I’m running a walking and writing workshop at the Bloomsbury Festival this year.
What: Walking like a human
When: Saturday 19 October from 11am to 12pm
Where: Thenga Cafe, YMCA Kings Cross, 120 Cromer Street WC1H 8BS
It’s free to attend and there’s no need to book – people can just come along on the day. (Don’t forget to bring a notebook and pen.)
https://bloomsburyfestival.org.uk/events/walking-like-a-human/
– Sarah Farley
I’m working on publicity for the upcoming JB Priestley Society event on 20th October Bloomsbury Festival Priestley & Orwell: Principles, Patriotism and Propaganda.
They are two very influential writers, but why is Orwell known about so much more than JBP? What are the similarities and differences between them? How did their principles influence their work and output? A head:head presentation by two advocates that invite the audience to reflect and ask questions (with me as MC). Conway Hall, Oct 20th 3pm.
I also did a spot of storytelling for the 2025 Bradford City of Culture campaign with Olivia Wright, one of the BBC New Voices reporting on 2025 events. You can see a clip here.
One more thing, perhaps a recommendation (although it has now finished!).
I went to Ilkley Playhouse on Friday 13 Sept to see a new version of Ibsen’s Enemy of the People by Rebecca Lenkiewicz from a literal translation by Charlotte Barslund.
The production was excellent, so much that the person with me said they could sit through it straight away, it was so powerful and relevant to today. A brilliant ‘amateur’ cast, directed by Yvette Huddleston (Co-Artistic Director of Ilkley Playhouse) whose performances outclassed many a professional one I’ve seen.
– Irene Lofthouse
My Recommendations: I read the poetry collection “Refused A Second Date” by my friend Maya Williams. Their poems use contemporary games and music; personification and resonant imagery to explore good, weird, sexy, creepy and bad dates; and speak truth to power. Thematically, they discuss: queerness; genderqueerness; Blackness; multiracial identity; racism; mental illness; pop culture; immersive snapshots of life; lineage; violence; boundaries; romantic and sexual relationships; gratitude; affirmations; Christianity; childhood, teenagehood and adulthood.
I love how unapologetic they are in their belief in self; calling out harmful behaviour; writing poems as a form of processing and expressing love; and embracing the awkwardness of first dates and dating apps. Maya bares their full self and I am a better writer and human for reading their truth. The ending was just the full circle moment I needed.
My news: I was named as one of five recipients of the The Sundress Academy for the Arts Fall 2024 Residency Fellowships! I was also awarded a support grant to facilitate this residency! Currently on day three of the residency and absolutely loving being on the farm and getting an escape to focus on my writing and never-ending to-do list!
Read the announcement here: https://www.sundresspublications.com/news/2024/06/sundress-academy-for-the-arts-announces-winners-of-fall-2024-residency-fellowships/
– Mugabi Byenkya