Seen but Seldom Heard returns to BU

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The acclaimed Seen but Seldom Heard project returned to BU’s Festival of Learning.

Performed in the Allsebrook Lecture Theatre on Talbot Campus, the project showcased the very best in spoken word by young disabled people from across Dorset.

The performance, entitled ‘The Cliff Edge’, explored the theme of future aspiration and transition between school and adulthood for young disabled people.

All pieces were written and produced by students from the Victoria Education Centre, in collaboration with BU academics, students, and professional poets Liv Torc and Jon Seagrave, otherwise known as Jonny Fluffypunk.

Jon said: “Working on the Seen but Seldom Heard project has opened up a whole new perspective for me concerning what young and disabled people are capable of. It’s been a real privilege to work with them”.

Starting nearly three years ago, and inspired by the 2012 Paralympics, Seen but Seldom Heard seeks to use creative methods to enable marginalised groups to have their voices heard.

Along with live performances from the young stars there were also pre-recorded readings covering topics such as family bonds, the emotional impact of day-to-day experiences on a young disabled person, and even a protest rap and a song entitled “Poetry Express” which both opened and closed the night’s proceedings.

One particular poem caused an emotional stir with the audience.  Written by Lucy, and performed by Liv Torc, the poem called “A Head Like Mine”, touchingly captured Lucy’s feelings and emotions during the transition period from youth to adulthood.

Christopher Lees, Chairman of the Talbot Village Trust which funded the event said:

“Watching these young people perform is truly heart-warming. Lucy’s poem in particular struck a chord with me as it was so touching to see how she expressed herself throughout the poem. It is for this reason, to give young people like Lucy a voice, that the Talbot Village Trust has pledged itself to such a great cause.”

Simon Brown, Vice Principal for the Victoria Education Centre, spoke about what the project means for the participants, saying:

“The project now has given so much to both the students and the staff and has given these talented young people a voice and a platform to show what they can do, rather than what they can’t due to their disabilities”.

Visit the Seen But Seldom Heard website

By Anuska Naidoo, BA (Hons) Communication and Media student