DNA Our Stories Poetry and Spoken Word Event
Did you know the average person is a carrier of at least one genetic condition?
Each of us tells stories of our lives. Written deep within our bodies are other stories, sometimes silent and told with the language of genetic code. Both can influence our life philosophies, our choices, our health and decisions about our relationships and families.
DNA: Our Stories was performance of shared spoken word and poetry, exploring the themes of identity, individuality, genetics and what it is to be human. The work included contributions from across Coventry and Warwickshire, supported by published poet Nigel Hutchinson and hosted by Ross Berkley Simpson. A recording of the event can be viewed below:
The 'DNA Our Stories' poetry and spoken word event was held on Saturday 22nd January 2022, at the Helen Martin Studio (Warwick Arts Centre) as part of the Resonate festival.
In the lead up to the performance event we held two writing workshops at Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum (11th December 2021), writers (both experienced and not so experienced) were invited to share creative ideas with the support of poet Nigel Hutchinson. You can view a film about the workshops below.
The results of the writing workshop and subsequent work collated by Nigel Hutchinson, are published in an anthology and available both onlineLink opens in a new window and in hard copy.
This event is part of a series of creative outputs inspired by the work of Professor Felicity Boardman of Warwick Medical School who undertook original research into the lived experience of families affected by genetically inherited conditions. The art installation I:DNA (available to see at Leamington Art Gallery & Museum) came from this research and is an arresting and thought-provoking journey into the world of human genetics, using sculpture, film, and sung/spoken soundtrack reflecting real life experiences.
DNA: Our Stories was produced by STAMP Theatre and Media Productions, inspired by the work of Professor Felicity Boardman, funded by the Wellcome Trust and was part of the Resonate Festival (University of Warwick and Coventry City of Culture).
Please click hereLink opens in a new window to read the anthology that was produced through this collaboration.