Open for all

This open-mic event will provide equal space to poets, beatboxers and comics

There are some who find ordering off a menu a fiddly job. And there are some who just can’t pick one thing from a long list of events. If you dither between a comedy night and poetry jam more often than you do over salsa or shito, performing-arts group Article 19’s Freedom Factory event has your back. An open mic for people looking for a space to share artistic pursuits, the event aims to amplify the work of poets, storytellers, beatboxers, comics and artistes across fields. “We are devoted to building an inclusive platform,” says co-founder Manvendra Singh.

He adds the group was found during the lockdown with friends and collaborators, Viraj P, Prakash Ahir and Srushti Tawade. “We were already attending open mics in the city as participants, but most places would censor our performances. We were being told what to say. That is when we thought of coming up with a space that ensures freedom of expression,” shares Singh, who will be reading a couple of his Hindi and Urdu poems. While discussing art’s potential in affecting change and political engagement, Singh mentions how, at times, it’s difficult for both performers and audiences to adjust their moods and reactions to changing sets: “Imagine a comedian leaving the stage after making relatable jokes, and a poet entering the same place to recite a deep poem. But again, open mics let you improve as you get direct viewer or listener feedback. We hope Freedom Factory will enable such growth”.

Now that channels of creativity are steadily opening up, Tawade is looking forward to learning from other artistes in the same room. The rapper is keen to present her satirical piece, Ten Ways of Writing a Song, at the event. Tawade’s writing focuses on issues such as misogyny, homophobia, nepotism or the privilege of being politically unaware. “I do all of the above, but I’ve also written a rap on my recipe for Maggi,” she adds with a laugh. 

On: November 21, 3.30 pm 
At: Veda Factory, Versova. 
Log on to: insider.in

Cost: Rs 150 for participants and Rs 200 for audience members

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