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Out Loud

Journalist Kirran Shah explores the intimacy and spirit of Bradford鈥檚 spoken-word counter culture, and discovers how these evenings are crucial to her own health and wellbeing.

Exploring Bradford鈥檚 emerging spoken-word counter culture, journalist, writer and artist Kirran Shah enters the intimate spaces where local people share their life stories.

She鈥檚 on a journey back to her home town, seeking to discover if there鈥檚 a way she can belong in Bradford. Her first few visits to some of these pop-up club nights are terrifying. Can she dare to take her turn at the open mic?

Smartphones are switched off, the lights are dimmed and the performances begin. Poetry, rap, song and stories - all are welcome, truthfulness is appreciated. People are applauded for courage, self-expression and for making real-life connections. It's the antithesis to online messaging.

Slowly and gradually, Kirran discovers a thriving, inclusive community that is a celebration of human connection. It鈥檚 very different from the Bradford she remembers.

A Sparklab production for 成人快手 Radio 4

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Thu 2 Apr 2020 23:30

Broadcasts

  • Mon 18 Nov 2019 16:00
  • Thu 2 Apr 2020 23:30