Within the series of events marking the 10th anniversary of our work in Azerbaijan, we are delighted to announce the long-awaited arrival of the two well-known British performance poets, Francesca Beard and Malika Booker, and the guitar player Izekor Akhimien.
Two performances claiming that “Modern Love Is Dead” will be staged on 9 December at the Kapellhaus (28 May Street, 15) at 18.00 hours and on 10 December at Khazar University’s Dunya Theatre (Bashir Safaroglu Street, 122) at 18.00 hours.
Malika and Francesca will also run a creative writing workshop for students of the literature and linguistic faculties of various state-run and private universities in Baku. The workshop will be held at Khazar University’s Dunya Theatre on 8 December at 11.00 hours. Please contact us if you are interested. www.britishcouncil.az
Francesca and Malika’s work straddles traditional and contemporary literature. They bring their own brand of art and their unique style and experience to the stage. Through their work, they are radically changing the world of literature and how it is viewed.
Francesca Beard
Francesca Beard, who is a performance poet, lyricist and musician, has been called the third British queen of performance poetry. Francesca's work, funny and laid-back, examines themes of love, relationships and observational commentaries on the world. She has performed all over the world, from Edinburgh to New York and Paris, and has had her work published in various anthologies and magazines.
Malika Booker
Writer and performer Malika Booker embraces literature, education and cross-arts in her works. Malika’s work ranges from theatre scripts to oral storytelling through poetry and monologues. She has internationally represented British writing, both independently and within the British Council, including Slovenia (City of Women Festival), Italy, USA, Holland and Switzerland. Malika was one of the touring poets of “Bittersweet”, featuring ten female poets who toured the UK in 2000. Both poets are much in demand as workshop facilitators, and use their own experiences to create stimulating workshops, which aim to channel the individual imagination of each student within the group.
Izekor Akhimen
Izekor (Zak) Akhimen has toured recently as DJ and musician for the Modern Love tour organised by the British Council in Spain and Germany and performed at venues such as Royal Festival Hall, Jazz Cafe, Cargo and the Vortex in London amongst others. He continues to work with various labels and organisations including BBE, Arista, UMS, Harmless, Aim and Echoes Music magazine and artists including Charlie Dark, Malika Booker and Sophie Woolley.
Performances will be staged only in English. You need to have some understanding of English to gain the most from the performance. Entry is free