The Sea Opens: Bejan Matur and Stefano Battaglia, Kings Place

The Mediterranean Sea is a site of contradiction: while still famed for its sun and sparkling waters, in recent years it has become a place of struggle, the most dangerous leg of the refugees' route as they look for a new home in Europe.

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The Sea Opens: Bejan Matur and Stefano Battaglia explores the refugee crisis through a synthesis of poetry and jazz music. Turkish-Kurdish poet Bejan Matur and Italian jazz pianist Setfano Battaglia are from opposite sides of the Mediterranean; their respective countries are the departure and arrival points for many refugees. Together they have created a one-off performance inspired by the sea in between their two nations.

Bejan Matur is a multi-award-winning poet, now living in London, whose writing engages directly with the situation in the Middle East. Her powerful words, set to Battaglia’s music, explore the culture, history and mythology of the region and how these are affected by the global migration crisis. The performance questions the idea of a ‘home for humanity' in a time of so much displacement.

Culture Whisper is offering free pairs of tickets to Gold Whisper members to attend this special event. All Culture Whisper members are also able to get a 20% discount on tickets using the code displayed on the ticket.