Double Bill: Activism, Poetry and James Baldwin
2024 marks writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin’s 100th birthday, and the occasion has been marked by celebratory events across the country. But one facet of Baldwin’s work has been overlooked: his poetry.
Poets Kadija Sesay and Neo Gilson come together to share their poetry and discuss how they have used the art form as a tool of activism. Neo’s work has appeared as part of Window to my World: Poetry, Resistance and Justice, while Kadija has recently edited the new literary anthology, Encounters with James Baldwin, which digs deep into the legacy of the writer who spoke truth to power.
Chaired through the ConVERSE Emerging Chairs Programme with Edinburgh University.
Event Sponsors:
Similar Events You May Enjoy...
Poetry Jam with Leyla Josephine
6:30 pm - 7:45 pm
Long time collaborators and friends, fiddler Laura Wilkie, harpist Gillian Dawson, and poet Leyla Josephine, join forces for the Push the Boat Out Poetry Jam. Come hear them improvise together and, if you’re feeling courageous, there will be chances to read your writing alongside two of Scotland’s leading musicians.
Get TicketsDouble Bill: Sasha Dugdale and Oksana Maksymchuk
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
In Sasha Dugdale’s The Strongbox, recent history and Greek mythology meet to uncover stories found in conflict and warzones. Oksana Maksymchuk’s Still City begins as a poetic journal kept from her hometime in Ukraine. Together, Oksana and Sasha explore how poetry can bear witness to unimaginable experiences.
Get TicketsPush the Boat Out Presents: Iona Fyfe and Friends
8:00 pm - 10:15 pm
Doors open at 7:30pm
Push the Boat Out’s Saturday gig is back! Fresh from a triumphant US tour, Iona Fyfe, the award-winning folk singer and Scots Language activist, headlines an unforgettable night of poetry-fused song and sounds. Iona will be joined by Emma Capponi and Fionnbarr Byrne, who bring a captivating blend of folk and ethereal sounds, and Iona Lee and DJ Nikki Kent layering poetic vocals over electrifying beats.
Get Tickets