Conversation and performances on the ways in which Somalis can challenge the stereotypes and one-sided views of Somali people and culture being offered by the media.
An event produced by Kayd Somali Arts and Culture and supported by Oxford House and Renaissance One, Under a watchful eye is a first reading in the UK for poet Ladan Osman who was born in Somalia and currently lives in Chicago. The evening will offer conversation and performances on the different ways in which Somalis can challenge the one-sided views and stereotypes currently being offered by the media. It will look at national and international media and tools like social media to empower the people to have their voices heard and change their own narrative.
With discussions between Mohammed Adow, Nadifa Mohamed, Ugaaso Bocoow, Dr. Idil Osman and readings by poets Ladan Osman, Asha Luul Mohamed, Ahmed Ismailand Laila Duale, and a performance by vocalist Maryan Mursal.
Ladan Osman's full-length collection The Kitchen-Dweller’s Testimony won the Sillerman First Book Prize. Osman’s speakers, who are almost always women, assert and reassert in an attempt to establish authority, to give testimonies and to be heard.
“Osman is a warrior poet, and she is dangerous because she is especially gifted and disciplined about her craft, her technical facility with the poem.”
Cost: £5.00