The Poetry Slam kicks off on August 15th. For more info, visit http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/whats-on/productions/roundhouse-poetry-slam-2012

Words: Laura Thornley

The post Somewhere you should go… Poetry Slam at The Roundhouse appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Somewhere you should go…Tongue Fu at the Rich Mix, June 30th

Monique Todd — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:00:44 +0000

After a day filled with London traffic, noisy iPods, and the uncensored discussion of schoolchildren on your way to work, the last thing you would want to do is listen to more racket and clamor! (The little tolerance left should surely be devoted to good ol’ Eastenders). However, the time has come to abandon this BBC ONE ritual – for one night, as least – and head to ‘Tongue Fu’ at the Rich Mix. It seeks to provide a more original, if not more satisfying, type of entertainment for your Thursday night. The line-up includes the regular BBC radio 4 guest Elvis McGonagall (pictured), and former SlamBassador, ‘Anthony Anaxagorou’ – so expect proverbial musings and feathery humour, laced with soundtracks played by the Tongue Fu live band. The Guardian has certified the night as “poetry, but not as you know it”, so if those horrible memories of incomprehensible sonnets arise whenever the word ‘poetry’ crops up, it may be worth attending this spoken word night on June 30 to change your mind. (Words: Monique Todd)

The post Somewhere you should go…Tongue Fu at the Rich Mix, June 30th appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.