dreaming new narratives: decolonising storytelling with swallow
With kaleya baxe
This workshop explores storytelling beyond dominant Western, capitalist and patriarchal frameworks. Through collective learning, writing exercises and peer exchange, participants will develop their creative writing practice while engaging with writers, thinkers and storytellers whose work offers alternative ways of making meaning. Some examples include Audre Lorde, Octavia Butler, adrienne maree brown, and ideas such as Queer Time and African and diasporic storytelling forms. Each session combines discussion, reflection and creative practice, creating a space to experiment with stories that emerge from intuition, resistance and pleasure. We will write together, read together and think together, building a creative community and support network across the duration of the course. Participants are welcome to bring an existing project they would like dedicated time and feedback to develop, or simply arrive with curiosity, openness and a desire to play, explore and discover new ideas. No prior experience is necessary. This space is open to all people and writing forms. While individual sessions are welcome, we recommend attending the full course to get the most out of the community, peer relationships and shared experience.
- Dates
- Tue 27 Oct, Tue 3 Nov, Tue 10 Nov, Tue 17 Nov
- Time
- 18:00–20:30
- Cost
- €40-140 full course €5-15 drop in (+ €5 membership fee for new members)
- Attendance type
- You can drop in to any day
- You can attend the whole course
- Class type
- Audiovisual & Writing, Activism, Storytelling
- Space
- Coworking Space, Container
- Desired audience
- This course is open to everyone, no prior experience necessary. It is particularly welcoming to writers, storytellers and curious minds drawn to Black, queer and diasporic practices and perspectives, those seeking alternatives to dominant storytelling frameworks, and anyone looking for a creative community to write, share and grow alongside. Whether you are just beginning, returning to writing after a break, or looking to deepen an existing practice, this is a space for you. The course will be led in English.
- What should I bring?
- Nothing but something to write on. No previous experience necessary
About the artist
swallow is a company founded by kaleya baxe that connects people through storytelling. kaleya is a writer, director and community facilitator who has led writing workshops for beginners and experienced practitioners alike, covering getting started, finding your way into writing and intuitive storytelling. Her practice is rooted in writing as a tool for self-reclamation and centring marginalised narratives. She has seven years’ experience in UK professional theatre, having worked at the National Theatre and other leading UK institutions, developing new plays with writers, and served on the judging panel for the Women’s Prize for Playwriting.
Instagram: kaleyabaxehttps://www.instagram.com/kaleyabaxe/
Accessibility
One solidarity spot is available for this course at no cost. Please write to 90milartschool@gmail.com to book. 90mil is wheelchair accessible. Please see the yellow section below for more on accessibility.
Sliding scale
We use a sliding scale to make courses as affordable as possible. Here’s how to use it: Lower end: You don’t have a stable income. Mid range: You have a less stable financial situation and are more selective about where you spend your money. Higher end: You experience relative financial stability. Solidarity spot: You’re experiencing financial precarity and wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to come to a workshop.