In Creative Uprising, I suggest that performers are the new politicians.
My contention is that ‘we the people’ have lost faith in our governments, and as a result, are turning more and more to artsits and performers to gaina sense of clarity and perspective on current affairs.
If viral buzz is anything to go by, then spoken word poetry is certainly playing a significant part in offering alternative conversations to the political mainstream.
In this post, I’ve showcased four poets who have wowed me recently.
First up, a couple of poems from Hollie McNish.
You may have seen this doing the social media rounds – the perfect reposte to the red-top tabloid, EDL vision for Britain
And having recently become a father, i’m very grateful to Hollie for making a stand and to all the other mothers whose refusal to be cowed has meant it’s now fine for my daughter to be fed in the best way whereever she is.
You may have heard this interview, where i share some of my views on how important i feel it is that education evolves to truly serve the new digital, connected era we live in.
That’s why i love Suli Breaks. Here are four videos that i believe any parent or child should watch:
I chose Hollie and Suli because they really speak powerfully on vital issues. The next two poets i’ve chosen less for their issues, and more for the power of their speech, which is simply captivating.
As if to prove poets are the new politicians, here’s the frighteningly talented Joshua Bennet performing at The White House
And here’s the darling of The Guardian and The Independent, and recent winner of the Ted Hughes prize, Kate Tempest:
So what do you think? Can poetry play its part? Can art move mountains and help to shape the new world we long for?