PEOPLE from across Bradford will take part in a night of poetry and performance tomorrow (December 6) following a successful programme which has brought people from all walks of life together.
The Change the Word programme, by London-based Good Chance Theatre, came to Bradford in August, after a number of successful ventures in other towns and cities across the country.
Change the Word held 19 sessions in Bradford, where people came together to share stories and learn how to write poems, mentored by Leeds’ Sai Murray.
The programme was attended by refugees and asylum seekers living in Bradford, as well as by people who have been settled in the district for longer.
“The participants gained new skills and learned more about each other’s communities,” said Ezra Nash, Change the Word Producer.
“We never have much time to stop and meet new people and learn about their life experiences, so it was great to see the group do that.
“It was a room of people you might not normally see together, but they all bonded and really bought into the programme.”
Those taking part - teenagers up to those in their 60s and 70s - all shared their own experiences of Bradford.
“Some people have grown up here, some have only recently arrived, but they all have a story of what it is like to call Bradford home,” Ezra added.
“There were so many different languages – some people wrote their poems in Urdu, Arabic and Farsi, and it was interesting to see them share their languages with everyone.
“Ricardo, who is from Congo, wrote a poem which was a blend of three different languages.
“A lot of participants spoke of the support they’ve had in Bradford, with it being a City of Sanctuary, and others spoke of what it is like to have such a great sense of community here.
“No one has focused too much on trauma, although some bits have come out and arts and culture does offer a moment to reflect and help with the healing process.”
A sold out performance will be held at The Place on John Street tomorrow night, while a published anthology will also be launched.
“There is so much scope and opportunity to move forward now,” Ezra said.
“Ricardo is now wanting to run his own workshops and continue writing.
“This group will stay in touch and work together, and I think more good things will come out of that.”
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