Part of Being Human Festival 2017

About

From deep in the vaults of the University of Sussex, voices whisper stories – speaking of rivers and the Black Atlantic, singing of jazz and Harlem and the African American literary renaissance. 

Drawing on the University of Sussex’s Rosey Pool collection, this event explores Dutch academic Rosey Pool’s exceptional life and her relationships with prominent black writers like Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes, crime writer Chester Himes, and poet and playwright Owen Dodson. Part traditional talk, part experimental performance, join Doug Haynes, Diarmuid Hester, Joanna Pawlik and celebrated performance artist Harold Offeh as they bring to life the University of Sussex’s rich archival holdings in African American culture in unique and inspiring ways.

They Taught Me Laughing To Keep From Crying is the first of three events devised especially for Being Human: A Festival of the Humanities and is followed by Treasures from the Rosey Pool Library (12.30pm 21 Nov) and a screening of Isaac Julien’s Looking for Langston (7.30pm 21 Nov), introduced by the director, and with a Q&A following, which also take place at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts. It builds on the success of Radical America: Afterlives’ previous contribution to the Being Human festival, The Art of Lying: Who is Harvey Matusow?, which was featured on BBC Radio and ITV News. 

General Information

Guests with Mobility Impairments

Guests who use a wheelchair or experience mobility impairments are asked to call the box office on 01273 678822 or email info@attenboroughcentre.com so that we can assist you to find the best seat to suit your requirements.

Box Office Opening Times

The box office (phone line and drop-in service) is open from 10am to 4pm, Mondays to Fridays. The box office is also open one hour before the advertised show start time.