Leyla Barakat & Ace Ambrose (Vandal Factory live)

A live recording of the Vandal Factory podcast, featuring two incredible artists performing in Leeds for the first time. Hosted by poet Henry Raby and theatre-maker Natalie Quatermass.

Leyla Barakat is a Palestinian-Bulgarian poet and actor based in Manchester. Her work largely stems from discovering her mixed race identity and continental interlinks. Exploring themes of trauma and duty in generational relationships, entanglement of art and politics, global and personal conflict via survival and immigration. She often works with Comma Press showcasing their ‘Voices of resilience’ Diaries and poetry from Gaza, has been published in MSJI’s anthology “Dignity”, and was in ‘We Merry Dancers’ debut play of “The Fire Raisers”. Leyla is performing an original theatre script of her new short play ‘Build in memories’ with a side of known poems.

Ace Ambrose aka the Pali Punk is a Eurasian-Palestinian poet and protest singer based in the West Midlands, as well as C.O.O and Co-Founder of Branches Of The Levant – an independent boots on the ground aid initiative based in North Gaza. With a passion for storytelling and a flair for the dramatic influenced by her love of musical theatre, glam rock and nerd culture, Ace brings the concepts and characters of her imagination to life through their soundtracks. Ace combines her artistry with philanthropy, telling stories through their soundtracks and donating all proceeds to marginalized communities. Her upcoming EP ‘Hope Amongst The Horror’ is a self produced collection of protest songs about resistance, hope, liberation and identity – giving insight on her personal experience as a daughter of immigrants growing up in the diaspora and fighting for the freedom of her people and homeland from afar.

Access: Wharf Chambers has step-free access. There will be seating options for this event.
Wharf Chambers is a members’ club and you need to be a member, or guest of a member, in order to attend. To join, please visit their website.
Membership costs £2 and requires a minimum of 48 hours to take effect.