Recent Projects
LEEDS WEST LYRICAL QUEST - A CHANCE TO SLAM!
A performance poetry project for young people in West Leedssupported by Leeds Young Authors from East Leeds
Young people from West Leeds and Chapeltown, aged between 11
and 18 were recently given the unique opportunity to work alongside
professional performance poets Truthmaze and DJ Fundamentalist
from America.
The project, called Leeds West Lyrical Quest, was set up by Interplay
in partnership with Leeds Young Authors. The youngsters develop
writing skills, learn how to set lyrics to rhythm and create their own
work for performance. During the regular Wednesday night sessions
there is an opportunity to work with experienced poets and
musicians, such as vocal coach and workshop facilitator Paulette
Morris, and musician Chris Campbell. The workshops are led by
Khadijah Ibrahiim, Director of Leeds Young Authors.
They will perform again at the 3rd annual Leeds youth team slam -
part of 'Voices of a New Generation' National Youth Literature
Festival 2006, in Leeds in July.
One of the aims of the poetry workshops is to enable young people
to explore particular issues, vocalise their attitudes, concerns and
aspirations and create a greater understanding and celebration of
diversity in Leeds. The participants have generated an amazing
selection of work, and have performed at regular 'poetry nights'
alongside guest artists including Leeds Young Authors, and Chicago's
finest poets and singers, Ugochi and Krista Franklin.
Leeds West Lyrical Quest has been kindly supported by the Clore
Duffield Foundation.