This is the kind of night keeping poetry alive and kicking. The words were delivered raw, released from the paper they so often inhabit and shared as they ought to be – aloud.
The night was structured like a four-course meal. We had the charismatic Dean Atta introducing the night and sharing some of his own work. Then we were given an appetizer of some more novice poets in the open mic, followed by a starter of the delectable Sabrina Mahfouz, a meaty main of Kendel Hippolyte and Paul Cree - an absolute treat for dessert. The open mic was a really nice touch – providing the opportunity and encouragement for budding poets to share their work. Stavros Anagnou and Dionne Elizabeth took to the stage, each sharing a poem. Throughout the evening the topics ranged from serious political issues, to more comic material and the night really benefitted from this variety. The only negative thing I will say about the night is that, if I was a vegetarian paying for the meal ticket, I might have been sorely disappointed with the meaty Caribbean fare put in front of me.
Sabrina Mahfouz was extremely impressive – her work is lyrical, funny at times with dark undertones and sharp social commentary. This extraordinarily talented woman is also a playwright and will be taking her show, Chef, to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Kendel Hippolyte, a well established and assured poet over from St Lucia, brings rhythmic and beat driven words to the table. He takes on social issues, allegories and a pertinent critique on capitalism. We finish the night on a high with Paul Cree, a former MC and the only poet who performs from memory. He brings a slightly self-deprecating and extremely humorous take on the memories of his adolescence. His storytelling was thoroughly engaging, layered with experience and iced with wit. I was hungry for more.
This is the kind of night keeping poetry alive and kicking. The words were delivered raw, released from the paper they so often inhabit and shared as they ought to be – aloud.
