Inua Ellams & Yomi Sode

Both Inua’s ‘The Actual’ and Yomi’s ‘Manorism’ take aim at the legacies of the British Empire – racism, classism, toxic masculinity and trauma. Woven with references to white cultural figures from Shakespeare to Caravaggio and sharp critiques of the likes of Piers Morgan, they ask what it means to live as a Black man in Britain today. Alongside his poetry, Inua will give a sneak preview of his narrative, funny, emotive forthcoming ‘The Actual Essays’.

Inua was born in Nigeria but now lives in London. A prolific poet, playwright and graphic designer, he founded The R.A.P Party and his superb fourth play ‘Barber Shop Chronicles’ sold out two runs at the National Theatre. Yomi is a Nigerian British writer. He is a recipient of the 2019 Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellowship and was shortlisted for the Brunel International African Poetry Prize 2021. His most recent play ‘and breathe…’ premiered at the Almeida Theatre to rave reviews. Hosted by Keisha Thompson, poet and Artisitic Director of Contact.