Polyglot Open Mic is open to everyone.
As LeipGlo has already mentioned in a previous article, this weekend is all about inclusion. At the Polyglot Open Mic on Friday, it is also about the freedom to choose your mode of expression, in whatever language. In being open to everyone and every art form, it epitomizes and reflects the creative free spirit and tolerance of this city.
Leipzig is a city that hosts many different art forms, from the well-known St. Thomas Choir and the exhibitions of the Spinnerei to the Song Slam and Live Lyrix competitions, as well as many stages to read/perform (Lesebühne) spread around the city.
Despite being a non-profit writers organisation, Leipzig Writers gives performers the opportunity to express themselves through poetry, short stories, novel extracts, music, stand-up or whatever takes their fancy.
So far we have had around a dozen languages at our open mics, including Russian, Czech, Sudanese, Arabic, Turkish and Polish. The core of the performances are in English and German, and that is why our hosting is a mish-mash of German and English.
From Lindenau to Grafikerviertel
Open Mic manifested itself with a collaboration with Kaffee Schwarz in Lindenau. But despite many great events there, the cafe closed and we moved on to Poniatowski Bar and Restaurant in the Grafikerviertel. Our very first event there was BEats & STreets, for Buchmesse 2014.
We have had many magical moments by our members and guest performers. Each Open Mic blossoms and becomes something different every time, whether more music or more literature in the form of spoken poetry and stories.
What to expect
It has always been my dream to give people the opportunity for a platform and space for creative expression, since enjoying this at university. Little did I know this would take place in Saxony, and in multiple languages, something unforeseeable during and directly after my studies.
This time round we will have the returning Spanish host Monica Aguiar, hosting auf Deutsch and in English. With a few of our regulars not being in Leipzig at the moment, there will certainly be some fresh ink and new voices. I hope to hear Albanian from a glocal I have tried to persuade to perform. I also look forward to both light and heavy performances to provoke, entertain and inspire.
Come join in the fun!
Polyglot Open Mic
Poniatowski, Kreuzstr. 15
20:45
Free drink for every performer!
