A rare chance to see a dramatic reading of the acclaimed one-man play by celebrated performance poet, Lemn Sissay.
Something Dark tells the story of Lemn Sissay’s upbringing in children’s homes and foster care, and the search for his family and true identity. Originally directed by John McGrath (National Theatre of Wales/MIF), Something Dark has been performed throughout the world to great critical acclaim. It was adapted for BBC Radio 3 in 2005, and the following Q&A sessions have become legendary.
★★★★ “Something Dark is stunning and perceptive. I laugh, I’m astounded, I’m entertained and there are points where I’m blinking back tears behind my glasses.” – Northern Soul
“Lemn performs Something Dark with truth and compassion. You’d expect a poet to bring beautiful phrasing even to a difficult story. You’d expect insight and self examination. But there is also an overwhelming honesty to this piece… A fascinating play from which no institution comes out well.” – Quiet Man Dave
“The performance is both uplifting and painful to watch as this clever, engaging and quite beautiful man reads his story and leads us on a journey so very dark and yet so brilliantly light.” – Live Art Alive
“The sheer intimacy of poet Lemn Sissay’s performance underpins the power of this monologue.” – The Stage
“It would be impossible to come away from this show unmoved and uninspired.” – Metro
Want to know more about Lemn Sissay?
Lemn is associate artist at the Southbank Centre, author of five poetry collections and an award-winning play. He is ambassador for The Children’s Reading Fund, trustee of Forward Arts Foundation and World Book Night, and founder of Cultureword.
His work with young people has changed the lives of thousands, guiding ‘Superheros’ out from dark corners and supporting care leavers across the UK. He was awarded an MBE for his impact on literature, and is an honorary doctor of letters at the University of Huddersfield, where he has also set up The Sissay Scholarship for care leavers.
There is only one Lemn Sissay in the world (google it, it’s true!).
- Follow @LemnSissay on Twitter
- Visit Lemn Sissay’s website
