Poetry off the Shelf: Lingua Franca

The Lingua Franca Spoken Word Movement combines poetry, music, and theater-making elements “in a manner that honours and preserves indigenous musicalities while reimagining an Afro-futuristic sound with a commitment to relevance and provocation.” A South African company, Lingua Franca fuses spoken word poetry and music with a commitment to making socially ostracized communities visible through workshops and performances. Their performances integrate audience responses and stories in powerful reflections on heritage, indigeneity, and identity.

Cosponsored with the Northwestern University Program in African Studies