Against All Odds: Class and Resistance in the Arts
Against All Odds is a dynamic and thought-provoking event that delves into the intersections of class, creativity, and resilience within the arts. Bringing together a powerhouse panel of artists and writers—Joelle Taylor, Ashleigh Nugent, Barrington Paul Robinson, and Jayshree Patel—this discussion highlights the struggles and triumphs of working-class creatives who have fought to make their voices heard in an often exclusive cultural landscape.
Each speaker brings a unique perspective:
Joelle Taylor is a T.S. Eliot Prize-winning poet, playwright, and author whose work tackles themes of identity, power, and resistance. Her acclaimed poetry collection C+nto & Othered Poems exemplifies her bold and fearless voice.
Ashleigh Nugent, writer, performer, and director of RiseUp CiC, uses his own lived experiences to explore race, class, and identity. His debut novel LOCKS is an award-winning narrative grounded in real-life events.
Barrington Paul Robinson is an Ethical Producer who entered the world of high-end TV with The Responder. He is also the founder of Redbag Pictures and Co-founder of the BFI Creative Producer Lab. His work, rooted in Liverpool, blends historical inspiration with a drive toward the future.
Jayshree Patel, a screenwriter for Hollyoaks, Waterloo Road, and Casualty, is a passionate advocate for diverse and underrepresented voices in television, especially young people.
This event promises an evening of candid conversation, personal stories, and collective insight into dismantling systemic barriers in the arts—and celebrating those who’ve paved the way for future generations.
For the second year in a row, PRAN is absolutely delighted to partner with Writing on the Wall (WoW), a Liverpool-based organization that champions creative writing, social justice, and community empowerment through literature, festivals, and arts projects.
This event will be part of WoWFEST, Liverpool’s annual literary festival, taking place in May.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to the Social Policy Association (SPA) for supporting this event.
