Introducing….The Lyric Lounge: 25th- 31st July 2009
Posted on 30th July 2009
July 2009 has seen The Y Theatre transformed into The Lyric Lounge – a unique performance space celebrating the power of live literature. The Lyric Lounge is part of Renaissance East Midlands’ contribution to the region-wide Igniting Ambition programme and is undertaken in partnership with Arts Council England East Midlands. For seven days, the Lounge will bring laughter, lyrics, music and visual magic to one of Leicester’s finest live venues. As part of the cultural programme for the Special Olympics, Lounge events are expected to attract hundreds of artists, athletes, local families and literature fans alike.
In the daytime, there is chill out space in the bar area, where visitors will be treated to coffee, books and films. This area also features ‘Lyrical Lunchtimes,’ open surgeries with The Book Doctor and a fantastic poetry-writing competition. Fans of quick-witted John Hegley will be pleased to hear that the Godfather of performance poetry himself has been confirmed as one of the Lounge’s evening headliners. Other events include an urban slam, a multi-media feast inspired by museum objects and a Special Olympics Cabaret.
In the run up to the programme, there has been a range of opportunities open to the local community, including workshops for young people, as well as people with learning disabilities and mental health issues. For more information on opportunities associated with the project, contact Rickin Bilimoria at 2Funky Arts on rickin@2funkyarts.co.uk / 0116 222 0639.
2Funky Arts and WORD have been appointed to further develop and deliver The Lyric Lounge on behalf of local partners. 2Funky Arts draw inspiration from urban culture and promote creative opportunities for children, young people and B.M.E artists through festivals, events and multi-arts projects. A team of experienced live literature programmers, WORD has a large local following and a successful monthly poetry night at The Y.
Henderson Mullin of Writing East Midlands and chair of the Lyric Lounge steering group said “The Lyric Lounge will make an exciting contribution to Leicester’s Special Olympics. It’s fitting that it starts off here given the particularly vibrant live literature scene and we’re sure that Leicester will provide hard acts to follow for Lyric Lounger’s in the future.”
