Shake! Showcase no.5: #HeadSpace Reviews

Last Tuesday, October 7th, the Shake! family took over the stage at Rich Mix for the Shake! Showcase no.5, hosted by our friends at Numbi. We saw shakers performing powerful pieces of poetry and music, and presenting the new short doc 'Education?' to a packed audience.  Since then we've received a great amount of messages from people who came to see the show -both long-time supporters as well as new Shake fans- and from participants themselves, sharing their experience of the Showcase.

We were so happy to receive such warm messages of support that we thought we should share some with you!

"Awesome showcase from the incredibly talented young people of Shake.  Any youth workers and educators that work with young people interested in social change and expressing themselves creatively-contact Shake-" Abbie 

"Had such an awesome time at the Shake showcase tonight"- Maria

"Last night was so enjoyable... I have to congratulate you and the team on such a well thought out and certainly important show it was to witness. Thank you!!" Jermaine

Shake Showcase #5 @ Rich Mix London

The blue Shake! banners pinned to the walls, clipboards and notes flurrying about, groups of Shake! participants deep in concentration rehearsing their lines on stage or tucked away in corners,  sound-checks, mic-checks, warm embraces to old Shake friends being made.. it’s that time again…

On Tuesday 7^th October we hosted our 5^th Shake! Showcase at Rich Mix London.  Teaming up with our family at NUMBI, the show was based on the August Shake! Intensive Course, “HeadSpace”, and shakers came from far and wide to perform their art and share their political insight and ideas with the public.

During the course in August, the participants used a variety of poetic, musical and filmic tools to dig deep and critically respond to the central theme of “HeadSpace”. Having created a wealth of original artistic work,  the showcase offers an extension to the week of radical learning, and gives a platform where the participants can express their creativity to an audience.

The hosts Cizz, Tasnima & Edwina 

Performing to a full house, our hosts Cizz, Tasnima and Edwina took us on a journey through poetic lyricism, thoughtful rhymes, sweet melodies, and engaging documentary film. Shakers old and new performed, extending the family and widening our community.

Young people that had never been on stage before bravely stood in the spotlight and read their poetry to the 160 people in the audience, followed by a loud chorus of heart-felt applause each time.  Young people that had never made a film before premiered their documentary, followed by a professional panel discussion and Q & A with the filmmakers and audience.  

In conversation with the filmmakers 

The dynamic mixture of performances and contagiously good vibes and spirit meant that the show was funny, thought-provoking, inspiring, and deeply profound – with all of the work reaching an incredibly high-standard. Everybody left with a huge smile on their faces, buzzing with energy and positivity. 

The showcase not only gives the participants a chance to exhibit their creative work, it also serves as an opportunity to engage the public in the social and environmental issues covered at the Shake! Course, and uniquely, from a youth voice. The spectators get the chance to view these topics through the Shake! lens of art,

Spoken word by Mujtaba Ahmed

   media, race and power – which opens up new    ways of seeing and understanding to more and more people. 

The effectiveness of the show can be summed up by the way one girl came up to me at the end of the performances and said “you’re definitely gonna see me up there next time...” She, like many others there, had caught the Shake bug.

Watch out for Shake! Showcase #6…. You really don’t want to miss it.

Saara J-R

Shake! Showcase #4: Remembering, Re-imagining, Reparations

Last Thursday 26^th of June we held our fourth Shake! showcase at Free Word Centre. Shakers present and past got together in an amazing line up of poetry, fiction, music and film, targeting pressing social and political issues.

The weeks prior to the showcase were intense. We had planning meetings, rehearsals, worked on our poetry and music, and practiced our performance skills. We also got together to think about what we wanted people to take away from this. We decided we wanted the audience to feel energised, inspired, and to realise they could be change-makers too.

The showcase was an opportunity to share some of the work created during the 4th Shake! course last February at Stephen Lawrence Centre. For five days we took part in intense discussions and art making sessions around the themes ‘Remembering, Re-imagining, Reparations’, challenging official narratives and stories, and thinking of ways to transform ourselves and the structures of society.

The event, hosted by Lateef and Grainne, featured powerful poetry by Christianah, Onysha, Selina, Mujtaba, Zena, Umaru, Orla, Sai, and Annie. We were also lucky to have Heritier and Marcina on the music front, a short story by Orla, and a long-distance video poem by Maaike all the way down in the Netherlands. 

Last but not least, the showcase saw the premiere of ‘Remember’, a short poetic film by Michelle, Mujtaba, Grainne, Isi, Edwina and Tasnima, who worked in partnership with Patrice and Dershe from Nuwave Pictures.

The 4^th showcase was a 2 hour taster of what we do at Shake, packed with powerful performances, shared stories, and passion for change. Here are some of the comments from our audience, who shared with us their experience:

Emotional, empowering, the themes of positivity, strength of voice… You are all amazing ! –

FANTASTIC SHOWCASE! 

The singing, the stories of individuals and people their voices and minds are powerful “AMAZING!”–

I’m still digesting and contemplating the wonderful work I saw in the showcase. Many congrats again.–

Our next Shake! Course is in August 18^th-22^nd. For more info on how to apply email farzana@platformlondon.org.

In Profile: Annie Rockson and Onysha D Collins

With our 4th Shake! showcase just 2 days away it's our pleasure to profile two of our special guests and former Shake! participants Annie Rockson and Onysha D Collins.

Since their attendance at last year's intensive Shake! course at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre (Annie was also a participant on Shake! at the Stephen Lawrence Centre, August 2012) it has been a pleasure to witness the poetry/activist pow of Annie and Onysha go from strength to strength.

A sample of their recent appearances includes: supporting the King of Afrobeat (Tony Allen) at Numbi's Afro-Disco event; perfomance at the launch of the Huntley Biography project, War on Want: The New Frontlines of War; African Uprisings; Live Art Development Agency' 'I hate America (I love America)'; Let Freedom Ring! The People''s guide to Popular Education and Freedom to name but a few!

In addition to all this, both poets are also developing educational work: Annie is currently working on a self-help book for young people - highly relevant to our next two Shake! courses focusing on well-being and healthy eating - and Onysha has just returned from Dominica where she is making first steps towards developing an Afrikan-history based education project.

Here's a sample of their latest videos and of course - don't miss the chance to catch them LIVE! alongside the wealth of other Shake! talent at #ShakeShowcase #4 this Thursday at the Free Word Centre 6-9pm.

 

Shake! Showcase #4: Remembering,Re-imagining, Reparations

Shake! Showcase #4:

Thursday 26th June 6pm @ The Free Word Centre 

An explosive showcase from the participants of the fourth Shake! course.

An explosive showcase from the participants of the fourth Shake! course. Featuring freshly created poetic, filmic & musical responses to injustice from:

Poets >> Arkady Johns / Carmela Cuesta / Maaike Boumans / Orla Price / Paula Serafini / Sai Murray / Zena Edwards

Musicians >> Heritier / Marcina Arnold / Zareen Roy-Macauley

Film-makers >> Dershe Samaria / Edwina Omokaro / Grainne aldred / Michelle Bella / Mujtaba Ahmed / Patrice Etienne / Tasnima Ahmed

Special Guests >> Annie Rockson / Onysha D Collins/ Christianah Babajide / Lateef Shofoluwe.

 

Watch below a little taster of the poetic film,   which will be premiered during the showcase. 

 

 

 

Online Ticketing for Remembering, Re-Imagining and Reparations powered by Eventbrite

For more info:
email platformshake@gmail.com 020 7403 3738
box office: 020 7324 25

Hamza on Shake! Showcase: The showcase that “Emboldens” and shakes the “Energetic Apathy -

Shake Showcase!

The third edition of the course was held in August 5-9^th at the landmark Bernie Grants Art Centre in Tottenham and the theme was Power, Propaganda and Perceptions. What the bright young people (16-25 years old) produced from poetry, music and film was showcased at the Free Word Centre in Farringdon on the night of October 29th. And what an amazing show and a stimulating experience it was. Talent at its purest and most engaging way with injustice and global issues! The young people, who come from different ethnic backgrounds, vividly proved that Art is not there to be an abstract form or simply to be for the sake of entertainment but rather as a powerful tool to face up urgent issues of our time in a creative manner. If you thought for one second that these young people have been dictated to what to write, compose or film, then you need to realise that the shake! course rejects the top-bottom approach of traditional educational forms and rather encourages the youth to develop their own ideas, express themselves through the medium of art and tackle issues they feel strongly about. Performers succeeded each other and displayed their brilliant poetry, music and filming skills. The spoken words were particularly eloquent and moving and touched on different subjects such as war, racism, celebrity culture, social injustice and addiction. Christianah, Onysha, Annie, Lucas, Lateef and Umaru were full of energy, fieriness, passion and dissent, a dissent that is much needed in these radical times. These young poets’ spoken words were so gripping, penetrating and carefully chosen. They were words that embodied situations we –grown-up- have been confronted to for a long time; Energetic Apathy is definitely one of them. For her turn, Anna gave an incredible singing performance with a beautiful voice that added poignancy and a sense of urgency to the song. .... The short film “Reach” that was produced in only three days with limited logistics was of excellent quality. The filmmakers wanted to depict the contrast between wealth and poverty in communities around London and how affluence and power are concentrated in corporations. The images that were accompanied by some narration were powerful and showed how these communities are affected by gentrification and how they are alienated from the wealth they produce themselves. This was obvious in the “irritating” presence of Barclays and HSBC’s buildings behind the estates and the frustration at the out of reach higher education in universities. When asked to summarise the film in one word, the young directors used the words: capitalism, reach, aspirations and motivational to break obstacles ...
The showcase was truly an exhilarating experience and instilled in me the belief that these young people can be a force for change. Shakers, you emboldened my optimism and surely you will find me, in solidarity with you, struggling against the Energetic-Apathy around us.
Read full blog here:

http://platformlondon.org/2013/11/04/the-showcase-that-emboldens-and-shakes-the-energetic-apathy/#sthash.olX1t94G.dpuf
Since I joined Platform in July, I have seen the high-spirited Farzana passionately preparing for the “ Shake! – Young Voices in Arts, Media, Race & Power course”, organising its different activities and coordinating with other facilitators (Ed, Zena and Sai) in order to make it even better than the previous sessions. The third course was held in August at the landmark Bernie Grants Art Centre in Tottenham and the theme was Power, Propaganda and Perceptions. What the bright young people (16-25 years old) produced from poetry, music and film was showcased at the Free Word Centre in Farringdon on the night of October 29th. And what an amazing show and a stimulating experience it was. Talent at its purest and most engaging way with injustice and global issues!
The young people vividly proved that art is not just there to be an abstract form or simply for the sake of entertainment but can also be a powerful tool to face up urgent issues of our time in a creative manner. If you thought for one second that these young people have been dictated to what to write, compose or film, then you need to realise that the shake! course rejects the top-bottom approach of traditional educational forms and rather encourages the youth to develop their own ideas, express themselves through the medium of art and tackle issues they feel strongly about.
- See more at: http://platformlondon.org/2013/11/04/the-showcase-that-emboldens-and-shakes-the-energetic-apathy/#sthash.GEmZIfCh.dpuf
Since I joined Platform in July, I have seen the high-spirited Farzana passionately preparing for the “ Shake! – Young Voices in Arts, Media, Race & Power course”, organising its different activities and coordinating with other facilitators (Ed, Zena and Sai) in order to make it even better than the previous sessions. The third course was held in August at the landmark Bernie Grants Art Centre in Tottenham and the theme was Power, Propaganda and Perceptions. What the bright young people (16-25 years old) produced from poetry, music and film was showcased at the Free Word Centre in Farringdon on the night of October 29th. And what an amazing show and a stimulating experience it was. Talent at its purest and most engaging way with injustice and global issues!
The young people vividly proved that art is not just there to be an abstract form or simply for the sake of entertainment but can also be a powerful tool to face up urgent issues of our time in a creative manner. If you thought for one second that these young people have been dictated to what to write, compose or film, then you need to realise that the shake! course rejects the top-bottom approach of traditional educational forms and rather encourages the youth to develop their own ideas, express themselves through the medium of art and tackle issues they feel strongly about.
- See more at: http://platformlondon.org/2013/11/04/the-showcase-that-emboldens-and-shakes-the-energetic-apathy/#sthash.GEmZIfCh.dpuf Since I joined Platform in July, I have seen the high-spirited Farzana passionately preparing for the “ Shake! – Young Voices in Arts, Media, Race & Power course”, organising its different activities and coordinating with other facilitators (Ed, Zena and Sai) in order to make it even better than the previous sessions. The third course was held in August at the landmark Bernie Grants Art Centre in Tottenham and the theme was Power, Propaganda and Perceptions. What the bright young people (16-25 years old) produced from poetry, music and film was showcased at the Free Word Centre in Farringdon on the night of October 29th. And what an amazing show and a stimulating experience it was. Talent at its purest and most engaging way with injustice and global issues!
The young people vividly proved that art is not just there to be an abstract form or simply for the sake of entertainment but can also be a powerful tool to face up urgent issues of our time in a creative manner. If you thought for one second that these young people have been dictated to what to write, compose or film, then you need to realise that the shake! course rejects the top-bottom approach of traditional educational forms and rather encourages the youth to develop their own ideas, express themselves through the medium of art and tackle issues they feel strongly about.
- See more at: http://platformlondon.org/2013/11/04/the-showcase-that-emboldens-and-shakes-the-energetic-apathy/#sthash.GEmZIfCh.dpuf Since I joined Platform in July, I have seen the high-spirited Farzana passionately preparing for the “ Shake! – Young Voices in Arts, Media, Race & Power course”, organising its different activities and coordinating with other facilitators (Ed, Zena and Sai) in order to make it even better than the previous sessions. The third course was held in August at the landmark Bernie Grants Art Centre in Tottenham and the theme was Power, Propaganda and Perceptions. What the bright young people (16-25 years old) produced from poetry, music and film was showcased at the Free Word Centre in Farringdon on the night of October 29th. And what an amazing show and a stimulating experience it was. Talent at its purest and most engaging way with injustice and global issues!
The young people vividly proved that art is not just there to be an abstract form or simply for the sake of entertainment but can also be a powerful tool to face up urgent issues of our time in a creative manner. If you thought for one second that these young people have been dictated to what to write, compose or film, then you need to realise that the shake! course rejects the top-bottom approach of traditional educational forms and rather encourages the youth to develop their own ideas, express themselves through the medium of art and tackle issues they feel strongly about.
- See more at: http://platformlondon.org/2013/11/04/the-showcase-that-emboldens-and-shakes-the-energetic-apathy/#sthash.GEmZIfCh.dpuf Since I joined Platform in July, I have seen the high-spirited Farzana passionately preparing for the “ Shake! – Young Voices in Arts, Media, Race & Power course”, organising its different activities and coordinating with other facilitators (Ed, Zena and Sai) in order to make it even better than the previous sessions. The third course was held in August at the landmark Bernie Grants Art Centre in Tottenham and the theme was Power, Propaganda and Perceptions. What the bright young people (16-25 years old) produced from poetry, music and film was showcased at the Free Word Centre in Farringdon on the night of October 29th. And what an amazing show and a stimulating experience it was. Talent at its purest and most engaging way with injustice and global issues!
The young people vividly proved that art is not just there to be an abstract form or simply for the sake of entertainment but can also be a powerful tool to face up urgent issues of our time in a creative manner. If you thought for one second that these young people have been dictated to what to write, compose or film, then you need to realise that the shake! course rejects the top-bottom approach of traditional educational forms and rather encourages the youth to develop their own ideas, express themselves through the medium of art and tackle issues they feel strongly about.
- See more at: http://platformlondon.org/2013/11/04/the-showcase-that-emboldens-and-shakes-the-energetic-apathy/#sthash.GEmZIfCh.dpuf
Since I joined Platform in July, I have seen the high-spirited Farzana passionately preparing for the “ Shake! – Young Voices in Arts, Media, Race & Power course”, organising its different activities and coordinating with other facilitators (Ed, Zena and Sai) in order to make it even better than the previous sessions. The third course was held in August at the landmark Bernie Grants Art Centre in Tottenham and the theme was Power, Propaganda and Perceptions. What the bright young people (16-25 years old) produced from poetry, music and film was showcased at the Free Word Centre in Farringdon on the night of October 29th. And what an amazing show and a stimulating experience it was. Talent at its purest and most engaging way with injustice and global issues!
The young people vividly proved that art is not just there to be an abstract form or simply for the sake of entertainment but can also be a powerful tool to face up urgent issues of our time in a creative manner. If you thought for one second that these young people have been dictated to what to write, compose or film, then you need to realise that the shake! course rejects the top-bottom approach of traditional educational forms and rather encourages the youth to develop their own ideas, express themselves through the medium of art and tackle issues they feel strongly about.
- See more at: http://platformlondon.org/2013/11/04/the-showcase-that-emboldens-and-shakes-the-energetic-apathy/#sthash.GEmZIfCh.dpuf

Showcase#3: Power >> Propaganda >> Perceptions @ Free Word Centre, 29th October, 6-9pm

Shake! Showcase#3: >> Power >> Propaganda >> Perceptions is the explosive showcase from the participants of the third Shake! course. Featuring freshly created poetic, filmic and musical responses to injustice, the showcase will present an original and inspiring mix of political creativity. So get on down to the Free Word Centre  in Farringdon on Tuesday 29th October, 6-9pm and join us for what promises to be an electric event.

Check out this trailer of the film made by the Shake! participate during the Shake! course in August at the BGAC. The full film will be premiered at the showcase.

Get your tickets here: 

(The event is free for students and unwaged)

Sell Tickets Online through Eventbrite

And …Where Do You and I Fit In?- Reflections on Coordinating Shake!

Some 9 months since joining Platform, I wanted to offer some reflection on working on Shake!, which is  the project I co-ordinate and what I largely work on. This piece is extracted from my concluding remarks at our last Shake! Showcase , slightly paraphrased for the blog reader. Shake! is a project that brings together young people, artists & campaigners to develop creative responses to social injustice. Our next Shake intensive course is running during 5-9 of August, info below.

Shake! intensive at the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust 22/02/2013

Whenever anyone asks me about Shake! and what is that we do, I always struggle and the more I get involved with Shake!, it becomes increasingly  harder. You’ll often find me deferring the responsibility and cheekily inviting the rest of the Shake! team or Shake! participants to answer, probing: “What is Shake! to you?” though this is often because being Voices That Shake!, we are conscientious  about ensuring people’s voices come through and each person has an opportunity to speak for themselves (especially seeing as everyone contributes and takes from Shake! uniquely and differently). It is also because I’m avoiding the responsibility of answering such an enveloping question, I find I can never express or do justice to the fullness of Shake!  However, now seems right to try.

I don’t know if you remember, a couple of years ago there was advert on T.V., I think it was some sort of banking advert, lets just suppose it was. It went along the lines of “Most banks offer you this service or this service, however we offer you this and this.”  Shake! in an entirely different sense evokes an and for me. Every time I describe what Shake! is, I find myself saying: “Shake! engages with: race and media and environment and power and social justice issues. It is a youth project but not just for young people, it informs activists and artists  and educators and older generations through its youth-led policy seminars and youth-led continuing professional development workshops( CPD). Shake! aims to diversify and inform art and activism and education and academia and social policy …” More than anything else I am saying and.  That being the case, I have come to realize that Shake! does in three definitive and profound ways embody an and for me.