A dynamic journey through the streets of Johannesburg, Leeds, London and Capetown, Verbalized was an international collaboration between South African and British poets, exploring new ways of creating, devising and discussing poetry.

Verbalized developed in the wake of the astounding success of the Beyond Words UK tour in November 2009, featuring South African poet laureate, Keorapetse Kgositsile alongside Lebo Matshile, Philippa Yaa De Villers and Donata Mattera.

Continuing the creative impetus of Beyond Words, the British Council and Sustained Theatre asked Zena Edwards (Verse In Dialog) and Segun Lee-French (Speakeasy) to produce a tour of emerging UK poets to South Africa, which became Verbalized, a collaborative performance featuring nine outstanding poets from South Africa and the UK.

Verbalized was a unique performance full of rich soul stirring song and explosive lyrical injection. From the UK, curator Zena Edwards features alongside Khadijah Ibrahiim, Kayo Chingonyi, Dzifa Benson & Avaes Mohammad. From South Africa, featured poets were Mpho ya Badimo, Mbali Vilakazi, Masana Mulaudzi, Naima Mclean and Bulelwa Basse.

Presented by the British Council and Sustained Theatre in association with Speakeasy and Verse in Dialog

Thursday 7 October
In association with Afrovibes
The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG
9pm
Further info: 020 8692 4446
www.thealbany.org.uk

Thursday 14 October
In association with City Chameleon
Bristol Old Vic, King Street, Bristol BS1 4ED
8pm. Tickets: £5/£4 concessions
Box office: 0117 987 7877
www.bristololdvic.org.uk

Friday 15 October
In association with Afrovibes
The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU
9pm TBC. FREE ENTRY
Further info: 0121 333 2444
www.the-drum.org.uk

Monday 18 October
In association with Kala Sangam & Word Life
Theatre in the Mill, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford BD7 1DP
Workshop: 6-7.30pm. Performance: 8.30pm
Tickets: Workshop £5. Performance £5. Combined ticket: £8
Box Office: 01274 233200
www.brad.ac.uk/theatre

Wednesday 20 October
In association with Signposts & Word Life
Cafe Euro, 72 John Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S2 4QU
8.30pm. Tickets: £6/£5 concessions

Thursday 21 October
In association with Afrovibes
Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA
10.30pm. FREE
Further info: 0161 274 0600
www.contact-theatre.org