University of Brighton creative writing and English literature students showcased their wondrous wordplay by triumphing over University of Sussex students in a festival poetry ‘slam’.
The five-strong team – consisting of Joan Kennedy-Munden, Natasha Kennedy (Creative Writing MA) Jannat Rashad, Lilly Croucher and Hanna Jarvback (English Literature and Creative Writing BA(Hons)) – claimed victory in the event at The Old Market in Hove.
The Slam, produced by Brighton-based organisation Hammer and Tongue, was part of the Brighton and Hove Arts Council Poetry Festival which was headlined by poet and spoken word artist Hollie McNish.
Joan Kennedy-Munden said: “The slam was a fantastic experience for all involved. For some, it was the first time they had been in a slam, so performing at such a grand venue was a bit nerve-wracking – but everyone delivered their poems on point.”
“It was great to win against Sussex – they too were a brilliant team.”
Each member of the teams delivered their poem in turn, and were given a score by each of the five judges. The highest and lowest scores from each team were then taken out and the three remaining scores were added to make the team’s overall result.
Joan has progressed to the final of the Hammer and Tongue Slam, which takes place on Wednesday this week at Komedia in Brighton, and the whole team will perform in another poetry event in London in January.
Dr Jessica Moriarty, Course Leader for Creative Writing BA, MA and English Literature and Creative Writing BA degrees, said: “The Brighton team were absolutely incredible. Their poems were political and personal and they all performed as if they’d been doing it for years.
“I am beyond proud. They were utterly inspiring and deserved winners.”
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