KINGSTON ON THAMES: Linton Kwesi Johnson "Unplugged"

Sunday, April 19th, 2009, 7.30pm, £7, £10, £12
Rose Theatre,
24-26 High Street
Kingston
KT1 1HL
Box Office: 0871 230 1552
Online: www.rosetheatrekingston.org

Revered as the world's first reggae poet, Johnson's work fizzes of both the page and the stage. In the 1980s he began his long association with the renowned reggae music producer, Dennis Bovell, recording albums of his poetry to the distinctive beat of the Denis Bovell Dub Band. Through his journalism, broadcasts and live performances worldwide, he has been able to communicate with a vast audience – earning him Time Out’s accolade as the ‘alternative Poet Laureate’ along with the distinction of being only the second living poet, and the first black poet, to have his work published in Penguin’s Modern Classics. In this performance at the Rose Theatre, Kingston, LKJ will perform ‘unplugged’ an a capella performance of his work. He will be joined by Patience Agbabi, a poet, writer in residence, university lecturer and solo performer whose lyrical voice and gleeful humour punctuates her writings. Passionate and thought-provoking, both poets articulate the black British experience in their own inimitable styles.