Benjamin Zephaniah: inspiring generations

Benjamin Zephaniah In the last episode of this series of Why Dance Matters, we meet a poet – the resonant, rousing, heart-stopping Benjamin Zephaniah. Benjamin’s specific dance connection is that he’s recorded the narration for Rambert’s acclaimed new stage production based on Peaky Blinders, the cult period crime drama. As a celebrated performance poet, he’s used to making language, voice and physicality fuse in the most memorable of ways. His writing for young people as well as adults has been transforming, inspiring generations of readers. He will explore words and bodies, and the way that creativity can change a life. About Benjamin Zephaniah Benjamin Zephaniah was a pioneer of the performance poetry scene in Britain. He has spent most of his life performing around the world in schools, universities, concert halls and other public spaces. He is also an actor, a TV and radio presenter, and a novelist, who has written over 20 books. He has his own band, The Revolutionary Minds, but he has also worked musically with Sinead O’Connor, Moby, and Bob Marley’s Wailers. He has his own poetry show on Sky Arts, called Life and Rhymes, and he was born and bred in Birmingham Find out more about the work of the RAD. Follow the RAD on social media, and join the conversation with host David Jays Instagram @royalacademyofdance Facebook @RoyalAcademyofDance Twitter @RADheadquarters YouTube / royalacademydance David Jays @mrdavidjays Sign up to our mailing list. RAD is an independent educational charity and does not receive regular government funding. Every penny we make goes back into the work we do. You can support us by either naming a seat as part of our Name A Seat Campaign or make a donation. Benjamin’s website is https://benjaminzephaniah.com Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby will tour during 2023 – visit https://peakyblindersdance.com/