Inua Ellams
Poet, Playwright, Performer, Graphic Artist and Designer
Born in Nigeria, Inua Ellams is a poet, playwright, performer, graphic artist and designer. Now based in London, Inua spent his early childhood in Nigeria, later moving to Ireland as a teenager and attending secondary school in Dublin. His first play, The 14th Tale was awarded a Fringe First at the Edinburgh International Theatre Festival and in 2019 his play Barber Shop Chronicles sold out two runs at England’s National Theatre.
Inua’s published books of poetry include Candy Coated Unicorns and Converse All Stars and his latest collection of poems is titled The Actual.
In our conversation, Inua Ellams tells us about his time in Ireland, the sparks of inspiration that led to his love of writing and his play The 14th Tale which is on the Junior Cycle English prescribed text list for current 2nd & 3rd years.
We hope you enjoy!
Some teacher reflection questions
Q. Inua moved to Ireland in the 1990s and attended school in Dublin as a teenager. He recalls how one of his teachers really encouraged him to express himself creatively. How important is it, in your view, to encourage young people to be creative?
Q. Inua describes the importance of being vulnerable, especially among men. Do you think being vulnerable is important for our creative output?
Q. “The editing process is where writing really begins.” Do you agree? How does editing inform or help your writing practice?
Q. Have you read or seen The 14th Tale? If so, what did you enjoy about it or what are some questions you still have?
Note:
This podcast might be particularly interesting to teachers of Junior Cycle English.
Inua Ellam’s play The 14th Tale is currently on the prescribed text list for 2nd/3rd year. Please find more information here: https://www.curriculumonline.ie/Junior-cycle/Junior-Cycle-Subjects/English/