Join us for a special afternoon as part of Freedom Residency, a spoken word and performance workshop exploring writing, voice, identity, storytelling, and freedom.

What does freedom feel like? How does it sound in your voice? How does it live in your body? How does it change when spoken out loud?

Led by multidisciplinary artist Mohammed 'Ayo Busari' and presented by Blue Joy Theatre Company, this 3-hour workshop invites participants into a creative space where spoken word becomes more than poetry, becoming performance, memory, rhythm, conversation, and self-expression.

This workshop is for:

• People who want to explore what the spoken word means beyond poetry
• Poets, writers, theatre-makers, performers, storytellers, and creatives
• Anyone interested in writing and performing their own work
• Anyone looking to build confidence using their voice
• Artists wanting to explore identity, memory, freedom, and self-expression through performance

Together, participants will reflect on what freedom means to them, write original spoken-word pieces using guided prompts, learn performance techniques, including voice, pacing, breath, rhythm, and stage presence, rehearse their work, and share their performances in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Inspired by themes from Freedom, the workshop blends poetry, theatre, storytelling, and conversation.

No performance experience is needed; just bring your voice. Come write. Come speak. Come be heard.

About the Artist 

Mohammed ‘Ayo Busari’ (he/him) is a Boorloo-based, award-winning multidisciplinary artist, creative producer, writer, spoken-word artist, researcher, musician and performer with over a decade of experience across Nigeria, the UK, and Australia. He holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism & Media from the University of Hertfordshire and a Master of Arts in Screen Arts from Curtin University.

Ayo’s practice spans theatre, music, spoken word, and visual storytelling, creating immersive, poetic, and emotionally resonant works. He is the founder of TAB Family, Blue Joy Theatre Company, and Mobus Entertainment, and co-founder of The Outsiders and The TOOL Event, platforms dedicated to fostering collaboration between BIPOC and non-BIPOC artists.

His work includes producing and performing in acclaimed projects such as An Evening of African Poetry & Storytelling, and co-leading TAB Family, winners of the 2025 FRINGE WORLD Award (Music & Musicals) and 2025 WAM R&B/Funk/Soul Act of the Year. Ayo is also Communications & Marketing Coordinator at The Blue Room Theatre and a board director for WA Youth Theatre Company and Regional Arts WA.

Photos and videos will be taken during the workshop for documentation and archival purposes.