new renaissance one site

 ‘Is love dead?  Eight of London’s most innovative poets didn’t think so.  And after two hours of creatively demonstrating this through spoken-word aided by hip-hop beats and a jazz-influence band, the modern love tour brought something to London that’s been long overdue… love. As the performers collectively took a bow, they reaffirmed love is far from dead – it’s only getting started.’

Review of the Week, The Voice (2002)

‘I enjoyed modern love because it was great to see artists I consider as my peers taking the art form to the next level at a packed out QEH; I loved modern love'
 

Jonzi D (artist & performer)

’modern love’? .. a divergence of some of the most exciting minds and mouths in the spoken word scene today. Minds and mouths that intrepidly explore the nooks and crannies, the ins and outs, not to mention all the contradictions, of what love means to them in these most easily distracted of times. From Malika Booker's whirring and purring to the maniacal crescendo of Roger Robinson's internal monologue, the styles on show are as many as the opinions expressed. And all this underpinned by the exquisitely solid foundation of James Yarde's band. Essential.’
 

Hip Hop Connection

‘An inspirational mix of words and music’                      

Bryn Ormrod, Barbican Centre

‘(they produce) Slick and well produced shows…very groovy music properly integrated with poetry is good to see.’                                           

British Council (Suzanne Joinson)

‘Fantastic.  (They are) slick and in touch, especially for young people.  For the KIN project (spring 2004) It was good to see such a diverse audience in the Barbican.’                        

Barbican Education

"I thought setting the stories to music was a fantastic idea as it adds a more emotive and dramatic quality to the readings." 

Vogue

"It's not everyone who can actually perform their work in an interesting way that will hold an audience's attention.  I felt that all of the Off Centre writers were able to do this, each in their own way, from the more reflective poetry of Choman to the amusing tirade of Rob Gallagher.  A very entertaining evening all round."

Plan B

"I was impressed by the mix of performers.  I think these evenings are a great way for people to find out about new writers who they might not otherwise come across.  You may come for one author and discover a whole new range of talent.  I did." 

Undercover magazine

‘I thought the show was professionally put together and the production was very smooth.  The venue was perfect.’

British Council (Sinead Russell)

"a good balance of deeper, more serious material and stories with a lighter tone." 

Channel 4