The planet is spinning off its axis. Humankind is at a tipping point. We are heading towards disaster. Divided, we will fall.
A medley of compelling spoken word performances, Rallying Cry marked Apples and Snakes’ 35th anniversary by offering the stage to some of the country’s most outspoken artists to address the state of the nation and imagine a better tomorrow.
Each artist performed newly commissioned work on the theme of protest. Interrogating the body as political placard, class and the desperate and challenging need for unity in this time of division, Rallying Cry is a call to action.
Directed by Rob Watt
Design by Bethany Wells
Music from Tree House Fire, Benin City (BAC) and DJ Conrad Kira (BAC & The Albany)
“After Rallying Cry, I feel like we can at least imagine a better tomorrow”
Featured poets:
CHIEDU ORAKA
Born and raised in Hull, Chiedu Oraka is a rapper and pioneer of the alternative urban scene, and hailed as the sound of northern working-class England. Chiedu has supported some of the UK’s leading Hip-Hop and Grime MCs.
FRANCESCA BEARD
Francesca Beard is an internationally acclaimed poet. She recently toured her solo show Francesca Beard’s Post-Truth Apocalypse while developing a new show, working title: Confabulation.
JOELLE TAYLOR
Joelle Taylor is an award-winning poet, playwright and author. She is the author of three full collections, including her latest: Songs My Enemy Taught Me.
ZENA EDWARDS
Raised in Tottenham, Zena Edwards is one the most unique performance poets to come out of London. She has two one-woman shows, Security (2009) and Travelling Light (2011), which both toured internationally to critical acclaim.
CONRAD KIRA
MC/Producer and DJ from South London, once described as the Grime Napoleon Dynamite.
Photo: Suzi Corker