Division by Michelle Scally Clarke

“A city only stays strong when its people are heard.”

As Leeds marks its 400th anniversary, Michelle Scally Clarke presents a powerful new performance bringing together voices and stories from across the city. Division tackles themes of identity, belonging, disconnection and hope. The work shines a light on the experiences of people who feel unheard or disconnected, while celebrating the resilience, diversity and spirit that make Leeds what it is.

Crafted through storytelling poetry and song, this honest and thought-provoking piece invites audiences to reflect on what connects us, what divides us, and how we can move forward together.
Building on her earlier work, Michelle aims to reconnect Leeds through performance, community voices and shared storytelling. More than a performance, Division is an invitation to an ongoing conversation about the future of our city — inclusive, human and hopeful.

Michelle Scally Clarke is a Leeds-born writer and spoken word artist whose work centres on identity, mental wellbeing, social justice and giving people a platform to be heard. Combining poetry, storytelling and community engagement, Michelle has spent more than 25 years working across schools, festivals, arts organisations and grassroots projects throughout Leeds and beyond.

Her recent work includes collaborations with Leeds Beckett University, Huddersfield Literature Festival and Leeds Song.

Tickets are “pay what you decide”. So book for free and you can pay what you decide after the performance!