sustained theatre

Chris Jam, co-founder of Speakeasy is leading the way on a distinct online presence for Spoken Word in the North West region.

The Original Seed' is a new online brand experience that’s fast becoming a focal point for the fascinating dynamic and hybrid world of Spoken Word culture.

Developed by Chris Jam radio journalist and community radio trainer (Radio Regen , AllFM, Radio 1Xtra, Kiss) the North West based hub members experience of spoken word culture over the years has pushed him to develop the first dedicated web presence for Spoken Word.

More on 'The Original Seed' click http://www.theoriginalseed.wordpress.com

Find out more about the new content from North West Sustained Theatre Sector artists by clicking this link; ONLINE: Sustained Theatre North West Regional Hub

Spoken Word has many rich manifestations, as an art form and its evolving constantly and rapidly. From its historical roots within the Griot culture of Africa, to modern day interpretation within slam poetry events, Hip Hop theatre and MC musical culture, Spoken word is a universal tool that is harnessed by cultures worldwide.

The focus with The Original Seed is upon the artists and performers who deliver narrative driven work.Chris is a champion in his won right for the artform and has been a key facilitator within the spoken word scene, coming from a background of being co-founder of 'Speakeasy' that was developed at Manchester's leading live arts venue, green room. Speakeasy is now the UKs longest established spoken word event, they have just celebrated their 10th Anniversary at Manchester's Band on the Wall.

The role of The Original Seed is their to provide a much needed presence to promote the artform of Spoken Word with the North West , connecting nationally to artists who perform in the North West.

As creative producers involved in its development of Spoken Word, Chris' role as a content developer is making sure that Spoken Word is available to the masses through an distinctly accessible method and medium of online digital sharing.

'The Original Seed' is being encouraged to be developed further by the Sustained Theatre North West Regional Hub, who as individual members of the Hub, form the largest concentration and network of spoken word artists and poets in the country.

The Original Seed currently features podcast Interviews by Chris Jam who has interviewed international Sector artists who have performed in Manchester and include Mobo awarded star, SWAY, South African poet, Lebo Mashile and the North Wests own, Lemn Sissay fresh from his success at the South African Grahamstown Festival and Manchester International Festival.

Developed by Sustained Theatre International, Manchesters Contact hosted the recent 'Beyond Words' a tour that featured the South African Poet Laureate. Chris is are currently finalising production with new interviews with individuals who participated in the recent masterclass workshops and watched the performance.

A key project developing through the Sustained Theatre website, the future for 'The Original Seed' is working with North West regional hub members to evolve the platform of 'The Original Seed' that could see new digital sharing of content that could include;

• Reviews : on shows and performances
• Listings : a whats on guide to events 
• Information Updates: new Commissions/Training/Professional/Development
• Archive
• Mailing List and subscriptions