Translating the arts into other languages
FROM There to Here: A Journey of Poetry and Music by ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students and staff from The Manchester College was recently received by those who attended a vibrant and moving performance at Manchester Central Library.
Co-organiser David Byrne said: “It is a much-needed comfort these days to believe in love, warmth and humanity.
This is exactly what students and staff proved to exist with this themed evening of poetry and live music.
“Rehearsals were intense. In between teaching, guiding, eating and breathing, somehow Julie Valentine and myself managed to tease out performances from students at Openshaw campus and St John’s campus that developed into jaw-dropping, heartfelt cries for freedom and tolerance.
“How do you write your heart in another language and perform it or sing it or share it? Now, that is amazing.
“Highlights of the evening included moving words of those who suffered the waters to reach a safer place, a student’s thanks for democracy and an impromptu acapella version of Nothing Compares To You that raised the roof.
Julie Valentine added: “We are delighted in bringing together these students who are open to share their incredible stories. As a performing vocalist, I am inspired by our students’ strength and commitment.”
I met up with Julie and David in The Art Cafe in Touchstones, with a view to putting on From There to Here in the performance space at Touchstones.
They were both ‘blown away’ by the building and the opportunities on offer.
The plan we came up with is, in addition to a performance, to invite members of our asylumseeking/refugee community to spend time with the performers and explore the possibility of setting up a group that would link young people from Rochdale with those in Manchester to work together on similar projects.
The young people will also be immersed in our borough’s culture and heritage through a guided tour of Touchstones, the Pioneers Museum and Rochdale Town Hall.
With the support of Touchstone’s Lisa Oneill-Rogan, we are planning for this to take place in November.
Details about the evening performance will appear in our What’s On listing.
David Byrne summed it all up: “From There to Here is a journey for all of us and the only ticket you need to travel is an open heart and mind.”