Mandem: with Iggy London and Guests
Join award-winning filmmaker, artist and writer Iggy London for an unmissable and thoughtful exploration of what it means to be a Black man in contemporary Britain.
In this unique live event, Iggy will be joined live on stage by some of the finest contemporary Black writers and thinkers in the UK for a wide-ranging discussion touching upon themes of identity, community, race and coming of age. Together, they will engage honestly in conversations often silently grappled with by Black British men because of socially enforced beliefs around Black masculinity; from the importance of male role-models, and the unique relationship between mother and son to the sexual pressure placed on young heterosexual men, while also asking the question: "what does contemporary Black queerness actually look like?"
With Iggy’s distinctive style and flair for sharing stories, this event promises to be an ode to the moments in our pasts that shape us, and gratitude at being able to appreciate these lessons in the present. Do not miss it.
Iggy will be joined by some incredible guests. The event will be moderated by Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, a Nigerian British actor with credits across film, TV and theatre. In 2021, he was nominated for a BAFTA for his role as Bol in the movie, His House as well as for the Rising Star Award. Currently, he stars as Elliot Finch in the Sky Atlantic series, Gangs of London which is now in its second season.
Yomi Ṣode is an award-winning Nigerian British writer. He is a recipient of the 2019 Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellowship and was shortlisted for The Brunel International African Poetry Prize 2021. In 2021, his play, and breathe… premiered at the Almeida Theatre to rave reviews. Yomi’s debut collection, Manorism is published by Penguin Press.
The evening will conclude with a DJ set from DJ Laurenzo who is renowned for his distinctive approach of joining the moshpit with the audience while leaving the decks. His music style never fails to impress, as it's an exceptional fusion of various genres and mashups that will transport you on an incredible musical journey.
This event is presented in partnership with Jacaranda Books and Dark Matter.