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OUTSPOKEN
Between 16 March 2009 and 16 March 2009, in Manchester
Fourteen dedicated volunteers set off for Trof in Fallowfield on Monday to night with a worthy challenge ahead. We were setting up an evening of spoken performance (with a little musical accompaniment one must add) in order to raise a greater awareness of the charitable work that takes place across the city of Manchester. My trusty sound technician and camera man arrived to set the stage, ready for a light-hearted acoustic introduction by David from The Ragamuffins. With the crowd nicely warmed up, our compere, Joe Lycett, took to the stage to introduce the first of nine poets who were going to perform that evening.
I had approached a range of charities that covered various services on offer in Manchester, whether it be for the homeless, the elderly, the forces, or those suffering from a terminal illness. Each performer picked a charity they wished to support, either for personal reasons, or because they particularly liked the work that was being done. They were then left to devise their own work based on the positives that each charity is able to bring to the community.
The evening proved to be greatly entertaining, with first-time performers trying to find their feet and published artists relishing the opportunity. The audience had comedy, role-play, a novel extract and some more traditional poetry thrown in there too! Two representatives from Age Concern came down to watch and were very impressed by the high standards these young people displayed. Claire Marrett from Age Concern Salford commented: "I didn't know this is what poetry could be - you are raising awareness in a very interesting and unique way!"
The venue that was chosen is in the middle of the student area, an audience that often don't know what is going on around them, but are able to help in a variety of ways if they only know what's out there! As a final gesture of thanks for taking part, each charity was sent a card with the poem and a photo of the performer.
Posted on 04 February 2009 12:56:52 by Becky Taplin
