With another intense year coming to an end we wrap up our 2021 Flow Feature series with the magnificent writer and performance poet, jodY. With his comedic energy coupled with his free-spirited personality, we have enjoyed seeing this creative evolve over the last year both on and off the stage. With aims to break both personal and professional boundaries through his work we explore where jodY plans to take his art next. What has 2021 been like for you as a creative? 2021 has been an active year for jodY, but he never thought that he would be headlining multiple shows doing what he loved due to the pandemic. From open stages, to headlining events, to performing on the Bafta winning Sky Arts programme, Life & Rhymes, this year has been one of opportunity, growth, and development despite the global challenge we have all had to face. He began performing snippets of his play that blends spoken word with seamless acting and subtle comedy. His previews have received grand responses from all the audiences that have had the pleasure of getting to watch one of his biggest projects in the making come to life. The play is about specific memories relating to my childhood. I touch on themes such as masculinity, abuse, alcohol, and general mental health issues that aren’t spoken about as much as they should be. jodY – Poet & Creative What can you tell us about the play that you’re producing? I don’t want to rush it. I don’t believe in half-assed performances if you’re going to pay money to see me. I always think about people that sculpt ice. You can either rush it and get your 15 minutes of fame, or you can take your time delicately crafting away and people will remember you for years to come. jodY – Poet & Creative In order to make sure that what he reveals to the world through his play is worth it, jodY is working at his own pace; a trait that all creators should embrace where possible. He has been working on the project, entitled Divulge; Evolve, for over four years as he peeled back the layers of how he came to be the man he is today. Divulge; Evolve has revealed a lot about jodY’s capabilities to himself as he exposes the darkest experiences of his life in an artistic way. The semi-colon is used to support the semi-colon project that focuses on mental health. The semi-colon tattoo is used a message of solidarity against suicide, addiction, and other mental health issues. jodY – Poet & Creative Where do you want to take your craft in the upcoming future? Taking poetry to the theatre stage isn’t the only thing that jodY wants to achieve in the near future. He has grown to love the thrilling and competitive nature of slam poetry which he believes would fit his unique performance style. After making his mark within the UK poetry scene and being ready to take to the theatre stage, we have no doubt that slam poetry will bring out even more slick and comedic wordplay that we love so much. I believe I’m a great performer, and I’m a big believer in giving yourself positive words of affirmation. jodY – Poet & Creative If you’re a fan of slam poetry, then you definitely know that the US has some brilliant events featuring some of the best wordsmiths on the scene. jodY aims to go international to explore what the poetry community has to offer outside of London. He would love the opportunity to perform at The Poetry Cafe in LA and experience the Public Theatre in New York City which will allow him to connect new creatives, and develop his talents across the board. We look forward to seeing where jodY’s journey takes him in the New Year. Photographer: @souldiaries Creative director: @tannikataylor Writer: @tannikataylor Videographer: @themetaphorest
Tag Archives: Arts Council England
Three Local Theatres That Are Keeping Performing Arts Alive
Theatres are a crucial part of arts and culture in the UK and beyond. The pandemic hit the theatre industry hard, and now we’re moving forward we’re introducing you to three local theatres that are giving opportunities to the talents that deserve it whilst keeping performing arts alive and kicking. Kiln Theatre – Kilburn Winner of the Best London at the Stage Awards 2021, the Kiln Theatre has made a brilliant comeback supporting creatives across the arts since restrictions have eased. The 292 seat theatre alongside a 300 seat cinema, bar, restaurant, and rehearsal spaces provide the local community with much needed creative support and opportunities that benefit the people of Brent and beyond. Kiln Theatre creates beautifully crafted work that amplifies unheard voices and directs them to the mainstream stage. Internationally recognised for high quality productions, the theatre is known for telling big stories that focus on human connections across cultures, race, and languages that have been strengthening the diversity within the performing arts sector for years. They offer free opportunities that allow creatives to express who they are and develop their skills to be the best at what they desire to do, and this is an establishment that is essential to the elevation of the hidden talent based in Brent. Theatre Peckham – Peckham Theatre Peckham is part of the Arts Council England’s National Portfolio, and we are proud to share how much they have contributed to not only the poetry community, but the arts community as a whole. Winner of the Drama and Theatre Magazine Editor’s Award in April 2021, Theatre Peckham boasts an amazing 200-seat theatre alongside studios, and thrives on showcasing new talent in addition to raising awareness about different art forms that contribute to stunning theatre productions. They have supported some of the best poetry platforms based in London that primarily focus on mental health and the development of youth. These platforms include Poetic Unity and Mind Over Matter which have both been a crutch for those that heal from expressing their truths through the pandemic until now. Theatre Peckham is an integral part of the Peckham community for those interested in pursuing the arts or discovering new ways to develop their talents. Connected to both the local and national creative community, they invite all to get involved and feed their creativity. Bush Theatre – Shepherds Bush Known for discovering and nurturing the best new playwrights from all backgrounds, Bush Theatre is one to watch for 2022. They showcase contemporary stories with wit, style, and passion that are nothing less than entertaining. Located in the heart of Shepherds Bush, the establishment has two theatre spaces in addition to their Library Bar Cafe which is approximately a ten minute walk from Shepherds Bush Station. Throughout the year, Bush Theatre offers multiple ways for artists to work with them. They have have announced a new season of productions that is nothing short of the quality productions they released before the pandemic. The theatre takes pride in giving a voice to the underrepresented whilst delivering memorable entertainment that will be appreciated for years to come. Written by: Tannika Taylor
Birmingham Poets Set To Launch New Poetry Event Aiming To Empower
Birmingham based poet, author, and actor Ryan Sinclair is launching his very own spoken word event in his hometown. Empower Poetry aims to showcase the brilliant poets that Birmingham have to offer by giving them a new safe space to perform their art. Ryan was inspired to launch his new event after exploring the London poetry scene which is filled with open mic nights where poets share their truths. After featuring at various London poetry events and attracting a growing audience, Ryan has inspired more poets from Birmingham to connect with events in London. Currently there are only a few consistent poetry events running in Birmingham and Ryan wants to change the narrative of how poets from outside of the capital city are perceived and received. Alongside his Empower partner Kohinoor, Ryan and his team are determined to put Birmingham and Midland poets on the map, and we are 100% here for it. Kohinoor Yasmin is a writer and poet that has featured on Hayati Open Mic by Ort Gallery in addition to performing for virtual poetry platforms based in the United States. She found her love for writing at the age of eight drawing upon her early experiences as inspiration, and has been indulging in the craft ever since. I love reading, travelling, and cooking. I’m especially passionate about alternative education, and investing in our youth. One of my goals in life is to change the lives of those around me; one poem at a time. Kohinoor Yasmin – Poet, Photographer, and Mentor Ryan Sinclair highlights that it isn’t easy for all poets based outside of London to access the poetry events we have to offer on a weekly basis. Empower Poetry will be another step in bridging the gap between poets from Birmingham and London, and we are eager to see the new talent that the spoken word circuit has underground. I think it’s only right that I use my resources to boost the poetry community in Birmingham and help poets to get paid. Ryan Sinclair – Poet, Author, & Mentor Empower Poetry’s debut event is on the 24th November from 7pm onwards at the 7 Sins Lounge based in Digbeth. The night is set to be one to remember with feature performances from Birmingham based poets that have something to say.