Keith Jarrett: On Mischief and Deviance
November 1
6.30-8.30pm
Keith Jarrett's workshop is a thought-provoking exploration of queer poetry that defies conventions and ignites a sense of playful rebellion in the writing process. Participants will have the opportunity to experiment with both content and form, engaging in stimulating exercises that encourage them to push boundaries and embrace the spirit of transgression, ultimately infusing their work with vibrant energy of everyday mischief.
About Keith
Keith is a writer, educator, and international poetry slam champion. He published the collection Selah in 2017 and has been widely anthologised with work comprising poetry, fiction and essays. He has appeared on the BAFTA-winning show Life & Rhymes, and in documentaries. Keith has judged the Foyle Young Poets Award, the Polari Prize, the Commonwealth Short Story Prize and others. He was selected for the International Literary Showcase as one of 10 outstanding UK-based LGBT writers. He completed his PhD at Birkbeck, and was awarded the Bloomsbury Studentship. Keith teaches at New York University in London, and is a Poetry Society trustee.
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Peter Scalpello's: Writing from Personal Experience and the Self
November 8
6.30-8.30pm
In Peter Scalpello's workshop, participants will use their own lived experience as inspiration and source material to develop their writing. Through guided exploration and hands on exercises, attendees will learn to navigate the delicate balance between the rewards of authentic self expression and the potential hazards of baring one's personal experiences, ultimately honing their craft by transforming their lives into powerful narratives.
About Peter
Peter Scalpello (they/them) is a poet and psychotherapist from Glasgow, based in London. Their work has appeared in Five Dials, Granta, The London Magazine and the New York Times, among other publications. Peter’s debut, Limbic, was Highly Commended by the Forward Prize for Best First Collection, shortlisted for the Books Are My Bag Readers Award for Poetry, and adapted into a stage production at the University of Edinburgh. Twitter @p_scalpello.
Troy Cabida: Pop Music and Poetry
November 15
6.30-8.30pm
Troy will facilitate participants to explore the exploration of poetry through pop music. Participants will be invited to delve into the intersection of pop culture and poetic expression, encouraging the creation culture, and the written word.
About Troy
Troy Cabida is a Filipino poet, producer, and librarian from south-west London. His recent work appears in Outspoken, bath magg, Bi+Lines (fourteen poems, 2023), and 100 Queer Poems (Vintage, 2022). His poem was shortlisted for The Bridport Prize for Poetry 2022, and his debut pamphlet is War Dove (Bad Betty Press, 2020). Troy is a Barbican Young Poets alum and has served as producer for the London open mic night Poetry and Shaah. He currently works for the National Poetry Library, Southbank Centre.
Gayathiri Kamalakanthan: On Queering Form
November 22
6.30-8.30pm
Gayathiri Kamalakanthan explores how we might queer the forms and structures of poetry in order to carry and communicate queer topics and content. Through reading, discussions and creative exercises attendees will gain tools and inspiration needed to craft poetry that celebrates queer themes and content, fostering a deeper connection between language and the diverse experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.
About Gayathiri
Gayathiri is a Tamil poet & facilitator. They’re interested in how language shapes childhood & how we might use it to queer the future. Gayathiri won the Faber & Andlyn Publisher’s Prize & was shortlisted for the Bridport Poetry Prize. Gayathiri is published in bath magg, fourteen poems, Propel & Magma. They’ve performed with DAYTIMERS, Apples & Snakes & Roundhouse. Gayathiri runs the poetry workshop WORD-BENDERS at The Common Press. gayathiri.co.uk