Inua Ellams Pit Party
Prolific poet-playwright Inua Ellams hosts a double bill, mingling hip-hop, dance, recital and film, with 1979 cult classic The Warriors serving as cinematic backdrop to both performances.
Poetry + Film / Hack: Interspersed with a screening of Walter Hill's stylised action film The Warriors, poets deliver lyrical meditations created in response to its themes of tribes and territory, poverty and struggle.
Open Lab Rhythm and Poetry Party: Sprinkled with nostalgia and a sense of community, poetry and hip-hop songs alternate, reflecting the themes of Hill's film screened earlier that day. Featuring a gathering of artists, including Barbican Open Lab alumni, The Rap Party is a laid-back evening of eloquent speeches, dance and movement merged fluidly with the DJ’s selections.
2:30pm: Performance 1 - Poetry + Film / Hack
Age restriction: 15+ (Proof of ID may be requested on ticket collection and/or entry)
7pm: Performance 2 - Open Lab R.A.P. Party
Age guidance: 15+
Get 20% off if you buy tickets for both performances.
Presented by the Barbican
Poetry + Film Hack
R.A.P Party
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Booking fees
£4 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
Freesheet
Digital Freesheet: Inua Ellams Pit Party
Read our digital freesheet including running times, venue information and what else is happening at the Barbican while you're here.
Watch: A Preview of Poets Performing at Inua Ellams' Pit Party.
Get a taste of the poets performing at Inua Ellams' Pit Party in our YouTube palylist.
Seven Questions for Seven Poets (The Guardian)
In this interview for The Guardian, Kate Tempest asks seven fellow poets, including Inua Ellams to answer one another’s questions about their craft, and how they define success
Watch: Inua Ellams performs Shame Is The Cape I Wear
Poet Inua Ellams performs 'Shame Is The Cape I Wear'.
Watch: Inua Ellams at Giving Voice Festival
Poet and playwright Enua Ellams performs at Giving Voice Festival in Falmouth, 2015.
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The Pit
Location
The Pit is located on Level -2 within the main Barbican building and can be accessed via the stairs or lifts on Level G, next to the doors to the Lakeside Terrace.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
The Pit floor (level minus 2) can be reached via the main lifts – please note that only two of the four lifts go to this floor. Access Step-free access from the Pit floor foyer to any front-row seat. All other seats lead off stepped aisles.
Mobility
Spaces for two wheelchair users in the front row (at stage level), with companion seats. Front row seats are also suitable for people with limited mobility.
Assistance dogs
Because space in the auditorium is limited, we recommend that you leave your dog to be cared for by a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Amplified sound
Amplified sound is provided through a headset for people with impaired hearing. Audio-described performances use a wireless network to relay through a headset a live description of the scenery, costumes, facial expressions and action. Headsets are available. You can obtain one 30 minutes before the performance from the programme desk inside the Pit Theatre entrance.
Large-print exhibition information
To request a large print copy, please call the Theatre on 020 7638 8891 before your visit.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.