Document 2019 Opening event - Jay Bernard: Surge (performance)

In 1981 a fire broke out at a house in New Cross. Thirteen young black people died and the political events that followed would have a dramatic effect on our understanding of what it means to be Black and British.

Inspired by that story, Surge is a poetic exploration of what came after - the resistance, activism and changing notions of the state, the body and the city, narrated by the ghosts of the fire. Rooted in the area's local history, this is a show that imaginatively blends the personal and the political, tracing a line from Thatcherism, the colour bar and the National Front to our current age of Brexit, Grenfell and May.

Join Jay Bernard, winner of the 2017 Ted Hughes Award, as they explore this important history using poetry, archive film and audio.

Produced by Speaking Volumes Live Literature Productions.

Followed by a conversation with Jay about their work and the themes explored.

Before Jay's performance, we invite ticket holders to join us for a drink in the CCA Atrium from 18.45

Ticketing:

In order to make Document more accessible to those on a low income, we use a sliding scale ticket price of £2-£8 for our events, with free tickets also available on the day from the festival box office. You can choose what you pay based on your circumstances – you won’t be asked for any proof / ID. And, if you would like to book a free ticket in advance, or make a group booking of free tickets, please feel free to get in touch via info@documentfilmfestival.org.

We trust our audiences' honesty and hope that Document can be accessible for all whilst being supported to continue our activities in the future. For a rough guide on what to pay at our events, please visit our website.