Didn’t quite manage to rest yet again / x
So,
After spending two weeks in the BEAUTIFUL Canadian mountain-town of BANFF (working on a new play) I came back down to England-Town on Monday. I am severely jet lagged, I feel like my soul is hovering over the ocean, and my body misses it, but there’s much ado this week and I gotta charge on until it returns.
I’ll try to be brief. Remember the formula?
4 news items + something to watch…
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1 / The Writing Shed / Poetry
I have an evening of poetry and conversation coming up this Thursday at The Writing Shed. The Writing Shed is a creative project in which open mic nights, workshops and in-depth conversations with established writers happen at venue in North London. At the end of the event, after all the chit chat, we’ll get a drink or two. Personally, I’m looking forward to the Open Mic, I need to find new writers and performers for our 05Events.
Thur 8 May 7:30pm
The Roasting Shed
322 Hornsey Road
London N7 7HE
Book here!
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2 / My Doctor Who / Episode 5
Above are stills from my Doctor Who Episode! After two years of work - that’s how long I had to keep my big mouth shut - this Saturday you’ll finally get to see it! My Ep is called The Story and The Engine. It is set in Lagos, Nigeria, where “…a mysterious Barber reigns supreme. The Doctor discovers in which stories have power, but has to think fast to stop the Spider from spinning its deadly web of revenge!” PLEASE Puh-LEASE tune in to watch, and lemme know what you think after!
Sat 10 May / 19:10 PM / BBC 1
Sat 10 May 8 AM / Disney+
more info here.
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3 / The Restitution Rap Party / May
In commemoration of Africa Day, this special edition invites audiences and writers to imagine and re-imagine the possible, histories and swirling narratives around artefacts in Manchester Museum’s collection.
To recap, The Rhythm And Poetry / Prose Party is a no-clutter no-fuss night of live literature and moving music. The format is super simple: 10 writers share a piece of work and after each, the DJ will play two songs of their choosing linked to the text.
I will be joined by Sid Mercutio on decks, and a fantastic line up of writers and performers from communities of origin. Expect live literature, moving music, and an unforgettable night out!
Sat 23 May / 7:00
Living Worlds gallery
Manchester Museum
Oxford Road
Manchester M13 9PL
Book / here.
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4 / Stained Metal / 💥New Project Alert!💥
KENYA x JAMAICA x INDIA x CANADA!
I got a lot of flack when I accepted an MBE, a royal honour, from King Charles. Some friends and fans of my work were angry and disappointed. Others called me a sell-out, an Uncle Tom, a coon, etc. I did my best to hold my peace, because there was (there always is) a larger picture and context at play. The plan was (the plan always is) to make art, to articulate complexity, to broaden and deepen understanding.
This is Stained Metal a project in which I ship the MBE medal itself - a piece of the kingdom - to four artists in four formerly-colonised corners of the Empire: Kenya, Jamaica, India and Canada. I will commission new work from local artists, ask them, (as a provocation) what it means to be part of a construct they never asked to join, and we will present their varied answers here in Britain and in Nigeria.
Stained Metal will be a profound exploration of empire, identity, and legacy. The purpose of the work is to better understand the everyday legacies of Empire from those most affected by it, and to add the voices of those we don’t hear enough of to the ongoing debate about Royal Honours.
Co-presented by Fuel, Creative Manchester, and Manchester Museum, Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), the project will be launched as part of my Honorary Fellowship at University of Manchester on May 28th. - Oh yeah, I’m now an honorary fellow there.
The launch-event promises to be an unforgettable night of poetry, storytelling, and thought-provoking conversation. I hope you can make it. Tickets are free, but you have to book…
Wed 28 May / 5:30
Living Worlds gallery
Manchester Museum
Oxford Road
Manchester M13 9PL
Book / here.
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5 / Something to watch / Dr Who again!
It’s my trailer! Only .30secs long. Enjoy here!
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