This salon explores the theme of social justice from the perspectives of race, young people, mental health, and class. Through a range of formats - talks, performances, in-conversation, a one-person show and open discussion we invite you to join in and contribute.

Colin Grant, Dawn Cameron, Andrew Graves, Chérie Taylor-Battiste, Melanie Abrahams (Chair), David Oluwale Memorial Association (DOMA).

PART I: I’M BLACK SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE

Colin Grant focuses on his books Bageye at the Wheel and his upcoming Homecoming to explore the degree to which writers of colour feel obliged/determined to write about black life. With special guest Dawn Cameron.

PART II: GOD SAVE THE TEEN

A show on growing up and getting it wrong

In this hilarious yet heartfelt Saboteur Shortlisted Show, poet Andrew Graves recounts his past life as a council youth worker, offering tales of drugs, parental break ups, starry eyed punks and disappearing Goths. Incorporating spoken word and politics that casts a spotlight on the closure of youth services and the diminishing aspects of social provision for young people, the show includes guest performances, and a poetry set exploring independence, justice and motherhood by the acclaimed Chérie Taylor-Battiste, based on her new book Lioness (Valley Press, 2019) written after the loss of her adoptive mother.

Open Mic Callout to budding poets and singers:

The show will be preceded by a series of open mics sets. If you are a budding poet, singer or musician aged 15 – 26 years who would be keen to perform work on a theme of social justice, email a short paragraph of what you would like to present and why you are interested in performing to Renaissance One at hq@renaissanceone.co.uk