Thank you to everyone who came 🙂
An epic all-dayer in celebration of 40 years of supporting the UK’s finest spoken word talent.
We know this event is over, but we’re keeping it up for a week because we’re so proud and happy about the event we pulled together. We just wanted to stay in the honeymoon period for a little while.
Takeover – day events
Doors 1.30pm, programme starts 2pm. For the evening event, scroll down the page.
The Studio
The Studio’s incredible lineup begins at 2pm with a special, live recording of our Apples and Snakes Podcast with Yomi Ṣode and Malika Booker. It’s also the space to hear ‘New Voices’, get ready to be awed as we showcase unparalleled spoken word talent from the Roundhouse Collective, Poetic Unity and Barbican Young Poets. To round off an amazing Studio programme we welcome designer and artist Bella Freud & poet Joelle Taylor for a very special conversation, join them as they chat about the aesthetics of protest. With a programme this juicy, The Studio is set to become the talking point of the Takeover…
2-2.30pm – Live Podcast recording with Yomi Sode and Malika Booker. We’re currently recording season 3 of our Podcast – check out previous episodes online and on your usual listening channels.
3-3.45pm – Roundhouse Poetry Collective. Follow the latest from this Collective on the Roundhouse website, with plenty to read , watch and listen to. They’ll also be performing at the Last Word Festival.
4.15-5pm – Poetic Unity. Poetic Unity is a Brixton based charity that provides support and services for children and young people aged 10-30 years old across the UK. Our vision is to give young people a voice and to empower them to reach their highest potential. On the lineup:
Aicha Thèrèse (Instagram @AichaTherese) is a powerful spoken word artist, hailing from South East London. She encapsulates real life experiences into a raw and transparent spoken word style, creating mix-media work with physical art and literature. Aicha is also the founder of the poetry and music platform ‘ATL’s Word on the Street’ a monthly event showcasing live talent.
Magero (Instagram @Magero_TBH) is a poet/spoken word artist, workshop facilitator and co-founder of ‘The Brotherhood Creative Collective’. Magero is known as a vivid storyteller who incorporates a fusion of poetry, music and acting within his artistry. He has been described by some as a ‘poetic illusionist’ due to his intricate writing style and ability to misdirect audiences through manipulating their perception within his narrative which often include unexpected plot twists.
Jayda David (Instagram @98jayda) is a Spoken Word Artist and Facilitator who uses poetry to navigate and dissect her perceptions on social injustice and the human experience as a whole. Working with Brixton-based charity Poetic Unity, Jayda delivers poetry workshops to all ages, usually centred on themes of Mental Health and Black British History. She is also currently curating a mixed-media anthology, which aims to celebrate and explore working class life in London.
Jerome Scott (@Jeromeeoo) is a spoken word artist, actor and dancer. He is currently training at IDSA and building his creative portfolio. He’s always looking for creative spaces to collaborate, grow and play with ideas.
5.15-6pm – Barbican Young Poets. Barbican Young Poets is an artist development initiative and community for those who wish to explore what’s possible for their poetry and creative expression.
6.30-7pm – Joelle Taylor in conversation with Bella Freud – a discussion on poetry and protest.
The Bar
Head to the bar for your opportunity to take part in our renowned Jawdance Open Mic. Add your name to this online poll and or sign up on the day, we’ll be drawing names from a hat as usual. Sign up to the open mic.
Fancy taking home a little something special? Here you will also find a bookstore, Apples and Snakes merchandise with t-shirts Designed by Bella Freud, and a chance for you to snap up some Apples and Snakes bargains from our archive.
The Hub
Long days call for a bit of rest and recovery. Dip into The Hub to take some time out. This area is our ‘retreat’ zone with the following events happening throughout the day. You’re welcome to take part in any of the sessions:
Yoga and Creative Writing 2.30pm – 3.15pm
With Gemma Barnett and Rose Bird.
A blended session of yoga and creative writing wherein we are encouraged to unite body and mind to let language and light flow through us.
LayLumLa Voice Bath 3.45pm – 4.15pm & 6.30pm – 7pm
With Dom Coyote
An alternative type of inactive meditation. It’s time to let go of negativity as you “bathe” in the soothing vibrations of vocal sound. Lay in near darkness allow sound to resonate through you.
Inner-Life Drawing 5pm – 6pm
Lead by Bohdan Piasecki
Take a space at an easel and study our human subjects as they ponder questions of existence. Through observation participants will be encouraged to draw out the internal monologues of our subjects to develop works of character based creative writing.
The vibe of the day will be casual, you’re welcome to take bites of anything that interests you, or simply hang out with us and some friends and enjoy the day
All Stars gig – evening event
Doors 7pm, event starts 7.30pm
TTo round up the Apples and Snakes Takeover, we’re hosting an absolutely stellar gig in the Main Space. Expect to see music, poetry and performances. We have newly commissioned works and a couple of extra surprises to throw at you.
We’ve programmed some names that are close to the heart of Apples and Snakes. We think you’ll agree when you see the huge range of talent we have taking the stage. Raise a glass and let’s cheers to celebrate 40 years of spoken word with:
Joelle Taylor
Roger Robinson
Yomi Ṣode
Belinda Zhawi
Kat François
Hollie McNish
Inua Ellams
Kayo Chingonyi
Sophia Thakur
Malika Booker
Zena Edwards
BREIS
Beatbox Academy
Hosted by: Jan Blake
Curated by Apples and Snakes, Roundhouse and Bella Freud.
Part of The Last Word Festival
Roundhouse access information.
