Young Identity
Darwin 200 Poems
8 Jun 2011
These poems were written as part of Darwin200 or the ‘Darwin Project’. Darwin200 addressed the impact of Darwin’s ideas about evolution, as well as his approach to the understanding of the natural world. Young Identity poets reflected these issues in … Read more
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TweetSecret Garden
1 Jun 2011
The Secret Garden was a film project delivered in partnership with MediaBox, Manchester Libraries, Contact Theatre and Manchester Youth Service. The project involved 30 young people and engaged them in every aspect of film making(script writing, casting, storyboarding, acting, directing, … Read more
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TweetThe Saul Willaims Experience
23 May 2011
The Saul Williams Experience In 2010, Manchester welcomed Saul Williams when he made a one-off visit to the city as part of the Literature Festival and Black History Month. One of the most outstanding Slam poets of his generation, Saul … Read more
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TweetDon’t Tell Anyone But…
20 May 2011
“There are known knowns; there are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns; that is to say, there are things that we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns; there are things we do … Read more
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TweetWord Cup 2010
18 May 2011
Where: Contact Theatre When: July 2010 Participants: 6 Audience: 200+ WORDCUP2010 is a national spoken word project for young people. From April to July 2010, teams of 13-16 year olds from nine regions of England worked with professional poets to … Read more
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TweetSecret Garden
1 Jun 2011
The Secret Garden was a film project delivered in partnership with MediaBox, Manchester Libraries, Contact Theatre and Manchester Youth Service. The project involved 30 young people and engaged them in every aspect of film making(script writing, casting, storyboarding, acting, directing, … Read more
No Comments
TweetThe Saul Willaims Experience
23 May 2011
The Saul Williams Experience In 2010, Manchester welcomed Saul Williams when he made a one-off visit to the city as part of the Literature Festival and Black History Month. One of the most outstanding Slam poets of his generation, Saul … Read more
No Comments
TweetDon’t Tell Anyone But…
20 May 2011
“There are known knowns; there are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns; that is to say, there are things that we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns; there are things we do … Read more
No Comments
TweetWord Cup 2010
18 May 2011
Where: Contact Theatre When: July 2010 Participants: 6 Audience: 200+ WORDCUP2010 is a national spoken word project for young people. From April to July 2010, teams of 13-16 year olds from nine regions of England worked with professional poets to … Read more
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TweetPoetry Slam 2009
17 May 2011
Where: Contact Theatre When: May 2009 Participants: 15 Audience: 70+ In preparation for The Brave New Voices International Slam Competition 2009, Young Identity members competed for a place on the Young Identity team of 6 which would represent Manchester at … Read more
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TweetDarwin 200 Poems
8 Jun 2011
These poems were written as part of Darwin200 or the ‘Darwin Project’. Darwin200 addressed the impact of Darwin’s ideas about evolution, as well as his approach to the understanding of the natural world. Young Identity poets reflected these issues in … Read more
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TweetYoung Identity Videos
18 May 2011
Listed below is a visual catalogue of some of the performances and achievements these talented members of Young Identity have produced over the years. Human Caterpillar from Pete Powell on Vimeo. Love and Lust by Keisha Thompson Love and Lust … Read more
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TweetYoung Identity Project
Young Identity
Who Are They?
Young Identity is a twenty-six strong group of young writers led by the senior coordinators, Shirley May and Ali Gadema. Formed in Moss Side, Manchester in 2006, the creative project includes poetry, script writing and performances.
At the core of Young Identity is the performance team called Inna Voice, an interchangeable lineup of accomplished poets. Over the last three years they have performed across the UK and internationally.
Young Identity supports teenagers and young adults by using poetry, prose and performance to expose young people’s issues locally, nationally and internationally. It assists members in writing about subjects that may have a direct impact on their future, giving them a platform from which their voices can be heard.
By engaging its members with the arts, Young Identity promotes inclusion and community. It is aimed at those primarily from disadvantaged areas, encouraging literacy and analysis amongst young people. The project is a powerful voice in improving social awareness and communication skills.
If you have any questions about the group or would like to get involved, Young Identity is contactable by email.
Poetry & Performance
Performance Videos
Darwin Project Poems
Past Activities
Secret Garden 2010 – 2011
Word Cup 2010
The Saul Williams Experience 2010
Don’t Tell Anyone But… 2010
Poetry Slam 2009
Journeys 2009
Evolving Words 2009
Happy To Help 2008
