The Writers of Wales Database

McKEAND, SOPHIE

Email: words@sophiemckeand.com
Website: www.sophiemckeand.com

Born in Prestatyn, north Wales, and a well-known face on the region’s cultural scene Sophie McKeand is a prolific writer and performance poet who resides in Yr Wyddgrug, (Mold) with her partner Andy and 2 children Isaak and Rhiannon. Sophie is an Anarcho/Feminist/Romantic writer whose poetic work places great emphasis on creating heartfelt and electric performances. Inspired by the ancient Welsh tales of Taliesin and influenced by the great oral storytelling tradition of this region Sophie leads the audience through a rich tapestry of poetic musings.

Sophie returned to study a Ba Hons in English Literature and Creative Writing as a mature student and attained a 2:1 ‘University of Wales’ degree in 2007. She did not attend school in Wales so is also currently working towards her Welsh Language GCSE.

One of the founders of www.theAbsurd.co.uk, Sophie also organises various events aimed at showcasing Wales's alternative musicians, poets and artists. The website also operates as a platform for promoting the alternative arts and culture of north Wales. Sophie has also worked with Academi to take the spoken word into high schools across the region in order to encourage our next generation to engage with poetry and the spoken word.

As a performance poet Sophie has been fortunate enough to share the stage with a number of hugely influential poets including supporting the legendary Anthony Joseph, as well as supporting Patrick Jones at the Llangollen Fringe festival 2009 and Francesca Beard at Theatre Clwyd. Sophie was the Bangor Slam Champion 2008 and is the poet in residence at the Llangollen Pavilion for 2010.

The first 100 copies of Sophie’s short poetry collection Prophecy (Conversations with my Self) (Sophie McKeand, 2010) were hand stitched and have now sold out. This is now available for FREE download from her website.

Reviews:
With respect to her performance poetry

“…A lively and exciting performer…”
Childe Roland

"...Sophie is a fantastic performer of her spoken words. They provoke, challenge, charm and connect with the listener on a very human level and are the very stuff of what poetry should do to us. I believe her poems and know she will play her part in the culture of Wales and beyond...”
Patrick Jones

Selected Publications:
Prophecy (Conversations with my Self) (Sophie McKeand, 2010)

Key Performances:
Pafilwn Llangollen Pavilion
Re-opening event - performing and hosting the evening. Was also commissioned to write a poem to celebrate this event, a copy of this can be found on the www.theabsurd.co.uk and in their latest brochure.

WAG Community Action for Climate Change
Is performing at a series of these events for delegates across Wales, including Venue Cymru.

International Music Eisteddfod, Llangollen
Organised and facilitated 2 days of spoken word workshops for schools visiting the Eisteddfod.

Green Man Festival
Supporting Patrick Jones in the Literary Marquee.

Theatre Clwyd
Performing at ‘The Absurd presents… an evening of spoken word.’

Gwyl Fama Festival
Supporting Hywel Griffiths at this bilingual poetry event.