Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience one of the poetry sector’s most highly regarded poets, Kwame Dawes, as he visits the UK in his role as Poet Laureate of Jamaica.
Join us for a special evening with Kwame Dawes as he shares readings from his collected works, including poems from his latest book Sturge Town: Poems and his Forward Prize-winning collection Progeny of Air. The reading will be followed by a Q&A session, chaired by curator-producer Melanie Abrahams.
Throughout the evening, he’ll explore the phrase ‘Walk Good’, a warm Jamaican blessing offered at parting, and consider its deeper resonance: the acts of blessing, the journeys of poetry and literature, and the connections we encounter and carry with us over time and across borders.
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Supporters’ Circle & Society: £6.00, £3.00 concessions
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Programmed in partnership with Renaissance One, supported by Peepal Tree Press

Kwame Dawes
Kwame Dawes is the author of over thirty works of poetry, plays and works of fiction, including his latest book Sturge Town and a Forward Prize winning collection Progeny of Air.
His poetry has been described by Martin Espada as ‘the music of survival and transcendence.’ Dawes has received national honors in Jamaica including the Order of Distinction Commander Class. He is the current Poet Laureate of Jamaica and the Artistic Director of the Calabash International Literary Festival.
Over the last three decades Kwame Dawes has edited numerous poetry collections both in terms of his role as Poetry Editor of Peepal Tree Press and also as a mentor and long-term supporter to many of the leading UK and international poets of today, which include Roger Robinson, Malika Booker, Nick Makoha, Karen McCarthy Woolf and Chris Abani.
Image © Chris Abani
Plan your visit
National Centre for Writing is located in the heart of Norwich city centre by the river, and is easily accessible by foot and by public transport. Plan your visit with our guide to the local area, including transport and nearby attractions, as well as full details on accessibility on site.
Accessibility
We want to ensure that Dragon Hall is open and accessible for all. It is largely wheelchair accessible and is equipped with two raising platform lifts, disabled access toilets, hearing loop facilities and some dimmable lighting. Click below for details on parking, access into the building, a breakdown of terrain, facilities, and more.
Box office & shop
Our box office and shop is located within the entrance space of Dragon Hall. Visit us between 10am–3pm on Sundays & Mondays. Payment by card only. Outside of these hours, book online via the website or call us at 01603 877177.
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