A Look Back on Lockdown with BND Magazine's Lockdown Edition

BND Magazine published by Boundless & Bare is focused solely on the spoken word artform of storytelling, rap and hip hop, poetry, comedy and theatre. Each edition features articles, interviews, reviews, and comments on topical issues in the community. Documenting the Irish spoken word scene as it exists and evolves, cultivating content with the contribution of writers and performers from around the country who write about the community.

The landscape of performing arts in Ireland has changed since the onset of Covid 19 and subsequent lockdown procedures since March of last year. Venues have closed with some never to re-open. Festivals have been cancelled and gigs postponed.

In light of these changes Boundless & Bare presents BND Magazine’s Lockdown Edition. Eight-seven pages of articles, comment pieces, reviews and interviews is on sale in print and online.

This issue features a cover interview with Belfast slam poet and writer Elizabeth McGeown about her beginnings on the spoken word scene in Northern Ireland and the different themes inspired by currents events which she explores in her poetry.

Melissa Ridge speaks with newly appointed Arts Council Director Maureen Kennelly about her new position, speaking to her experiences as Director of Poetry Ireland and programme director of literary festivals in Ireland. This interview shines a light on the issues facing Arts Council Grants and its relationship with the spoken word community.

There are many more interviews with spoken word artists from across the country, including exclusive Q&As with Galway rapper Celaviedmai, Longford spoken word poet FeliSpeaks, and internationally acclaimed UK spoken word poet Hollie McNish. Reigning Leinster Slam Champion, Birdwoman, interviewed by Eithne Dodd divulges on finding her identity through poetry and music.

The ‘Poet in Lockdown’ interview series is a new addition to the magazine featuring USA spoken word artist Beau Williams, screenwriter and poet Conor Quinlan from Galway, and actress, playwright and performance artist Sarah Richardson from London.

Cork ‘artivist’ Alana Daly Mulligan writes on discrepancies in pay for spoken word artists. Abby Oliveira imparts her experiences and knowledge on the blending of spoken word and music in Irish culture. Poet, historian and actor Colm Mac Gerailt reveals an alternative side to the spoken word scene, one rooted in the Irish language, and it’s written and performed as Gaeilge.

While most events are on hiatus across the country many have taken to hosting online shows. BND Magazine has included an event guide featuring spoken word events happening online and a new featured account of online communities and groups on social media.

Some events have taken the lockdown in stride and have boosted their audience through podcasts and online shows. Candlelit Tales, company of storytellers, performers, and musicians is just one. Co-founder Sorcha Hegarty writes about the motivations and inspirations in setting up the collective behind Candlelit Tales.

Even before Covid 19, young artists found it difficult to find spaces for regular work in Ireland. Dylan O’Neill investigates the reality of seeking venues for those in the performing arts in his comment piece.

Lastly, reviews of new spoken word and poetry collections by Wayne Power and Kasey Shelley, Hazel Hogan’s ‘Being Earnest’ and The Cursed Murphy Podcast as well as Imelda May’s Spoken Word EP ‘Slip of the Tongue’.

The Lockdown Edition is on sale for €10 plus postage on the Boundless & Bare website.

MELISSA RIDGE

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