Sat 15th Jun 2019
The People's Launch
In 1919, Lutonians famously burnt the Town Hall down.
In 2019, we're looking back on this bold act. Six events. Five months. One extraordinary riot.
On 15th June 2019, we kicked off People Power Passion in true Luton style with our first event. An opening event like no other, our fabulous spoken word artists drew in the crowds with amazing spoken word and poetry in a staged takeover.
Developed in partnership with a group of fiery Lutonians experiencing unemployment, this immersive experience captivated the audience into the world of the revolt of 1919.
DEBRA KNIGHT
Debra Knight
Director, The People's Launch
Debra Knight is a spoken word and digital artist focused on social change and the C.E.O of Queen’s Award winning NINE RED CIC. NINE RED delivers projects that provide skill attainment, education and counselling using arts and psychoeducational therapies. Deb's practice explores the contrasting yet interconnected elements of poetry, light, projection, sound and movement to transform and connect people and spaces.
''People Power Passion encapsulates and highlights the essence of who Lutonians are: people who will fight for the underdog. We are people who are proud of our town, proud of our heritage and proud of who we are. It explores our creativity, energy and laughter which sometimes can be lost on people from outside of town’’.
JEANEFER JEAN-CHARLES
Jeanefer Jean-Charles
Movement Director, The People's Launch
@jeanefer_jean_charles www.jeanefer.com
Jeanefer Jean Charles is a globally respected Creative Artist and Public Engagement expert who has designed and delivered artistic solutions for some of the world's most iconic organisations. Her unique creative process draws together and brings to life, the talents, strengths and shared stories of local communities and artists in inspiring and unforgettable ways.
AMERAH SALEH
Amerah Saleh
Spoken Word Director, The People's Launch
@Voiceofthepoets amerahsaleh.co.uk
Amerah Saleh is a Muslim Yemeni spoken word artist from Birmingham. Amerah has performed all around Europe and released her first collection called ‘I Am Not From Here’ in April 2018. Her work touches on identity, womanhood, religion and the obscure idea of belonging only to one place. Amerah was chosen to represent Birmingham's culture programme as part of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games closing ceremony.
SOPHIE O'BRIEN
Sophie O'Brien
Trainee Arts Communications Assistant, The People's Launch
Sophie is a trained contemporary dancer who studied at the University of Bedfordshire. She has undertaken this trainee role to gain experience in arts marketing and communications in order to further her career and develop her emerging dance company, Sonder Dance Theatre.
"I have always been someone who is wanting to learn new things and develop my skill set. I will be using this role to shape my freelance dance artist career as well as enhancing my marketing and business skills within the arts. People Power Passion will give me opportunities to help, share and invite audiences in what Luton has to offer."
Visit our Flickr page to view more images from The People's Launch here
