Open Mic with AFLO. the poet, Jasmine-Rose Johnson and EM Williams

AFLO. the poet (she/they) is a Brighton-based spoken word artist, activist and academic who uses poetry as a vehicle to disrupt the status quo and inspire social change. With a bold voice rooted in lived experience, AFLO. uses poetry as a tool for resistance, healing, and radical honesty. Her performances blend sharp social commentary with deep emotional resonance, exploring themes of race, identity, wellbeing, and social justice. AFLO. has shared her voice at a range of venues, from grassroots community spaces to national stages, including the magical fields of Glastonbury and the famous ‘red dot’ for her very own Tedx Talk. AFLO. hosts and curates a regular poetry night at Brighton Dome, STATUS FLO, and was selected by Apples & Snakes to lead the Brighton branch of their ‘Poet in Your City’s programme. Outside of performance, AFLO. is dedicated to community work, facilitating workshops and collaborating on creative initiatives that empower others to tell their stories. AFLO. is currently in the final year of her PhD, exploring Black people’s experiences of mental distress and intimacy. She is also co-founder of BARCO (the Black Anti-Racism Community Organisation). Her interdisciplinary approach fuses poetry with activism, education, and collective care.

Jaz is a poet, theatre maker, and drag artist whose work takes audiences on an unforgettable journey through humour, heartache, and raw vulnerability. Blending sharp wit with emotional depth, Jaz crafts performances that are as fiercely entertaining as they are profoundly human-celebrating queer resilience, storytelling, and the transformative power of art.

EM (They/Them), is a Black, Queer, Trans, Disabled theatremaker from the midlands, specialises in physical theatre, aerial circus, and ensemble, their roles taking them to three continents (so far). Credits include RSC, West End & National Theatre. They are a proud member of Equity’s LGBT+ Committee, and an impassioned activist and advocate for Equality, Equity and Justice.