Verse Matters

Verse Matters is an inclusive feminist arts event in Sheffield. Verse Matters provides a supportive space for poetry, spoken word, storytelling, music and comedy, showcasing the work of talented people in a friendly, safe environment. Each event has a mix of experienced and new performers.

Events are open to all. Each night includes three featured artists, and an open mic session with six performers (five minutes each). The structure is non-hierarchical, and door profits are split between performers. Rachel Bower set up Verse Matters to enable people to experience stories, poems and music together. Verse Matters was also set up to attest to the structural inequalities in society and the arts. Verse Matters is an active way of bringing people together in solidarity. A forum for debate, challenge and pleasure.

Some of our performers tell stories that have been erased by society: refugees, detainees, prisoners. Others might read a page of their favourite book, speaking in public for the first time. Others are experienced poets, puppeteers, dramatists and performers. All are respected and appreciated. We actively work together with other organisations in Sheffield and the wider region, always seeking to support new work and artists.

For more information see the website: https://versematters.wordpress.com/ or contact Rachel Bower on verse.matters@gmail.com

Future Events

Thurs 12 November, 7.30pm

Featured artists: Poet Kate Garrett, Poet Gina Elbow and Sufi Soul singer Sarah Yaseen (Rafiki Jazz)

Thursday 7 January 2016

Featured artists: Gav Roberts (Paper Boat Poets/ ROMP), Chella Quint (Comedy/ Poetry) and musician TBC

Thursday 4 February 2016

Featured artists: Hannah Chutzpah (Poet), Sai MuRai (Tangled Roots Poet/ Liquorice Fish) and more TBC

Thursday 3 March 2016 (International Women’s Day special)

Featured artists: Carol Eades (Poet), River Wolton (Poet) and moreTBC

Thursday 7 April 2016

Featured artists: Seni Seneviratne (Poet, Peepal Press), Rosie Lugosi (Performance Poet) and more TBC

Thursday 5 May 2016

Chloe Balcomb (Poet), Rae Burgess (Poet) and Nicole May (Poet)