In a Southbank Centre commission, the poet’s examination of the lives of Black British men and boys is adapted for the stage.

‘Most nights, my son whispers I love you then rests his head on my chest, long enough to birth a new fear of death. Is this how it works? The estimation of risk, the feeling of a tired squeeze. And all I have to lose right there, looking up at me.’

Yomi Ṣode’s debut collection Manorism explores family, survival, generational trauma and the complexities of belonging – it is an examination of the lives of Black British men and boys.

Join us for a fun, heart-warming, heart-breaking, immersive adaptation experimenting with live poetry, dance, projection and music.

This adaption is written by Yomi Ṣode and directed by Philip J Morris. Myah Jeffers is the dramaturg and Melo-Zed is the composer. Movement is staged by Kenrick Sandy with visuals by Darryl Daley. Manorism is produced by Natalie Fiawoo.

Commissioned by the Southbank Centre