What Words Are Ours?
A tongue-twisting, thigh-slapping, tear-jerking poetry-cabaret, exploring words as a tool of protest, dissent and joy, BSL interpreted and with BSL poetry, returns to Roundhouse for the first of four show over 2018/19. Saturday 17th November Roundhouse, London 8pm-10pm
Hosted by the “sublime” and “distinctive” poet-clown Talia Randall, this sell-out poetry variety show is returning to the Roundhouse.
Tickets: £10 BSL users can enter the code WWAOBSL at checkout for limited £5 tickets: http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/whats-on/2018/what-words-are-ours/
Less a show about the power of words but more about power itself, What Words Are Ours? explores how words have kept us down, held us back and locked us up, as well as celebrating how words have freed us; how we have found ourselves and reclaimed ourselves with words.
Featuring a kaleidoscope of performances from, D/deaf artists performing BSL poetry, drag artists, rising stars of the spoken word scene, to masters of puns and political satire, the show explores the political nature of the language we use in day-to-day life and helps us question our own power and what we should do with it.
Line up:
Groundbreaking deaf poet Donna Williams’ work explores her fascination with bilingualism, translation and identity. Donna will perform some of her poems in English and SSE (Sign Supported English) and others in BSL while interpreter/actress Becky Barry reads the English transcript of the poems.
The night will be BSL interpreted by Martin Fox-Roberts.
Kayo Chingonyi whose book, Kumukanda (Chatto & Windus, 2017) was a Guardian and Telegraph book of the year and won the Dylan Thomas Prize and a Somerset Maugham Award. “Chingonyi’s poems are full of questions that need asking” The Guardian
British Syrian poet Lisa Luxx will share poetry that is “sensitive and revolutionary – always kind, always fierce.” (Dazed and Confused)
Having worked with the likes of Mykki Blanco and Scottee, expect the unexpected from Lasana Shabazz , a visually arresting performance artist.
Ruth Sutoye’s poetry explores intimacy, loss and how we carry this through the generations. A Roundhouse Resident Artist, Ruth’s work spans poetry, visual art and photography.
Plus more artists to be announced.
“I’d always enjoyed reading poetry but the first time I saw BSL poetry on stage it blew my mind. Now as a bilingual poet, I experiment with delivering poetry in English and BSL, using various styles and techniques and constantly seeking audience feedback. Being bi-cultural and moving between the hearing and Deaf worlds can be a struggle and I reflect on this in some of my poems. At What Words Are Ours? I’ll be performing some of my poems in English and SSE (Sign Supported English) and others in BSL while interpreter/actress Becky Barry reads my English transcript of the poem. This bilingualism is a key part of my identity and I’m excited to share my work on the night.” Donna Williams aka DeafFireFly, featured performer
“The words we speak, the language we use and how we communicate is inherently political and intrinsically about power and I wanted to create a fun, bold, text-based variety show exploring these themes”. Talia Randall, creator and host of the show
Website: www.taliarandall.com
Twitter: TaliaRandall
Instagram: talia_randall #WhatWordsAreOurs
LISTINGS
What Words Are Ours?
by Talia Randall
Saturday 17 November, 8pm
BSL interpreted
Roundhouse
Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8EH
Box office: 0300 6789 222
Tickets: £10
Website: roundhouse.org.uk
About Talia Randall
Talia Randall is an artist, writer and performer with a growing following. Her work has been called “sublime” (dig.com) “distinctive” (The Upcoming), “playful and fascinating” (Sabotage Reviews) . She has performed across the UK at legendary venues such as The Roundhouse, Wales Millennium Centre, Bristol Old Vic, Glastonbury and The Edinburgh Fringe. Having grown up in youth projects herself, social engagement is at the heart of Talia’s practice. This community work is at the core of what she does and not just the ‘bread and butter’.
About the Roundhouse
The Roundhouse is a hub of inspiration where artists and emerging talent create extraordinary work and where young people can grow creatively as individuals. The Roundhouse believes in the power of creativity to change lives. By giving young people the chance to engage with the arts through music, media and performance projects, the Roundhouse inspires them to reach further, dream bigger, and achieve more.
Each year, the Roundhouse gives thousands of 11–25-year-olds the chance to develop their skills and confidence through creativity – in music, media or the performing arts, helping them to find new perspectives, and new directions.
The Roundhouse is one of the most incredible live performance spaces in the world where the biggest names in music, theatre, circus and spoken word take to the stage every day. A former railway engine repair shed, the Grade II* listed building was transformed into a ground-breaking performing arts venue 50 years ago, welcoming legendary artists from all over the world to perform in its unique spaces.
