The Philip Mead experience

Going into his piano recital, I have to admit I had never heard Philip Mead and was anticipating something along the lines of Einaudi - classical and expected. Whatever I had anticipated, however, this wasn't it. 

Philip Mead's transcendent tones were almost other-worldly, listening and watching him perform felt a little like falling down a rabbit hole. Though, perhaps falling though the tunnel from the opening credits of Dr. Who would be a more apt description. The performance was further enhanced by the kaleidoscope of visual accompaniments after the brief intermission.  

Regardless of what I had been expecting, Philip Mead blew me away. I think I'm a little in love with anyone who has an extreme passion for something and shares that passion with others, which is exactly what Mead does. Watching him pour out his music in a slightly manic way was beautiful,  and I'm so glad the Cultural Exchanges programme allowed me to experience this. 

Laylah Grewal

"My gender is not an insult"

These were among the words spoken by third year drama students. Their verbatim performance put together interviews, reported speech and personal testimonies from those who have been affected by everyday sexism. 
 

Shocking stories were also told by Laura Bates, the founder of the Everyday Sexism Project. She shared her personal experiences during her time as an actress when she noticed how differently male and female actors were treated at auditions.

She experienced further sexism. Some examples were extreme. Men stared at her and referred to her as "that." Some also followed her home and one stranger thought it would be okay to grope her on the bus. Disturbing statistics and other people's real-life experiences showed her how common sexism is in the 21^st century. Laura Bates realised that she wasn’t the only one and "almost all had a story to tell."

 But the session wasn't entirely negative and upsetting. The discussion panel emphasised how we all need to stand up and raise awareness. It’s not about blaming men. We ALL need to unite, stand against sexism and challenge stereotypes.

As Laura Bates said, “Whenever it crosses your path, stand up to them because if someone did challenge that man on the bus, there could’ve been a different outcome”. 

 

Humairaa Patel

Eliminating Bars

Alistair Fruish's talk began with him discussing what made him choose to be a Writer-in-Residence; he chose to work in a prison more out of personal interest and curiosity than anything else. 

His talk was engaging, interesting and revealed what it is really like inside a prison. Alistair also emphasised that keeping the prisoners interested in something whilst inside can have an impact on their lives on the outside and make them less likely to re-offend.

It's a genuine shame that there are only around 10 people in the country doing what he does: making films, putting on plays and writing stories, making life inside more bearable and keeping connections with family members outside.

Fruish's job makes a real difference and I'm glad I had the pleasure of hearing him discuss it.

 

Alexandra Kilcran

Art in Prisons: a sobering experience

The talk I attended was not about writing, though it was given by a writer. It was about people. It was about those the system failed, those who are imprisoned for their actions and what led to this sad situation.

The levels of illiteracy in our prison system are frankly ludicrous, and this man Alistair Fruish is one of only a handful of men and women trying to make a difference.

I learned that the prison system has its own TV stations, newspapers, and that men like Mr. Fruish work with the prisoners to make films, radio plays, works of fiction, to help develop and rehabilitate them.

This is good work, and I pray that it continues.


Ciaran Lovejoy

The Dreamside of Enchantment: in memory of Graham Joyce

How do you review a tribute to someone? Especially someone who inspired you to write. Along with Tolkien, Pratchett, Morpurgo and Martin, Graham Joyce was that for me. The Limits of Enchantment remains one of my more re-read stories to this day; as far as I’m concerned one of Graham’s most underrated works. I think, to review this tribute, I simply have to talk about the things I learned from it. In other words, what insight did it give into his voice and method?

Susan Joyce, the late author’s wife, spoke wonderfully about Graham’s personality and attitudes towards writing. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to stories about the various characters Joyce invented, including fat-dad, who would appear if he stopped writing for any given period of time. Apparently Graham would have conversations in his head between characters he had invented, which is remarkable to me, because it’s something I do myself - now if only I could follow in his footsteps further and actually write things down.

"Writer’s block? Ever heard of coal miner’s block? It’s about the work, if you don’t work, nothing will ever get done." - Graham Joyce.

We also heard from some of Graham’s close friends and students, who discussed his work at length - far too great a length to quote from memory - as well as poetry he worked on, read by Bea, a student lucky enough to meet him. The quotation above is actually taken from the poem he wrote for Bea's open mic night - something else I learned during this hour of wonderment. We were even lucky enough to hear a recording of Joyce, reading from Some Kind of Fairytale, one of his more critically acclaimed works. Again, this provided inspiring insight into the thoughts of the author.

At its core, the whole experience was simply moving. There is nothing more special than listening to a writer, learning their thought processes, seeing how they write their characters. Sadly, the opportunity to hear from Joyce himself has passed me by. Failing that, I can think of no more a joy that to hear from people whose lives he was such a big part of. I wholeheartedly thank everyone involved in the organisation of this special tribute to a fantastic, creative talent.


Ben Harrison

Memoirs of a Master Novelist

 My friends would tell you I'm a difficult figure to move, but I felt myself touched by the words of the dear friends and relations of Graham Joyce. The hour spent at the tribute event was an hour well spent. 

His wife spoke of his early career, moving both to Greece and into the literary world. I heard about the inspiring impact he had on many, including a student to whom he sent a poem of advice. A journalist close to him summarised some key moments in his literary career.

We also heard a recording of Graham Joyce himself reading from Some Kind of Fairytale and the event concluded with  oddly poignant parting words from the man himself, as read by DMU's own Niki Valentine.

 It was a fittingly creative requiem for a writer who managed to affect so many.


Matthew Budge

Voice and video - a winning combination

After the Postgraduate Creative Writing Showcase was over, I was really glad that I'd been there. Listening to Emma Conway, Laurie Cusack and Pam Thompson was very pleasant, but for me it was Emma's work that stayed in my imagination. Her voice was beautiful and the use of video in the background was outstanding. I was simply hooked by this combination.

Alexandros Doschoris