WHAT’S THE NEXT MOTIVE?
Orpheus Negro
Film Screening
Black Orpheus, 1959 is directed by Marcel Camus and stars Marpessa Dawn as Eurydice and Breno Mello as Orpheus. Join us for an intimate screening of this heartfelt re-telling of a classic Greek tragedy set in the hills and bustling life of Rio de Janeiro. Popcorn as always will be provided and there will be a discussion on representation in the film and on authorial intent afterwards.
Solána Imani Rowe's Pen
SZA is a multi-award winning artist, songwriter and visionary. Dive into the world of her writing through this interactive poetry writing workshop and seminar on her versatility, influences and poetics.
Birmingham Literature Festival
Stay tuned!
SATURDAY
11/11
René Magritte & Temporality
Painting Workshop
René François Ghislain Magritte (1898-1967) reimagined reality so brilliantly that his work still speaks to many today. This seminar and painting workshop explores 20th century counterculture surrealism, and gives you the chance to create your own uncanny illusions during Balsall Heath Second Saturday festival. Free entry but limited spaces!
As Real as Kendrick Truly Prescribed
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Lyrics as real as the Heart Part I, II, III, IV and V. Kendrick Lamar’s discography serves as the basis of this writing masterclass on extended metaphors, allusions, lyrical complexity, subterfuge, rhetoric, word play and rhyme scheme. There will be a discussion on rappers as poets, a chance to workshop your rhymes and a special live music performance.
Eternal Bond: Jazz and Poetry
Join us for a seminar on the history of the musical literary genre, improvisation, free verse, surrealist Beat Poetry and the collaborations of 20th century artists that produced what we know of jazz poetry today. There will be a documentary screening followed by live music performances that you will not want to miss.
No Pryor Thought
‘I’d like to make you laugh for about ten minutes though I’m gonna be on for an hour.’ ― Richard Pryor
Not sure if you’re funny? Come along to our comedy writing workshop to have your work reviewed with a keen expert eye and amongst peers. Your work does not have to be polished, we’re here to help you find where your jokes could land. There will also be the chance to test out your jokes at our Open Mic, perfect for beginner comedians.
Read Frantz Fanon and Then We'll Talk
Philosopher, Marxist and poet Frantz Omar Fanon (1925-1961) was deeply engaged in the political realities of black life and emerging critical theories of postcolonialism. Dive into his notable works and discourse, with an in-depth seminar and poetry workshop.
Analysing L Buggy's Pedgagogy - the Education of Lauryn Hill
“If everyone is a product of this society, who will say the things that need to be said, and do the things that need to be done, without compromise?” – Lauryn Hill
This in-depth seminar and poetry workshop will break down how Lauryn Hill has delivered her theories, reflections and insights on race, oppression, spirituality and love. Come along to our special DJ set after hours playing homage to the Score, Blunted on Reality, her feature tracks and of course the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
Solange's Meditations
Solange Piaget Knowles is a singer, songwriter, choreographer, curator visual and performing artist and this seminar and poetry workshop is an immersive look at how repetition and the circuity of voices strengthens her work and can strengthen your own writing. Following the seminar there will be a chance to dance, turn up and show out.