My project explores the loss of memory – forgetting and misremembering. Through a narrative of my journey to writing and discovering many unheard voices and histories, this project recounted the importance of speaking when told to be silent.

By performing poetry, an art form that Black women use to tell stories, the project highlighted the importance of this oral form of art which is valuable for culture and for preserving history. ‘An evening with verse writer’ was inspired by Black women like myself who continue to tell their story despite challenges.

The project first started as a short performance at a scratch night in the Helen Martin Studio at the Warwick Arts Centre where I performed 10 mins of poetry and incorporated theatrical elements of slow movement and drama. Ideas such as slowly showing the audience objects and books by people that inspire me aimed to challenge a literary canon that has relegated works by Black women and men to the periphery. I was extremely delighted that a simple idea of performing poetry could be transformed to a 45 min long set of poetic theatre that appealed to a wide range of audience.

Working with a live band was especially fun for me. I think it is a great gift to be able to merge not just genres but different kinds of sounds and meanings together without losing artistic integrity. With the help of a great band comprising of a jazz vocalist, a saxophonist and pianist I was able to lace my poetry with music by creating a powerful sonic landscape.

Collaboration, sharing and co-production of knowledge was integral for the success of this show. I am glad that through this process, I had a community of people I could trust and learn from. Through the sharing of a poster for an ‘artistic callout’ I was able to attract artworks by artists from various parts of the country such as Coventry, London and Leeds.I was also able to work with an excellent set designer and production assistants who brought my vision life.

At the end of my performance, I received a standing ovation and an Artistic Development Award. Since then, I have been recently programmed by the Warwick Arts Centre for another re-run of the show.