LASTA – A National Arts Programme for young people by young people │ June 11 to 20 2021
In a new innovative approach to programming, twenty-one young curators have been engaged by the Nasc venues to programme a festival of work for children and young people from 11 to 20 June 2021, delivering for the first time, a national arts programme curated entirely by young people.
Hey There Black Child is a Dance Poetry Film collaboration between Felispeaks, a Nigerian-Irish Poet, Performer and Playwright from Co. Longford and Tobi Balogun, a Dublin based urban multidisciplinary Creative specialising in dance and fashion.
The poem, written by Felispeaks will be embodied by Tobi Balogun who will capture and depict a visual representation of what the poem is saying. Marrying poetry, dance and film, the poetic narrative flows as a rich visual world is created by the dancer.
Hey there, Black Child is an interdisciplinary piece which highlights the messages and themes of the poem in an exciting and creative way. A poem that speaks to young people with care and gentleness, interpreted through dance and movement. The use of film allows a world to be created in which the audience can immerse themselves into the landscape of the poem.
This event is presented in association with An Ghrianán and Backstage Theatres.
Felispeaks is a Nigerian-Irish Poet, Performer and Playwright from Co. Longford, currently living in Maynooth, Co. Kildare. Felispeaks was nominated ‘Best Performer’ by Dublin Fringe Festival for her performance in ‘BOYCHILD’, a co-written play by Dagogo Hart. As well as being a Member of the Poetry Ireland Board of Directors, Felicia is a member of the Poetry Collective, WeAreGriot. Felispeaks’ poem: ‘For Our Mothers’ is in the Ordinary and Higher Level English Leaving Cert Curriculum 2021 – 2024.
Felispeaks performed her commissioned poetry at CONCERN’s 50th Anniversary in Dublin Castle in September 2018. It included speakers such as UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, President Bill Clinton and Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson. Felicia has also been honoured with an award by the (APNI) African Professional Network of Ireland for her unique contribution to the art scene in Dublin City, December 2017.
Felispeaks has graced some prestigious stages such as National Concert Hall, Dublin Castle, opening for THISISPOPBABY’S RIOT show and Kate Tempest on the Vicar St stage as well as for Saul Williams on the Sugar Club stage, Olympia Theatre in response to Repeal the 8th. Felispeaks has also participated in many festivals including Mother Tongues Festival; Women and Children First in Ghent, Belgium; St. Patrick’s Festival; First Fortnight Festival; Dublin Fringe Festival; Wexford Literary Festival 2019, Cuirt International Galway Festival and Electric Picnic.
Tobi Balogun is a Dublin based Urban multidisciplinary creative specialising in dance and fashion.
As a Dance Artist, Tobi is a professional member of Dance Ireland. With a background in Street Dance he has won International competitions such as Hip Hop International, SOAR UK – 2017 and continues to mentor youth dance groups nationally through weekly classes and workshops.
In 2015, Tobi established concept clothing brand SELFMADE with business partner, Sinead Kelly. Tobi is the brands designer, which focuses on contemporary urban styles and some reworked vintage garments. SELFMADE has become synonymous with statement bespoke denim jackets, with designs being featured in Justin Bieber’s ‘Second Emotion’ video as worn by Tony Tzar (dancer), and Aimée for her debut single ‘Don’t Bother.’
As a stylist, Tobi has worked with Irish urban music artist, Jafaris, singer Joy Crookes (UK), along with up and coming artists UpBeat and AriNoir. Music videos, both in respect of styling, choreography and creative direction, are where Tobi’s two worlds marry, and the results have been very successful to date. Credits include Loah ‘Summer Love’ and ‘April Brave’ whereby Tobi was the movement director and choreographer, and Soulé for Longitude 2018 as choreographer.
The participating NASC Network Venues are Backstage (Longford), An Grianán (Letterkenny), glór (Ennis), Siamsa Tíre (Tralee), Pavilion Theatre (Dún Laoghaire), Lime Tree Theatre (Limerick), Dunamaise Arts Centre (Port Laoise), Town Hall Theatre (Galway).
Lasta is based on an original project conceived and delivered by Backstage Theatre, Longford in 2020.
Please click on the link https://linktr.ee/lastafestival2021 to find out more about all events nationally.
For more information on Brightening Air | Coiscéim Coiligh go to www.brighteningair.com Brightening Air | Coiscéim Coiligh is brought to you by the Arts Council, funded by the Government of Ireland and produced by Schweppe Curtis Nunn.
