Page 42 - 2018 Powerlist

Arts, Fashion & Design Lemn Sissay Radio 3 in 2005. He recently performed it at the Orange Tree

Theatre in Richmond and it will feature this October as part
of the Journey’s Festival International in Manchester. This
Poet, author, broadcaster
year it took its place on the A-Level syllabus.

In May, in a deeply powerful performance on stage at
Artist-in-residence of London’s Southbank Centre, official
poet of the 2012 London Olympics, Chancellor of the
to a staged reading of the psychological assessment of the
abuse he suffered as a child in care. He is currently taking
University of Manchester – Lemn Sissay is one of Britain’s the Royal Court Theatre, Lemn listened for the first time
most popular and prolific writers. social services to court for the treatment he suffered and
Since releasing his first book of poetry at the age of 21, said he conceived the performance to show what other
he has made his name with a string of acclaimed books, victims of abuse have to go through to seek redress. The
dramas, documentaries, articles and public artworks. proceeds of the reading have gone towards the set-up of a
His Landmark Poems are installed throughout London new Lemn Sissay Foundation to support causes close to his
and Manchester, and can be seen at iconic spots including heart, including the arts, education, young people in care,
the Royal Festival Hall and Olympic Park. Lemn’s care-leavers and the people of Ethiopia.
installation poem ‘what if’ was exhibited at the Royal Lemn, who recently signed a contract with Canongate
Academy alongside Tracey Emin and Anthony Gormley, Books to publish his autobiography, was awarded an
while his ‘21st century poem’ was released on Leftfield’s MBE in 2010 for services to literature. He is patron of the
award-winning album Leftism. Letterbox Club charity and the Reader Organisation, and
His one-man, autobiographical stage play Something ambassador for the Children’s Reading Fund.
Dark – about his upbringing in children’s homes and foster In June 2015, he was elected Chancellor of Manchester
care – toured from 2004 to 2014. It was adapted for BBC University for a seven-year term.

38 Powerlist 2018