Speaking without Voice

A project which explored four Nigerian pre-colonial nonverbal communication systems: Aroko, Nsibidi, Uli and the Talking Drums, made possible by money raised by National Lottery players awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).

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IROKO Theatre Company received a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £97,300 for an exciting heritage project, ‘Speaking without Voice’.

The project researched, identified, recorded and presented four Nigerian pre-colonial nonverbal communication systems (Aroko, Nsibidi, Uli and the Talking Drums). The historical, political and socio-cultural functions of the heritage were explored, including their significant and unidentified presence in Nigerian arts and heritage in the UK.

Harnessing the research findings, the project ran a broad set of events and activities - including training sessions, workshops, exhibitions and a museum trip - giving people access to this previously under-explored heritage, and utilising it to foster understanding and appreciation of the heritage, creativity, confidence and community cohesion

Project Launch

Speaking without Voice’ was launched on Friday 11th January, 2019 at Stratford Library.  The event attended by a wide range of audiences, was opened by Cllr. Joy Laguda MBE, Chair of London Borough of Newham Council.  Selina Papa, Development Manager (London), Heritage Lottery Fund, was also in attendance.

 

Sharing/Deliverables

Speaking without Voice’s research findings were shared with members of the public through workshops, exhibitions, performances and through digital means and an eLearning Resource Pack (all of which you can access for free, below).  Public sharing activities took place at a variety of venues including Redbridge Central Library, Barking Learning Centre, Stratford Library, Botwell Library, Newham Dementia Support Group, Goodenough College, at various schools across London and online (in response to COVID-19).  Please click on the links below to find out more about some of the activities that took place.

Speaking Without Voice project resources

Project Description  

Resources Type

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Video

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Audio

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