OutSpoken is a multifunctional platform bringing different cultures and artistic expressions of that together via different mediums – spoken word to rap, hip hop, urban beat, dj’s, theatrical expression, etc. OutSpoken aims to be a driving force of growth for emerging artists, committed to creating sustainable partnerships, cooperation and fostering change. OutSpoken is also a stage where cultural diversity and personal approach turns volume up on personal expression in order to break borders, promote cooperation, common understanding, good vibes and supportive environment.

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OutSpoken presents: Naniso Tswai, Margo van de Linde, BLESZ & Joshua Baumgarten.

Naniso Tswai is a Berlin-based author and academic. His work is strongly embedded in broader issues of justice and peace, particularly as these relate to human rights and identity. Over the past five years he has shifted his focus from academic writing to fictional writing, this has come in the form of short stories and novels. He is also a Spoken Word performer, an artistic outlet which allows him to express himself with a different voice. He is the founder and current co-director of Berlin Spoken Word (BSW). BSW is an international group working on various projects based in Berlin. Its main event - which draws an audience of over 60 people each week - is a weekly open mic night providing a familiar space for spoken word poetry, stories, music, comedy and more. Several times throughout the year it invites international artists to be featured performers at the event. In addition to the open mic night, BSW also runs various other projects. Most prominently, these include Sharing Words that Matter (SWTM) and Berlin Unspoken. SWTM is guerilla poetry outreach project which aims to spread awareness and engage the community in current and continuing social and political issues. Berlin Unspoken is BSW’s literary magazine. It features both local and international artists and is published quarterly.

Margo van de Linde is an America/Canada/UK- raised Dutch woman who works as a theatre director/singer/cabaret performer. The thing that lies at the heart of her work is always the art of improvisation, of taking inspiration from the now - which is the same tool she will be using tonight to weave together a piece for you.

BLESZ is a singer songwriter who's been writing and composing songs for over 20 years providing him extensive experience in creative writing, performance and curating projects. He is dedicated to working towards helping individuals and organisations while using the modern literary approach in their creative and professional development. Based in Amsterdam, host of Word Up Spoken Word Amsterdam and a rapper in a band BUC.

Joshua Baumgarten, originally from New York, living in Haarlemtown since 2000. He runs The Irrational Library shop, press and do spoken word in the band The Irrational Library as well. They make rocknrollspokensoulboogieforyourbrainspartyprotestmusic.