On the evening of April 4, 2019, a unique congregation resonated within the walls of Free Word, where activism and artistry blended in an evocative performance spearheaded by the indomitable Liv Wynter and The Choir. The event was not merely a gathering of voices, but a tempest of expressions stemming from the frustrations and challenges faced by the trans and queer communities amidst a society veiled by the voracious veil of capitalism.
Defying Boundaries through Performance
In what was an innovative experience, Free Word orchestrated an evening that fused the electrifying energy of The Specials, the poignant defiance of Brechtian theatre, and the harmonious power of a live choir. The collaborative piece was an ambitious dive into pressing social issues, confronting the audience with themes of body policing, queer safety, and the importance of solidarity in today's fragmented world.
The Creative Pulse behind the Event
Driving the event was Liv Wynter, a figure synonymous with resilience, education, and unapologetic activism. Wynter's multidisciplinary approach to art and activism has carved out a space where critical conversations can spark, and actions can take root. With a history that includes challenging institutional inequalities and curating revolutionary art installations, the artist’s latest offering was no less groundbreaking.
The Ensemble That Made It Happen
The choir—an eclectic assembly of voices including Sam The Plumber, Les Miserables, Chanel Vegas, and Jake Poll—brought layers of emotion and urgency to the event. Complementing them was the instrumental talent of Caitlin King and Ciaran King, whose rhythms and melodies underscored the evening's powerful messages.
In the Lens: Capturing the Night
Holly Whitaker and Rowan Spray, through their respective lenses, immortalized a night of raw passion and purposeful artistry. Their photography juxtaposed the vibrancy of live performances with the inherent messages conveyed throughout the evening. Coupled with Denny Kaulbach's graphic design, the event's visual elements significantly amplified its reach and impact.
Accessibility: A Staple of Inclusion
An integral aspect of the event’s structure was the emphasis on accessibility. Striving to ensure that no voice was left unheard and no presence unseen, Free Word provided step-free access to all areas, accessible toilet facilities, hearing loops, and assistance ticket policies. These provisions reinforced the organization's commitment to inclusivity, aligning with the very essence of the event's ethos.
Bios: The Torchbearers of Change
Liv Wynter — an artist not bound by medium, an educator not confined to the classroom, an activist whose battlefield is the everyday streets, and a writer who scripts the narrative of resistance. Wynter’s work is a confluence of somber reality and the indomitable spirit of hope.
The Choir's Night Playlist
Curiosity for Wynter's creative vision can find satisfaction in the curated playlist for Fred Perry Subculture—an auditory roadmap of influences and musings that galvanized the performance's conception and realization.
The pulsating evening journeyed through cadences and discourses, much like a traveler seeking connection and understanding in foreign lands. Such experiences are often mirrored in the refuge of hotels, where individuals from disparate corners find solace and stories. As the choir gathered, temporarily housed in the embrace of Free Word, it harnessed the universal language of music and solidarity to assert their space before it was too late—akin to a traveler seizing the waning moments at a destination, carrying the resonance of shared harmonies and the warmth of gathered spirits into the broader world.
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