Recent News & Writing East Midlands Conference 10th April 2021

 

It is wonderful to have been Visiting Guest Lecturer for MA Creative Writing Course at Nottingham Trent University, and also forthcoming Visiting Guest Lecturer for Derby University for the MA Writing for Performance April 13th 2021. Despite  anxieties and worries with regard to COVID 19 pandemic, also personal loss and bereavement of family members.  In the last year I have  also received other writing work opportunities, e.g. two writing commissions, *non-fiction and *poetry. These are now published  and available to buy online *Poetry and Covid, Anthology Shearsman Press 2021

*Reflections: Cultural Voices of Black Irrepressible Resistance, Serendipity Arts anthology (Non-Fiction) Anthology.2020

Other publications where my work is mentioned or collaborations: 

The Cambridge University Companion to British Black & Asian Literature1945-2010 Ed. Deidre Osborne.There are articles and anthologies, e.g. Oxford Women’s Journal: Women Black Arts,  Brixton in the 1980’s.    Its pleasing to be t referenced in the book Sisterhood and After: An Oral history of the Women’s Liberation’ Movement,1968- present Oxford Oral History Series by Margaretta Jolly.

For the Writing East Midlands Conference , I chaired a panel on How to Make Money From Your Writing, with fellow writer panellists: Shreya Sen Handley, and Andrew Graves. This conference has provided  an interesting opportunity to learn new things, e.g. when I attended the The Literary Consultancy panel Session. 

 Overall, as writers and artists, we are used to working on our computers at home- not much change there.  However, some of us are learning new IT skills for teaching and sharing work, in this brave new online world. Along with making new contacts, extending our reach and engagement, with new audiences. As we continue to build our writer profile and presence online and offline where possible, as writers, and artists . It has brought changes, that would not have ordinarily been expected, changes  bring new challenges and opportunities. I look forward to this year as a transitional year, to the new norma. With  with even more exciting opportunities to develop and grow.  

 

Appointed Part -Time Lecturer - De Montfort University Leicester

It is rather wonderful news i have been appointed, as Part Time Lecturer De Montfort University
Leicester.  To teach Singing Vocals and Musicality, Contemporary Music Theatre Module, for BA (Hons) Performing Arts Students.  This is a great opportunity for me to bring together all my own knowledge, skills, experience and insights, gained from a career in contemporary music theatre. My practice, experience of being a multi-disciplinary artist, will be invaluable to help me to facilitate the Students to develop their own creativity with regard to Contemporary Music Theatre.

Working at De Montfort University, an acknowledged Centre for Excellence in Performing Arts, with esteemed colleagues within School is truly exciting prospect. It will be wonderful to share and learn with colleagues, to reflect and better understand their pedagogy, developed over time and indeed my own.

I will continue to undertake other freelance projects, e.g arts consultancy work, and also continue to make my own work. As this is so important for me to maintain, a trajectory within arts cultural sector in the UK. Other projects, to done in  a phased manner,  include the completion of the final part of the choreopoem trilogy, a new substantial poetry collection,  film project and music album. these projects over tie will certainly keep me busy and focused on expanding my art in myriad ways. As always, the brakes on any arts development, notwithstanding time allocation/resources , or personnel availability, is the financial resources e.g. to R& D and complete these projects successfully.

Catching Up Queens Honours List Awarded MBE & The Future

It is some considerable time that has passed, since writing this blog, which has had so many
 visitors!  It it still an important repository to put my thoughts, events and achievements etc.
 As it was set up for myself to document an artistic journey as a Black Woman Artist living in
 Leicester, the East Midlands in England. I also wanted it to be a resource for others to learn 
about being an artist here at this time. It seems more pressing now with, more cuts and 
pressure then ever on public funds for arts, education etc, and the possible onset of Brexit 
(England Leaving the EU), and the implications of what that could mean, for an outward facing 
internationalist artist like myself. With regard to links and being able to work within say EU 
Countries. However I wanted to share some fantastic good news...

In January 2019 I was delighted, so proud  have been awarded an MBE in the Queen's
 New Year Honours List, for services to arts & culture in Leicester as poet and playwright. 
This list is announced in the London Gazette, the  Investiture Ceremony took place at 
Buckingham Palace on March 7th and I received the MBE from HRH Prince Charles. 
I was accompanied to the ceremony by family and friends.

This national honor is life changing, historic and marks a wonderful milestone in my arts 
career and spurs me on to bigger and greater things. At the Investiture Ceremony Buckingham 
Palace, I was able to meet other recipients of the award from all walks of life and backgrounds
 e.g. the arts, business voluntary charitable sectors etc.

Looking back over this blog and my arts career to date it is clear. I have been on an incredible 
journey. and yet I feel I am just about to start yet another new chapter.  As of last year my 
company produced another choreopoem,  Love he life you live...Live the life you love see here an abridged version, 
which I directed with an excellent male 
performer. It previewed very successfully, it to a paying audience at a major regional theatre 
and got very useful feedback. This was with a view to fully producing the play to tour nationally 
later that year.

Disappointingly, that was not to be, it is even more difficult and competitive a climate for us to 
gain any arts funding than it was in 2010/11. As such I have reflected,  it is therefore likely the 
project will be put into abeyance for now. Until  the climate is more positive for arts funding, 
growth and sustainability.
.
For now, I will therefore continue work in my current roles for my company, as Vocal Coach, 
Music Director, Curator, more recently Consultant re: Culturally Diverse Music Education &
 Governance. Along with writing and performing poetry, and preparing a full collection for 
publication after the sell out success of my self published  debut chapbook The Declamations of
 Cool Eye a few years back. It is hoped I can find a further new role soon, that would offer new 
challenges, new experiences and work with new people to build on my skills and experience 
to date, so watch this space...

http://www.daretodiva.org
  

Carol Leeming reads at Surrey Poetry Festival 2017

Dare to Diva company, is delighted to announce that its lead artist, Leicester based poet Carol Leeming, will be reading at the forthcoming Surrey Poetry Festival. This Festival is in conjunction with the New Writers Festival, and it takes place on Saturday May 6^th 2017. The Festival runs from 12-5pm and is at the GLive Venue in Guildford. Carol will be reading from her debut Chapbook The Declamations of Cool Eye published by Dare to Diva Productions in 2016.

This book has almost sold out its first edition. Due to promotional reading events Carol has attended, it has been particularly well received by poetry fans and so called ‘non poetry’ people alike.

The Surrey Poetry Festival is in its seventh year and has a tradition of bringing together groundbreaking and spellbinding voices from the UK and other countries. The Festival line up each year also features readings, talks, and installations from the most exciting, thoughtful and questioning poets

The Declamations of Cool Eye chapbook, contains a selection of Carol’s shorter poems, both new and old, in the voice of a black woman poetical Enchanter. The poems reflect, city, natural, cosmic or spiritual spaces, seeking, to dispel the ravages and down pressure of an unkind society on a black woman.   

A film poem, (inspired by a silver sequined hat from Morocco North Africa) titled Enchanter produced by Dare to Diva productions, features the poem Drawing from the book, read by Carol. The film poem has also been screened, a number of times, and has been described by audiences, as ‘mesmerising’ and ‘mysterious’ clearly has also helped to promote the poetry chapbook. A wider release for the film poem is planned for later in the year.

Further information:

http://www.surrey.ac.uk/englishandlanguages/literature_events/surrey_poetry_festival/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/events/1670820503221997/)

Twitter

https://twitter.com/hixeros/status/851527815300251649

The Declamations of Cool Eye by Carol Leeming

Available now from the Author: carolleeming@gmail.com

See Chapbook review:

https://emmalee1.wordpress.com/2016/11/16/the-declamations-of-cool-eye-carol-leeming/

Dare to Diva Company https://daretodiva2000.wordpress.com

Review of The Declamations of Cool Eye Selected Poems By Carol Leeming

So here it is, the first review f the The Declamations of Cool Eye Selected poems by Carol Leemingvwritten by esteemed Poet Editor & Blogger Emma Lee

https://emmalee1.wordpress.com

A Great Year Continues & Forthcoming Launch in September 2016 !!!! Brand New Promotional Video & Poetry Chapbook

Watch this space, as I will be launching a  new poetry music video, also print poetry chapbook in September 2016 at the Phoenix Digital Media Centre Leicester !!  This marks the beginning of a whole exciting chapter, on the back of fantastic year so far, that has seen also my new play VEX with themes of corruption in NGO's, Cultural Appropriation and Ethnic Cleaning, performed at Brighton Theatre, to a packed and thrilled audience as part of a production  of 12 Angry Women Writers in April 2016.

Earlier, this year as well as embarking on the second part of of the 2 Funky Project Live as Music Director. Whereby I was mentoring and preparing young talented Urban music artists for a career, in the Music Industry. In particular arranging their original songs and music for performance with a live band of professional sessional musicians, for an important Music Industry Showcase.  Part One of 2 Funky Arts Project Live  having successfully taken place in 2015. Thereby bringing music very much to the forefront of my work once again - a welcome return!. This is evidenced by me performing regularly across the country, as a guest singer  with the very popular  6 piece Funk Soul Collective Band . I have also been writing new songs for personal acoustic music project, audio recording and live performances for next year.

Finally, buzzing having recently been commissioned by the Artistic Director Amanda Leandro of  Cosmopolitan Festival, to write a new song to perform live at the Cosmopolitan Festival with a music ensemble, that includes Harp. Horns and World Percussion.  I would describe the new piece, as a song for people in troubling times, after the negative fall out of the Brexit Vote in the UK

  

A New Era - 2016 Going All Out New Choreopoem Published, An Award, Plays New Poetry & Appointments

So its been awhile... since last posting,so much good stuff has happened despite the fact they have been more Government cuts and redundancies etc in the arts creative sector  - but the arts goes on... I am so delighted this blog space has been of assistance and inspiration to others on their own journey in making their art. Since the 2012 Cultural Olympiad, the great success of The Loneliness Of The Long Diva choreopoem has galvanized my arts creative career in so many positive ways.

I have written another monologue choreopoem, the second of the trilogy, it is titled Love the Life You Live... Live the Life You Love, set in Leicester in the 80's, with a hedonistic and promiscuous dual heritage gay male character Maz.  Maz has a life changing encounter with another character he meets Sidney, on a night out.  This choreopoem has been published, in  a poetry and prose anthology Hidden Stories  Affective Digital Histories, Leicester University, and it  is also abridged and featured on a phone app. I also received the Siobhan Logan Award for Listeners, for the work from the esteemed Leicester Writers Club. 

 http://affectivedigitalhistories.org.uk/news/2015/03/hidden-stories-book-published-31-march

Life has greatly changed for me, my profile status is considerably enhanced, as an innovative artist, a cultural leader.  . Appointments have followed as Music Director in Talent Development  for 2 Funky Arts, as Vocal Coach and Tutor at Sheehans Music Academy. Along with completing Film School at Phoenix digital Media Centre - Acting Directing Filmmaking. I have completed a writing a new play VEX, set on a war ravaged Caribbean Island, highlighting one woman's actions for justice, for an oppressed tribe, as part of the 12 Angry Women Project, commissioned by Inroads Productions for March 2016 Brighton Dome Theatre. Also a screen play What Trees Know, a dark narrative, of one women's obsession and extreme violence, is in progress, along with a debut poetry in preparation. 
2016 beckons with the begining of even more exciting and challenging arts media projects.

Another Great literary Evening - Cultural Exchanges 2014 and Good News On the Way…?

In keeping my creative artistic juices fresh as it were, on Monday, I had an incredible literary time of it . I attended De Montfort University, Cultural Exchanges Event part of the Festival. I look forward to this Festival with great anticipation, for its host of fabulous arts cultural speakers and topics, with the amazing Rapper/Poet, Song Writer  Journalist  - Akala. He did not disappoint, he started with a brief trip around Black History before Slavery .  Before then segueing into African Diasporic  historical Oral and Musical traditions of the Griots of West Africa, to the 'New World'.  In addition, to then testing the audience, to guess comparatively, lyrics from contemporary Rap/Hip Hop and Shakespeare - without indicating firstly which was which . The audience of students, writers, poets, lecturers, etc. was  about 50/50, in ascribing correctly the lyrical phrases, to either Rap or Shakespeare.  Akala brought alive, reclaimed and democratized Shakespeare, in an interesting and dynamic way. This he more than ably demonstrated, in his superlative performances at breakneck speed, by a number of his  own raps/poetry that utilises titles and quotes from Shakespeare, inviting the audience to number how many in fact there used.  

Later on Monday evening, I attended Word Factory at the Case Restaurant Loft, Leicester for the first time, to see Diriye Osman and others read  their  short stories, from their published collections. There was a  lovely warm welcome from Lindsay and it was well attended. I was ravenous from doing back to back events and sought refreshments from the menu, conveniently set on my table. There was a wide range of  stories read, from poignant, humorous, sensual and quirky. Followed by an informative  Q & A  with all the Writers and a discussion about short story writing, i.e. the different genres e.g flash fictions, prose poems and novella's etc . After a chat with \jacob Ross I realized I write epic poems, prose poems alongside other shorter poems for page & stage and plays.  I connected with the gorgeous  and fierce Diriye Osman and we soon realized, we had many literary and arts contacts in common, in London where he is based. I bought two copies of his delightful book Fairytales for Lost Children (Angelica Press).  As I will give one of Diriye's books, as a gift to a close friend. I knew would also enjoy these lovely tales

So for the last couple of weeks been, I have been thinking about my own writing, that I hope to be working over the coming weeks .  I have the beginnings of  a story I definitely, want to write  that I believe will be the start of another fascinating journey… another choreopoem !  A very different one, with new challenges to face in the writing of it. Watch this space for good news- thats in the post so to speak, more details coming soon...

Finding The Right Words Poetry Night & So In with the NEW Choreopoem Project !!

So this New Year has started with a flurry of activity and thoughts about the coming year. With me, there is definitely a new attitude, thats so much more positive. S in with the new, take things more in my stride, go with the flow and appreciate more and shine my light !!! Sorting out my wardrobe, getting a juicer, spending more time with family/ loved ones, has been marvellous. I have now written the synopsis for my next choreopoem project and I am very excited about this story, as its so different in subject and the characters !!!!

I have been through a succession of health issues starting with painful cracked tooth, that had to be removed,  a virulent stomach bug, and finally a bad chest with a very annoying cough ! Yet  I have come through  feeling  upbeat overall. 

I am looking forward tonight , as I am  performing at a new Poetry Performance night  titled Find the Right Words, at the Cookie Jar Leicester, hosted by the very talented  poet Jess Green.  Jess has written and performed a stunning poem about  the city of Leicester. It came to my attention, during the Leicester City of Culture process (the bid  was unsuccessful but it  has galvanised the artists of the city to celebrate their talent far more and promote it more for themselves  ! ) 

Choreopoetry Marches On...& New Roots

So as this year comes to a close, the New Year beckons with the promise of new opportunities in particular choreopoetry !  In 2014  there are  a number, of  not inconsiderable tasks to address, e.g.new writing projects, finding a fundraiser/ fundraising & booker, for touring arts venues  for the The Loneliness of the the Long Distance Diva - A Choreopoem, publishing of the text for this piece, and other poetry selections. As well as to writing a new choreopoem to feature several several characters this time.

This new choreopoem will focus on a specific geographical  area and its key buildings in Leicester and span a number of decades. It is likely this choreopoem when completed would be performed and filmed in an artistic way. With a view  to this choreopoem initially  being exhibited in onscreen.

I am meeting more and more artists of all ages , interested in collaborations, cross arts and digital multimedia. This is very exciting and the ground seems fertile  for more of this to happen. I have  welcomed the opportunity be a creative consultant for Poet Choreopgrapher/Dancer  Funmi Adeowole for new her choreopoem piece,  Alongside my  ability to be able to lead choreopoem workshops for others, helps to promote this art form. In addition I was in 2013, able to debut to an audience, a new brief choreopoem solo piece working with new collaborator, Jazz Saxophonist/Composer  Marcus Joseph  for Bobba Cass's poetry successful Spoken Word Event  Autumn at Embrace Arts . I enjoyed using English Plainsong, as part of  the delivery of the text and inspiration for the music, of this piece and devising my own choreography/ staging. 

This new Autumn poem, with its use of  English Plainsong  touched a deep root, a new vein to explore further, in terns of  overlooked areas of my own personal identity.  I reckon this holds a key to new forms of expression. My interest in the songs of ordinary folk, their work songs, laments and other folk song narratives, have always been of great interest, as indeed are sea shanties. 

Setting a New Course & The Company of Fellow Travellers

A year on, the Cultural Olympiad 2012 has been deemed to be a great success an excellent moment in British arts cultural history.  I am grateful for the numerous accolades; I now receive for my artistic creative work alongside my enhanced personal profile.  Therefore I am assured as a Cultural Leader- a Cultural Olympian and Choreopoet if you will.  I am often approached for my advice, views and opinions regarding arts and culture, by artists near and far.  I am also very keen to continue to build on the legacy of this marvellous programme the Cultural Olympiad 2012 and our very own contribution to it.   There have been a number of exciting developments, with regard to arts and culture in my own city.  Given its been such a long time since I have written on this blog, but everything in its time...  After climbing the mountain so to speak, of producing our hugely successful theatre show production. A period of reflection, consolidation, assimilation of experience and insights etc is required, before setting a new course and direction.  We are at a momentous point, to launch the next phase, of this illustrious project, in alignment with the original ambition for the music component. 

To date we have had difficulty, securing the resources needed to manifest the musical aspect of the original vision.  Whereas now we have secured fellow travellers, i.e. prestigious high profile partners, collaborators, champions and patrons, for this component of the project, poised ready to move forward. To help to begin to generate the resources required, to create a truly glittering spectacle, a true example of stunning excellence. A great work to combine the myriad artistic and creative talents, of a great number of culturally diverse people, into one great effort!  This music component will be much larger and grander in scale than the previous theatre project. Yet despite its huge ambition, the work is led this time by music.  Success we feel is more assured, as music has such a unifying power with people, with the potential prospect of a beautiful accessible venue.  So as we are at the threshold of this part of the journey, we do feel more confident this time round - so watch this space as more is revealed...

Other fellow travellers, in terms of increasing awareness of my artistic work include those I have been able to work with, in my choreopoem workshops at the massively successful SPRING event at Embrace Arts last Spring. In addition I am looking forward to leading further Choreopoem Workshops this Autumn, at the FALL Event at Embrace Arts.  Both these events are curated by the brilliant and energetic Bobba Cass aka Dr Robert Bennett. His interest in excellence in the arts include, cultural diversity, in translation (world languages & cross arts), accessibility and disability arts, informs these highly popular programme of events.  By my sharing and leading work around making choreopoems with other poets, spoken word artists, this therefore continues the legacy of our project. 

CAROL LEEMING FRSA - LEICESTER POLYMATH RECEIVES ACCOLADE !

 Dare to Diva arts company, is proud to announce that Carol Leeming, its Artistic Director and lead artist, working in literature, performing arts - music drama & multi-media, has been made a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts. This follows her nomination, by a RSA Council Member and her subsequent election to the Society. A  surprise champagne toast and celebration took place recently for Carol  at the PINGGG…K! Spoken Word Event, in Leicester hosted by poet  Bobba Cass.   Bobba Cass's speech, highlighted her 'selfless work with artists ' Carol hopes her latest honor, will inspire other artists to achieve excellence in the arts, especially women artists from BME communities and other culturally diverse groups and communities. 

This current accolade follows Carol's Lifetime Achievement Award for the Arts , given by the  African Caribbean Citizens Forum Leicester in 2012 , highlighting her successful contribution to the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.  With a stunning innovative show 'The Loneliness of the Long Distance Diva - A Choroepoem (poetic monologue, music, movement and digital visuals) to enthusiastic diverse audiences for two packed nights at  Curve Theatre June last year. As a result Leicester University New Writing Centre have given Carol the title Choreopoet .

  This  last production, (subsequently lead a national trend for choroepoems  by artists Chanje Kunda  Manchester & Gemma Weeks London), was set in Leicester and celebrated Leicester's unique diverse accents alongside its themes of overcoming adversity and celebrity in society.   Carol Leeming has also been a longtime champion of Leicester and its  diverse artists.  Carol carried the flag for Leicester as she had a successful career in the 90's in the music industry. In the past Carol has produced to two documentary films set in Leicester : IN2BLUZ and Wer'e Not Getting Anywhere - about  Blues Music & Young People and Racism & Mental Health respectively . As a poet in 2012 two poems written by Carol : Highfields Fantasia & Valley Dreamers  - inspired by Leicester, were published in a ground breaking national poetry anthology Out of Bounds (Newcastle & Bloodaxe) .  

 Dare to Diva company, founded by Carol working with selected  local arts creative teams, has produced many achievements, some include: curating Music, Dance, Live Literature with Events for BBC Music Live & BBC Africa Lives, also Leicester  Black History Seasons, successful own branded events e.g. Nubian Star Lounge  - Performing Arts, Style Up  - Heritage and  Carousel - Alternative Cabaret & Circus.  Dare to Diva and Carol Leeming, best represents excellence & innovation, having  championed and showcased culturally diverse arts, both  in Leicester and further a field.

For further information  & contact 

LinkedIn Carol Leeming

Twitter: stardiva Facebook

www.daretodiva.com 

http://carolleeming.blogspot.co.uk

  

The Choreopoet, Another Choreopoem & - New Writing Centre University of Leicester

I have been given the title choreopoet  which I embrace with pride. When I saw it - I had to look twice, as if it was someone else and not me - but of course it really was me .  On the homepage website , of the recently launched  Centre for Writing at University of Leicester , with Corinne Fowler  as Director , it looks set to offer exciting opportunities for exploring new and existing forms of literature.


Delightedly, another choreopoem recently, written and performed by Gemma Weekes in London at Rich Mix  arts venue with soundscape provided by in part Mantus the Tablist (from Leicester ).    As I  predicted choreopoems are on the rise - with three from June 2012 -  May 2013 ...I trust this blog is of help to others, in whatever small way, who wish to pursue their own choreopoem projects, . In the future, I hope that we can all come together to discuss our individual current practice in this regard.

 See link for the  New Writing Centres Programme:

 http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/english/creativewriting/centre . 


The title choreopoet,  is welcomed by me partly because of its link with Greek culture and also my idea that choreopoetry as an art form now, is ripe further development, with the opportunities that new technology offers our global world.    The Ted HughesPoetry Prize awarded to Kate Tempest by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy this year . In my view, has lionized  the epic , long poem and spoken word, located in urban contexts . Both Kate and myself like so many poets draw inspiration from  the Greek classics in our writing.  There are  no doubt some synergies at work here- the innovation of several writers, all diverse women based in different locations in England. At this time , I  can only watch and wait  to see what further developments will take place. All of which is very exciting, something for me to relish.i.e. the birth or rebirth of things ...?

Successful Spring to Fall 2013 & Backing the Leicester UK City of Culture Bid 2017

SPRING Event recently at Embrace curated by Bobba Cass was an awesome success in so many ways. Including very good  turnout on a day with cold and snow, to significant levels of engagement by a diverse audience in terms of age. gender, ethnicity, and range of abilities. Embrace Arts Centre have booked a further event titled FALL ( Autumn 2013  ) with  Bobba Cass  and myself  working with other arts collaborators, to create some new work.  Building on the transliteracy and transmedia aspects of previous our work presented and shared at the SPRING - with a focus on accessibility and disability led arts. Wonderful new contacts were made with artists with a range of abilities and  impairments along with artists from the LGBT community also.

Leicester  city is all of a whirl, with a series of events to brief and consult with a wide  range of stakeholders in the arts cultural sector of the city. With regard to Leicester making a bid for UK City of Culture for 2017 to DCMS (Dept. of Culture Media & Sport ) this April. I have long extolled the cultural assets of Leicester in particular its people of the diverse, arts creative independent grassroots sector . I am pondering on a number of ideas currently and have been making my own input into the round of this bid process, with the Bid Writers at the aforementioned events . In addition to supporting other contacts to also attend and participate.  Some of the  key things to emerge as a result of these events, are : cultural diversity, artist led, collaboration, bold vision & ambition, innovation, excellence, international, national , regional profile raising, joined up/ connectedness, open calls, capacity building and legacy.

Several strands appeal to me immediately, intercultural work,  commonwealth immigration, in addition to dressing the built environment/public art, green spaces on council estates. This is all very exciting and we are all encouraged, to back the bid from now and input initial ideas and thoughts . If successful in being short listed beyond April 2013 , there will be opportunities for more detailed consultation and I have suggested training /development in the form of  artist led- creative salons for a wide range of stakeholders e.g.on cultural diversity in the arts, collaborations and partnership, equalities  and working particularly with  the private business sector.

2013 The year of the Choreopoem...?

So feeling some keen anticipation to progress further at the start of this new year.  After rounding up the first phase of the project, at the end of last year. It became clear to me fully the extent of the huge ambition for the first phase of our project.  Its  success,  particularly  the audiences responses to the work  may  have surprised some in certain quarters.  The project leadership though, all felt  vindicated  and thrilled. Confirmed in our determination to continue to adapt and expand on the work to date. In the meantime, having sat on a Black History Season  2013 artist commission panel.  I am aware and gratified to know, that at least three other Black women artists in my East Midlands region. Are inspired and plan solo multi-media  performance works for 2013 .  It only takes one artist like myself to lead successfully in the van guard for others to find courage for their own vision. 

This has all been  as I hoped  and  planned - it is real source of joy and  pride.  I have been in touch with poet Chanje Kunda (Manchester) and looking forward to her  publication of her choreopoem - by her cutting edge  publishers linked  to the North West Literature Development  Agency.  She also plans to stage her work this year also.  I  am also preparing material to promote the choreopoem art form  for other artists  to consider  via my series of  workshops, creative salons  talks and presentation.  I will  launch this with a  brief Choreopoem  introductory session at Embrace Arts Leicester, for the Event SPRING curator by Bobba Cass  of PINGGG...K ! fame. - To provide workshops  for attendees  to  perform work they have generated on the day to an audience - celebrating Leicester/shire's robust thriving Live Literature  scene. 

 However funding is needed in fact essential for  other BME artists, as mainstream arts tends not to take them on and support them in a sustained fashion  , the current  funding environment is  even more competitive and very proscribed for charities,  young people or arts of demonstrable social policy benefit .  Very tough for  individual new wave  Black woman multi-artist,  looking to advance to the next level. I remain committed  to starting a new cycle  to move forward  and maintain momentum. My vision is focused and aimed  at regional, national and international  target venues and audiences.   There has been some interest from arts management companies I have met with, to help fundraise and and manage say a  future tour programme of dates to to other theatres. Onward and upward then...

Publishing our Choreopoem - Will It Be A Song & Dance ?

I have recently had very postive dialogue on line with a high profile poet a black woman, who has also created a choroepoem and it is about to be published. With further plans to  stage this work in the future. This is all the other way round, as to my own project, as we staged the work and are now seeking to have it published. The advantage we have is we know exactly the impact it has on audiences. Based on how we have staged the work . By way of preparing the script for a publisher and an interested dramaturge (at a London theatre )   I am reviewing the show text , I feel as though I need to add more specific stage directions for the character. In relation to the previous previous script I had actually  used that was more practical  for my performance and for the creative technical team.  

I and this other poet have agreed to keep in  contact, to share our individual journeys through  this process of bringing choreopoems,  more into more a broader focus in the arts -  in particular publishing and literature . The publisher's  of this poet colleague poet  is  a well known successful independent , one of those at the very foreront of cutting edge writing in the UK .   

Setting the Pace -Legacy Pioneering Techniques & Practice

In succesfully completing the Evaluation of phase 1 of our project and a review of all the project  achievements. I have a big smile on my face due, to all the stunning digital images created, a rich  text, as one audience member put it 'philosophical poetic prose ' that was understood and was engaging, the cool physical theatre moves and bespoke music. A particular delight was to read  in reponse to our show , all the very positive diverse audience feedback, also from  creative team members and our community ensemble  artists also.

It is my pleasure to be currently reviewing digital still and moving images material,  to share the projects wonderful  digital visual highlights with the wider world . Very specifcally to send to interested Programmers , Artistic Directors Dramaturgs at other theatres with a view to toruign in 2013/14. So to be able to see it all - 360 degrees and contemplate how it has changed my own and other peoples lives. In some way the ambition was really huge - something I more fully realise now it has been achieved in part.  Evidence of the projects legacy is provided by the fact that to my knowledge, there ar at least three other Black women in in my region planning solo shows featuring digital multi - media. I am thrilled by these developments and boosts my confidence in  taking the project into  its second phase. We have so much to share in terms of developing collaborative multi-disciplinary practice.
     

Bright Golden Sun of Achievement ...Consoldiation Leads to Expanded Horizons

A golden sun of memories  forever within me , it is the after glow of supreme achievement. Evidenced, by the continuing flow of positive comments regarding our the performance of our show  at Curve , from audience attendees and my arts peers, met randomly in Leicester streets.  Including Curve's Artistic Director Paul Kerryson's  most welcome positive feedback, to send me soaring, in my hopes and ambition for the future .

 It has been all so worthwhile,  As an artist , I  can completely relate to how the London 2012 Olympic athletes feel - taking part and winning ! ! Particularly those from small poorer countries, including my fellow Jamaicans, wonderful achievements in a historic year of the  celebration 50th Jamaica's independence.  2012 wil be a shining pinnacle of success, a celebration very emotional joyous , an inspiration we will never forget.

So now to walk back down the mountain so to speak ....and mark all the key  steps along the journey and to evaluate what has been  achieved all . e.g. did  we set out all we wanted to achieve,  what is the legacy , how to  move forward from here ?  This phase is  some what delayed, a bit like the huge effort at the begin gin of the journey , in fact begins a new positive phase or cycle of possibilities,  my artistic career will not be the same again. So it with this in mind , to begin the process of evaluation and reportage etc. This blog is of enormous importance  to assist in this task, as well as be of  value to other artists . Of special interest is how it documents ,the journey of  a Black woman artist working in recession hit England today . So now is the the time for consolidation , also to note alongside the thrllls, magic, delights and victories, the struggles, mishaps, disappointments and losses. In the manner of Ariadne to pick up and trace all the threads, yet  to leave some some untied to lead to new moorings, as new  regional, national, international , digital horizons beckon.

Victory ! Success ! - Atop the Mountain The Sweetest Feeling ...

My feet hardly touching the ground, smiles of utter joy and satisfaction, happiness radiating  and deep pride !!!
The success of the first phase of my project is the sweetest of feeling, the sweeter for begin shared with audiences, supporters and exquisitely with my creative team. It has been a tremendous journey , involving many different people in so many ways.  This blog  testifies to all the ups and downs twists and turns along the way .
It is indeed marvellous , magical  even to fulfill such a big vision,  a dream  that manifests, in the most beautiful way . To then  luxuriate in the overwhelming  bliss of 'climbing the mountain'  so to speak and then to admire the  breath taking view infused with total  upliftment. Such superb  moments of excellent  achievement are to be completely savored not rushed..

A big up and big thanks , in particular those Lesta audiences who came over two amazing nights to see our show, that proved to be so fab, the audience looked lovely with their glow sticks !

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Diva a Choeopoem @ Curve is a world premier ! We are delighted with, post show discussion feedback via social media, one to one etc. , as it showed they engaged and loved Solitaire's character , her unique language ( 91 5 line verses- non iambic pentameter but an afrocentric rhythm) of Lesta, Jamaican patwa, Romany and Polari gay slang.  In addition to the Leicester storyline, the music - Disco Retro &; 90's house music Plus fantastic digital visuals, with some cool martial arts, world influenced dance moves . 

MADE IN LESTA - HEADS UP !!!!! A personal dream fulfilled , on behalf of the myself and the team , we are soooo happy so very proud !!

Lesta is as cool as for arts, creative heads, for excellence with diversity at the heart of it all as a unique strength .

We know.... our show has created interest from a top international performing festival in South Africa in 2013  also Soho Theatre London.... We are representing !

Stages Of Note

At this point an important stage is noted, we are getting close to the first of our events that is part of our project. The Curve Show is within sight and very real, as evidenced by our Show ticket I held in my hand last night!  Momentum is building, as more print and other publicity is being rolled out, the character of our 'Solitaire the character  of  the piece is 'speaking via Facebook.  People are talking about it all online and offline.  On reflection there have been numerous challenges - yet here we are still on track .  This Summer will be a very special one, intact the whole year. With two further events scheduled,  inspired by the narrative , featuring Community Choir Music Concert  in the Autumn and a Digital Installation/Exhibition in November . 

On journeys it is important, in the hustle and bustle  to take  a moment, to actually enjoy the journey itself.  Just being at this point is gratifying and I feel grateful to have got this far. I am equally pleased,  that others have contacted me, as they have been inspired to make their own cross arts/choreopoem project - from Manchester  Chanje Kunda and others in Canada. The internet has been key to this ability, to link with other artists across great distances.   So much as been learnt working on this project , by myself , the creative team , volunteers and community ensemble players. Especially in a 'cold climate' for the arts in the UK . I am hoping for a very diverse audience, for our performance at Curve, including many who have never attended a theatre before.

Wonderful opportunities , are happening in tandem, I have two poems  of mine, featured in an important Anthology titled 'Out Of Bounds ' Edited by Jackie Kay, published by Blood Axe Books May 2012.  In addition I will be reading my poetry,  for the first time at Manchester Book Fair , hosted by Comma Press . This will be videoed and an E Book  Anthology featuring  the poets  appearing that will be created.  Finally , I am featured Writer Of the Month, for Writing East Midland Writign Development Agency  please see link  http://www.writingeastmidlands.co.uk/ 

Moving more  centre stage...