AH MEN x INSIDE OUT
Building on the previous showcase of Ah Men – Reflection & Celebration, Ah Men X Inside Out continues to explore the multifaceted and layered experiences of masculinity. This series of events features some of South Africa’s most exceptional young poets, each offering a deeply personal lens into the narratives of manhood. Through raw, honest, and celebratory verse, the poets unravel the triumphs, challenges, and vulnerabilities that define the male experience, inviting audiences to reflect on how external pressures and inner truths shape identity.
Set against the evocative backdrop of the ‘End of the Game’an exhibition by legendary photographer Roger Ballen, Ah Men – Inside Out becomes a powerful dialogue between art and poetry, personal reflection, and cultural commentary. Anchored by the season’s theme, Man.Power, the series explores the strength and fragility inherent in masculinity, creating a space for connection, introspection, and understanding.
The first showcase of Ah Men – Inside Out features the extraordinary talent of Modise Sekgothe, a writer, performer, and interdisciplinary artist whose work spans poetry, music, theater, and visual arts. Known for his cross-genre collaborations and deeply introspective solo explorations, Modise delves into themes of love, loss, and the human condition through a spiritual and existential lens. His poetry resonates with raw emotion and profound insight, using personal narratives to connect with universal truths. As the inaugural artist of the series, Modise sets the tone for an intimate and thought-provoking journey into the layers of masculinity, offering audiences a compelling blend of vulnerability, strength, and artistic innovation.
The series is curated by King Kan and produced by the Inside Out Arts Centre for the Arts in partnership with the African Youth Literature Institute and the Word n Sound Live Literature Movement