Overview

There's always a pause, between the inhale and the first word. The room is silent. Butterflies collide. The words begin to rise up inside of you; Metaphors and similes contort like question marks. Your mouth unhinges, You speak Five young poets from Leeds are selected to compete at the world's most prestigious international poetry slam competition in New York City. Fuelled by love, pride and passionate protest, their words light fires to show the world who they are and what they can be. But the determination to be crowned International Slam Champions threatens to overwhelm everything. As the competition draws closer, the poets are forced to discover not just their voices, but what they must find the courage to say. Ode to Leeds is a funny and moving coming-of-age story; a celebration of Leeds and language; and an ode to the art that changed Nyoni's own life. It blends spoken word poetry, heart and soul to provide a poignant and uplifting portrait of the city of Leeds. The play received its world premiere at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, on 10 June 2017.