Lillian Allen, pioneer of dub-poetry, ground breaker for women in her field performs at Thursday’s latenight show.

Two-time Juno Award winning dub poet, Lillian Allen performs a politically-infused style of poetry which has turned the heads of not simply judges and patrons, but government officials as well. Assertive while remaining rhythmic, Allen is often cited as a pioneer of this genre of poetry, known for its tendency toward politicized lyricisms. Playwright, producer, director, musician and poet, Allen’s comprehension of the facets of performance is vast, varied and experienced. Unafraid of labeling herself with the f-word (feminist), her work has been termed groundbreaking for women, and in 1991 her first album, Revolutionary Tea Party, was declared a Landmark Album of the Past 20 Years by Ms. Magazine.

As a playwright she has produced One Bedroom With Dignity (1987), Love & Other Strange Things (1991 and 1993), and the radio play Marketplace(1995). Her creativity also extends to film, as co-producer and co-director of Blak Wi Blakk…, a documentary on Jamaican dub poet Mutabaruka. Beyond writing, Lillian is a recognized authority and activist on issues of diversity in culture, cross cultural learning, and the arts in education.

Allen’s political themes and depth of vision are woven in an enchanting and unique blend of orality and the written word. Her poetic voice has spread beyond international poetry circles and music scenes into corners of the African Diaspora and across the spectrum of society.

[box]This show is All Ages.[/box]

[box]Tickets holders to CIPS Bouts #5-#8 will receive free admission to this show. Stick around![/box]

[box]Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Or you could buy a festival pass.[/box]