Xen Arts

xen arts presents 'Tongue Tied?' If your voice was stolen who would you tell? Following the success of its debut in March 08, ‘Tongue Tied?’ returns for round two. The evening of dance, poetry and music explores our rights to freedom of expression while supporting those who have these basic rights restricted. These artists have something to say… and will be heard. Organised by Xen Arts and hosted by the Cochrane Theatre this night of soul and inspiration will raise funds for youth projects in Zimbabwe. Xen Arts is also working on a pilot dance project with a youth group at Mossbourne Community Academy in Hackney, London to create a piece to be performed at Tongue Tied? ’09. With the money raised at Tongue Tied?’09, we will then run similar projects in Zimbabwe, with a group of young people of a similar age. Through this, we aim to create a cultural exchange where both groups will enter into a two way learning process, gaining a deeper understanding of each other. In Zimbabwe where people currently have little cause for optimism, entertaining and educating through arts projects is key. Food and water are scarce. Petrol is rationed. Keeping morale and spirits high is vital. Words have been censored but inspirationally their rich culture of arts brings people together in a time of crisis. As the exchange between the youth groups develop, the London-based groups will be supported to set up their own performance projects to use dance, poetry, music as a positive way of expressing themselves about issues affecting their own lives as well as their peers in countries where the restrictions are so much greater than their own. They will be opening their minds to the bigger picture while raising awareness and funds for their partner schools that are struggling to provide the basics. Through the arts we can target areas of extreme poverty and deprivation, reaching out to children and young people while offering support and raising awareness on social and health issues, such as HIV and AIDS. Xenoula Eleftheriades Event Co-ordinator Tel. 07795433640 Email: [email protected] - www.tonguetied.org.uk