Performance Poet
"ONCE THERE WAS AN EMPTY SPACE. THEN THERE WAS "PERFORMER".
There are empty spaces everywhere and the performer's job is to fill it with story."
Zena's Story
Zena has been a performance poet from the very beginning of her poetry career and is always exploring the craft. With a passion for storytelling, a captivating stage presence, and a voice that resonates with emotion, Zena is a multifaceted artist who has dedicated her life to the world of performance.
Born and raised in London, Zena embarked on her poetry in performance journey in 1991 driven by an innate desire to connect with audiences on a profound level. She honed her skills and nurtured her talent at Middlesex University, where she graduated in Drama, Media and Communication Studies.
"So all that is real, unreal, fictional, imagined, mythical and factual needs a voice. The voice can be discovered or it can discover you."
- Zena Edwards
In 2009, Zena embarked on a new chapter in her artistic journey. Eager to expand her horizons, she sought further training at The London International School for Performing Arts - now the ARTHAUS Berlin - where she delved into the intricate nuances of the power of storytelling and physical theatre.
She won a residency at Dartington Hall to research and develop her one woman show Travelling Light and studied 'Voice E-motion' with Guy Dartnell to further developed the blend of spoken word with movement and expression. These studies set the stage for an interesting evolution as an artist at a particular stage of her career.
Her dedication to the craft of performing words, led her to the world of musical theatre, where she refined her writing skills at The Theatre Royal Straford East’s musical theatre course. She then went on to write the lyrics for Nitro Theatre’s epic hip-hop and basketball musical Slam Dunk, directed by Benji Reid.
"The clarity of vision is to be admired." - Brian Apter
As a director, she uses the concepts of 'crafting a poem to craft the performance'.
She also studied Theatre Lighting and sound at The Half Moon Theatre and had her training enhanced at The Riverside Studios, Hammersmith. Her passion for lighting and sound experience combined with her experience as a poet in performance, enables her to see a piece of poetry and theatre staged in its entirety.
Today, Zena stands as a dynamic and versatile performer, capable of captivating audiences. Her commanding presence, whether on stage or in front of a camera, is fueled by an unwavering commitment to her craft.
