Black History Month Leicester 2014 Brochure

set up, which recommended re – opening the UN inquiry. Agreeing there is new evidence, Ban Ki-moon has now referred the matter to the UN General Assembly.

W: bhmleicester.ticketsource.co.uk Embrace Arts presents:

Textile fashion in Africa SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 10am – 1pm Embrace Arts Enjoy the stunning and fashion history and styles from different parts of Africa, and reflect on how these relate to Britain and the current global fashion trends; with tutor Malika Kramer.

Tickets: £15 / £10. For both this workshop and Contemporary African Art £20 / £15 Embrace Arts presents:

Image: Poetry is an Island

Serendipity presents:

Book talk: Who killed Hammarskjöld?

The UN, The Cold War and White Supremacy in Africa – Susan Williams

THURSDAY 23 OCTOBER 3pm St. Martin’s Tea & Coffee Merchants Susan Williams examines the mystery surrounding the death of UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld in a plane crash in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) in 1961, wrecking his mission to bring peace to the Congo. A Rhodesian inquiry blamed pilot error, but a UN inquiry reached an open verdict. In response to Susan’s book, an independent Hammarskjöld Commission was

Contemporary African art SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 1.30pm – 4.30pm Embrace Arts A fascinating insight into the work of contemporary artists from Africa and how their work is perceived locally and internationally; with tutor Malika Kramer.

Tickets: £15 / £10. For both this workshop and Textile Fashion in Africa £20 / £15 A Frantic Assembly and Theatre Royal Plymouth production in association with Curve Theatre presents:

Shakespeare’s Othello TUESDAY 28 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 1 NOVEMBER Tue – Sat 7.30pm, Wed & Sat 2.15pm Curve Frantic Assembly returns to Curve with this electrifying take on

Image: Frantic Assembly

BHMFilmFest: Poetry is an island: Derek Walcott WEDNESDAY 22 OCTOBER 7pm Phoenix This rousing documentary reveals an intimate portrait of Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott, as it visits his art studio, his childhood home and his current residence on his beloved native island of St. Lucia.

Walcott speaks openly about the personal meaning of his work, the significance of art for humanity and the film celebrating his poetry.

80 mins, Not rated Tickets: £5 W: bhmleicester.ticketsource.co.uk

Leicester Libraries presents:

Somali children - educational workshop for parents and carers WEDNESDAY 29 OCTOBER 11am – 2.30pm St. Matthews Library Supporting reading and writing in the Somali community. A workshop for parents and carers by Jawahir A. Farah. Find out how books and games can stimulate reading and learning in your children.

Writing East Midlands presents:

“I have a dream” blog hop WEDNESDAY 29 OCTOBER All day Whose words have moved you to tears, to action, to love? Who has inspired you to write, to stand up and be counted, to find a voice or give a voice to others? Maybe it’s Maya Angelou or Alice Walker, Derek Walcott or Kamau Brathwaite, Louise Bennett or Langston Hughes or Martin Luther King? Join us at our blog hop to share with us the Black writers, poets, playwrights, social commentators and journalists who mean the most to you.

W: writingeastmidlands.co.uk (from the 1st of October).

LISTINGS

LISTINGS Serendipity presents

Shakespeare’s thriller tragedy of paranoia, jealousy, sex and murder.

Fusing a taut adaptation of the classic text with its trademark hard-hitting choreography.

Frantic Assembly takes a scalpel to 21st century Britain, exposing prejudice, danger and fear.

Tickets: Tue - Thu £22.50 | £18.50 | £14.50 Fri - Sat £24.50 | £20.50 | £16.50

Leicester College presents:

Black History Month showcase WEDNESDAY 29 OCTOBER 6pm Upper Brown Street Leicester College hosts its annual Black History Month showcase with talented students and guests from local community organisations and others. This year the event will draw awareness towards Black literary achievers and will be the culmination event of the college’s celebrations.

Tickets: Donation to College charity on the door W: leicestercollege.ac.uk Serendipity presents:

BHMFilmFest: Freedom Summer WEDNESDAY 29 OCTOBER 7pm Phoenix Marking the 50th Anniversary of ‘Freedom Summer’, this insightful and thought provoking documentary looks back at

the summer of 1964, when more than 700 student activists took segregated Mississippi by storm. Registering AfricanAmerican voters, creating freedom schools and establishing the intergrated Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.

Dir: Stanley Nelson 113 min not rated Tickets: £5 W: bhmleicester.ticketsource.co.uk

BLACK HISTORY MONTH DIARY Please contact the venue or event organiser for tickets and information.

University of Leicester presents:

University of Leicester Black History Season Throughout the autumn University of Leicester Campus The University of Leicester is running a series of lectures and seminars in the Autumn term to celebrate Black History in the UK and globally. These will be a fantastic opportunity to learn about Black history from a leading academic in the field. Topics will include the role of slavery in British country houses, the importance of Christianity in the struggle for Black emancipation and Black people’s contribution to life in Leicester. These sessions will also allow those interested in studying at university in the future the chance to sample the university experience, as well as honing their critical thinking and analytical skills.

E: outreach@le.ac.uk

Serendipity presents:

BHM book talk: In conversation with Sarah LeFanu - S is for Samora: A lexical biography of Samora Machel and the Mozambican dream.

THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER 3pm St. Martin’s Tea & Coffee Merchants Samora Machel led FRELIMO, the Mozambican Liberation Front, to victory against Portuguese colonialism in 1974, and the following year became independent Mozambique’s first President. Sarah LeFanu discusses the personal and political forces in the countries of southern Africa during the 1960s and 70s and the many faces of the man that Nelson Mandela called ‘a true African Revolutionary’.

W: bhmleicester.ticketsource.co.uk

BHM Live:

CALL FOR COMMISSIONS BHM Live is an exciting platform to support emerging Black artists, across all art forms. Selected artists will receive mentoring from industry professionals and a bursary to help develop new work.

Artists will also have the opportunity to showcase their work and network with promoters, producers, programmers, artistic directors and venue managers.

For more information and to download an application form please visit: www.serendipity-uk.com or email: info@serendipity-uk.com Deadline for application submission is Friday 10 October 2014.

4-22 FEBRUARY

2015 WWW.COMEDY-FESTIVAL.CO.UK @DavesLeicsFest

Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival

D AT E

GENRE

EVENT

A R T I S T/ O R G A N I S E R

TIME

VENUE

TICKETS

27 September

Music

BHM 2014 launch – 3 Black Voices

Serendipity

7.45pm

Curve

£10

2 October

Literature/ Theatre

Love the life you live… live the life you love’

Dare to Diva, Embrace Arts & Carol Leeming

7pm

Embrace Arts

Free (Booking required)

4 October

Community

LCCU 40th Anniversary Celebration

Leicester Caribbean Credit Union

7pm

City Rooms

£40

4 October

Dance

Midlands Best Dance Crew

2Funky Arts

7pm

Curve

£14 | £12 | £10

4 October

Music

Botown

2Funky Arts

7.45pm

Curve

£15

5 October

Community

Leicester’s Contrast Steel Band 40th Anniversary

Leicester’s Contrast Steel Band

5pm

African Caribbean Centre

By invitation

8 October

Film

BHMFilmFest: Beloved

Serendipity

7pm

Phoenix

£5

13 October

Literature / Music

Stories from the Shell: Winston Nzinga

Leicester Libraries

3.30pm

Highfields Library

Free

14 October

Literature / Music

Paradigm Rhymes

The Spark Arts for Children

10am & 1.15pm

Braunstone Library at The BRITE Centre

£1.50 performance only | £2.50 including workshop

15 October

Literature / Music

Paradigm Rhymes

The Spark Arts for Children

10am & 1.15pm

Southfields Library

£1.50 performance only | £2.50 including workshop

15 October

Film

BHMFilmFest: Babylon

Serendipity

7pm

Phoenix

£5

15 October

Music

Dancing in the Streets

De Montfort Hall

7.30pm

De Montfort Hall

£19 | £21 | £22 | £24 | £26

18 October

Music

Festival2Funky

2Funky Arts

12pm

Music Café, Sumo, Sugar Loaf, Bowstrings

£5 Music Café and Bowstrings Wristband, Free Sumo & Sugar Loaf

22 October

Film

BHMFilmFest: Poetry is an Island: Derek Walcott

Serendipity

7pm

Phoenix Cinema

£5

23 October

Literature

BHM book talk: Who Killed Hammarskjöld?

Serendipity

3pm

St. Martin’s Tea & Coffee Merchants

Free

26 October

Workshop

Textile Fashion in Africa

Embrace Arts

10am - 1pm

Embrace Arts

26 October

Workshop

Contemporary African Art

Embrace Arts

1.30pm - 4.30pm

Embrace Arts

28 October – 1 November

Theatre

Shakespeare’s Othello

A Frantic Assembly and Theatre Royal Plymouth Production In Association with Curve Theatre

Tue - Sat 7.30pm Fri - Sat 2.15pm

Curve

Tue - Thu £22.50 | £18.50 | £14.50 Fri - Sat £24.50 | £20.50 | £16.50

29 October

Community

Somali children -educational workshop for parents and carers

Leicester Libraries

11am - 2.30pm

St. Matthew’s Library

Free

29 October

Literature

“I have a dream…” blog hop

Writing East Midlands

All day

29 October

Community

Black History Month showcase

Leicester College

6pm

Upper Brown Street

Donation

29 October

Film

BHMFilmFest: Freedom Summer

Serendipity

7pm

Phoenix

£5

30 October

Literature

BHM Book Talk: S is for Samora – Sarah LeFanu

Serendipity

3pm

St. Martin’s Tea & Coffee Merchants

Free

Throughout the Autumn

Various

University of Leicester Black History Season

University of Leicester

University of Leicester

Free

£15 | £10 for one, £20 | £15 for both.

Free

OCTOBER 2014

As a young man I was profoundly influenced by West African writers such as Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka and Amos Tutuola. On shelves at home I still have my old, tattered copies of Things Fall Apart and The Palm-Wine Drinkard, novels that I first read at the age of about 18.

These writers talked about the impact of colonialism – and the missionaries that came with it – on traditional African society. They explored the uneasy relationship between tradition and progress. Many were also activists who spoke out against elitism and corruption – and suffered personally for doing so.

Therefore I was delighted to see that this year’s Black History Month takes the theme of literature, a subject close to my heart. This year in particular it seems a fitting theme as we mark the passing of the great American writer and activist Maya Angelou, whose works tell us so much about race and identity.

Here in Leicester we are extremely proud of our diversity and we work hard to ensure that people of different backgrounds and beliefs live together in peace and respect.

My thanks go to everyone who will be taking part in Black History Month – and to Serendipity who have put together the programme. These events are an opportunity to celebrate the great contribution made by African and Caribbean people worldwide and here in Leicester.

Fiction or non-fiction, great literature reveals truths about the world. It touches us; it can make us angry; it can make us laugh or cry. But above all it makes us think – about our own lives and attitudes, about our past, present and future.

I hope you enjoy the events detailed in this programme. By passing on stories to the next generation, we will inspire them to their own action in the years to come.

Peter Soulsby | City Mayor

BHM 2014 Launch 3 Black voices Saturday 27 September 7.45pm Curve

Dare to Diva, Embrace Arts and Carol Leeming presents:

‘Love the life you live ... live the life you love’

TUESDAY 2 OCTOBER 7pm Embrace Arts Reading and sharing of text from an exciting new drama work by Carol Leeming FRSA. Commissioned by Affective Digital Histories; Centre for New Writing, University of Leicester.

A magic realist tale: It’s the 1980s in St. George’s/Cultural Quarter, Leicester. Martin, a rather vain man, is celebrating at Helsinki Bar. Later, he fatefully meets a rather odd man, this strange encounter changes both their lives, forever…

Advance booking required.

BHM 2014 launches with a celebration of talented vocalists. Iesher Haughton, Femi Santiago and Leicester’s own Bizzi Dixon, who all recently appeared on BBC One’s The Voice, will come together for an exciting evening of entertainment.

Hosted by stand-up comedian John Simmit.

Tickets: £10

Leicester Caribbean Credit Union presents:

LCCU 40th anniversary celebration SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER 7pm – 2am City Rooms Leicester Caribbean Credit Union is hosting a formal dinner and dance to commemorate 40 successful years of serving the community.

All are welcome to celebrate at this black tie/evening dress event. The evening’s entertainment includes a performance by comedian Curtis Walker and the Jamaican High Commissioner will be in attendance as an honoured guest.

Tickets: daytime events free, evening event £40 T: 0116 251 2224 E: lccu@wiscp.org.uk

2Funky Arts presents:

Midlands best dance crew SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER 7pm Curve The sensational urban dance competition is back! The show celebrates Black performance styles such as hip-hop, urban and street dance, with jawdropping routines from the region’s most talented crews.

Also featuring a ‘Best dancer in the audience’ section, this show is simply unmissable.

Tickets: £14 | £12 | £10 £2 off for under 16’s W: 2funkyarts.co.uk

Tickets: £21 | £24 | £26 Concessions: £19 | £22 | £24

SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER 7.45pm Curve One of the most exciting and unique acts of recent years, Botown have given soul music a new perspective, while paying homage to its heroes. Featuring music from soul greats such as Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin, infused with Bollywood vocals.

Tickets: £15 | £12.50 (for Groups 10+) W: 2funkyarts.co.uk

Image: Winston Nzinga

Serendipity presents:

BHMFilmFest: Beloved WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER 7pm Phoenix Beloved, based upon Toni Morrison’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel of the same name, centres on the life of Sethe, a former slave. When a mysterious young woman arrives at her house, Sethe is forced Image: Botown

Leicester’s Contrast Steel Band presents:

Leicester’s Contrast Steel Band’s 40th anniversary & website launch SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER 5pm – 8pm African Caribbean Centre A celebration of the 40 year milestone reached by Leicester’s only full professional steel band.

This is an informative event to illustrate the history of the band and officially launch its website.

Tickets: By invitation only (for Groups 10+) W: contraststeelband.com

Image: Contrast

to face the secrets of her past that have haunted her for years.

75mins, Film Rating 15 Tickets: £5 W: bhmleicester.ticketsource. co.uk

Festiv al 2Funky Serendipity presents:

BHMFilmFest: Babylon

Stories from the Shell: Winston Nzinga performs stories, songs and music

Leicester Libraries have produced a book list for older children and teens to promote new books on Black studies, available at Leicester Libraries.

The book list will be available online at www.leicester.gov.uk/ libraries, and as a leaflet from local libraries.

The Bowstring 1 - 3 Braunstone Gate Leicester LE3 5LH 2Funky Arts presents:

Leicester Libraries presents:

MONDAY 13 OCTOBER 3.30pm Highfields Library Winston Nzinga, AfricanCaribbean performer, combines storytelling and music that opens the imagination, entertains and creates new opportunities for children to participate in. Winston will deliver three school performances earlier in the day. The after school event is open to all – young and old who enjoy stories that engage and excite.

T: 0116 299 5494

All events are free unless otherwise stated, please contact venue for tickets and information.

African Caribbean Centre Maidstone Road Leicester LE2 0UA T: 0116 252 6762

2Funky Arts presents:

Botown

Venues

LISTINGS

LISTINGS Serendipity presents:

Image: Midlands Best Dance Crew

Pawlet Brookes | Artistic Director, Serendipity

Introduction

Image: Maz Photo credit: Sally Hossack

LISTINGS

W

elcome to Black History Month 2014, and another exciting programme of events taking place in Leicester this October.

Black History Month has always been held to recognise and celebrate the heritage, history, culture and accomplishments of people across the African and African Caribbean Diaspora, be they acknowledged internationally, nationally, or locally.

This year’s theme celebrates the accomplishments of Nobel Laureates; Toni Morrison, the first Black woman to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature and Derek Walcott, the first Caribbean writer to receive the honour. Literature is a strong influence throughout the BHM programme, and the work of writers such as Toni Morrison, Derek Walcott and others, reminds us of the power found in words.

We launch BHM 2014 with 3 Black Voices, an exciting performance of music from the talents of Iesher Haughton, Femi Santiago and Bizzi Dixon. Hosted by comedian John Simmit, the evening will be an opportunity for all to come together and celebrate. Homage is also paid to the soul greats; the De Montfort Hall host Dancing in the Streets, and 2Funky Arts present Botown, a unique infusion of classic soul and funk with Bollywood music.

This year sees the introduction of BHMFilmFest, with screenings taking place at Phoenix every Wednesday throughout October. The poignant Beloved, based on Toni Morrison’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, and the insightful documentary Poetry is an Island: Derek Walcott will feature.

BHM is an opportunity to hear many different stories, whether centred in facts or purely fiction. Susan Williams talks about her book Who Killed Hammarskjöld? and the mystery surrounding the death of the UN Secretary General, thwarting his efforts to bring peace to the Congo; Curve presents Shakespeare’s Othello; Carol Leeming shares her new Choreopoem ‘Love the life you live…live the life you love’ and for younger audiences Winston Nzinga combines music and storytelling in Stories from the Shell.

It is also a pleasure to see the presence of new productions nurtured by Serendipity through BHM Live. Programmed by The Spark Arts for Children as a direct result of the showcase, Paradigm Rhymes is an innovative interdisciplinary work devised and performed by Marcus Joseph and Mellow Baku. With the BHM Live 2014 - 2015 call for commissions now open it will be exciting to see a new cohort of emerging artists take advantage of the platform, and the diversity of original work that will develop as a result.

Finally, on behalf of Serendipity, I would like to thank all those involved with BHM 2014, whether through programming, organising, participating or attending events. This fantastic festival would not be possible without your support.

Enjoy!

spectacular Motown celebration of some the world’s most influential and enduring songs of the 20th century.

The Spark Arts for Children presents:

Paradigm Rhymes TUESDAY 14 OCTOBER 10am & 1.15pm Braunstone Library at The BRITE Centre WEDNESDAY 15 OCTOBER 10am & 1.15pm Southfields Library Paradigm Rhymes is a new interdisciplinary theatre production for young people aged 13 – 19 years. A teenage adventure story combining live narrated, a live 5 piece jazz band, audience participation and 2D comic book illustration.

Devised, composed & performed

by Marcus Joseph. Narration, written & performed by Mellow Baku.

Tickets: £1.50 (performance only) | £2.50 (performance and workshop) W: thesparkarts.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 15 OCTOBER 7pm Phoenix A dramatic story set in South London at the beginning of the Thatcher era, Babylon depicts the struggles of a young Black British man as he faces racism, fanaticism and disillusion.

With a backdrop of Reggae Sound Systems, the film has an encapsulating soundtrack featuring Aswad, Dennis Bovell, I Roy and Yabby U. 91mins, Film Rating 15.

Tickets: £5 W: bhmleicester.ticketsource.co.uk

SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER 12pm – 5am Music Café, Sumo, Sugar Loaf, Bowstrings (Braunstone Gate) A massive celebration of Black music with everything from jazz to reggae with bands, artists, DJs, workshops and dancers.

The festival will feature an exclusive reunion from Leicester band Saquii, and our headliner soul legend Omar.

Tickets: £5 Music Café and Bowstrings wristband, Free Sumo and Sugarloaf Buy wristbands direct from venues W: 2funkyarts.co.uk

Braunstone Library at the BRITE Centre Braunstone Avenue Braunstone Leicester LE3 1LE T: 0116 299 5476 The City Rooms Hotel Street Leicester LE1 5AW T: 0116 251 5337 Curve Rutland Street Leicester LE1 1SB Box Office: 0116 242 3595 W: curveonline.co.uk

A transaction fee of £3 for all card payments made online, by telephone and in person at our ticket desks.

De Montfort Hall Granville Road Leicester LE1 7RU Box Office: 0116 233 3111 W: demontforthall.co.uk

Embrace Arts Richard Attenborough Centre Lancaster Road Leicester LE1 7HA Box Office: 0116 252 2455 W: embracearts.co.uk

St Matthews Library Matthews Centre 10 Malabar Road Leicester LE1 2PD T: 0116 222 1045

Highfields Library 98 Melbourne Road Leicester LE2 0DS T: 0116 253 7358 53

Sugarloaf 58 - 64 Braunstone Gate Leicester LE3 5LG T: 0116 255 8055

The Music Café New Park Street Leicester LE3 5NH T: 0116 319 6063 Phoenix 4 Midland Street Leicester LE1 1TG Box Office: 0116 242 2800 W: phoenix.org.uk

Dancing in the streets WEDNESDAY 15 OCTOBER 7.30pm De Montfort Hall After wowing audiences all over the UK and spending three years in London’s West End, Dancing in the Streets is back with a

Image: Omar

Telephone: 0116 242 2945 or visit: visitleicester.info/blackhistorymonth @leicesterfest leicesterfestivals Disclaimer:

Upper Brown Street 16 Upper Brown Street Leicester LE1 5TE

Southfields Library Saffron Lane (Pork Pie Island) Leicester LE2 6QS T: 0116 299 5480 St. Martin’s Tea & Coffee Merchants 2-6 St Martin’s Walk Leicester LE1 5DG T: 0116 251 2879

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

De Montfort Hall presents:

Sumo 54 Braunstone Gate Leicester LE3 5LG T: 0116 285 6536

Serendipity Workspace 12 Phoenix Square 4 Midland Street Leicester LE1 1TG E: info@serendipity-uk.com W: serendipity-uk.com

Please note all details were correct at the time of going to press. Whilst every effort will be made to keep to the announced programme, it may be necessary to make changes without notice. Refunds or exchanges will only be made at the venue or promoter’s discretion.

Produced by Leicester City Council, Marketing and Brand Management 09.2014 Image: Bizzi Dixon

Welcome

Image: Beloved