On June 6th, 1944, the world held its breath as BBC Home Service presenter, John Snagge declared, “D-Day has come.” Eighty years later, a cast of featured poets and writers have joined together in recognition of the bravery, sacrifice and triumph of those who took part in the D-Day landings. From Sword to Utah at Southsea Cinema and Arts Centre invites audiences to step back in time through a riveting exploration of archived poetry, writing and diary extracts from the heroes of Normandy. Raw, poignant and heartbreakingly real, these historical accounts will be interwoven with powerful performances from contemporary local poets.
Performers are thrilled to have been granted permission to feature the poem, “As I Look Back” by Juno Veteran Ken Hay MBE. Ken, an 18-year-old private in the 4th Battalion Dorset Regiment was captured by Nazi troops shortly after the D-Day landings and held as a prisoner of war. Today, Ken is passionate about educating future generations about his experiences during the Second World War and the organisers from Pompey Poetry Party believe that it is vital these stories are kept alive. War poetry lends language to the trauma of battle and carries meaning across generations. Members of the group also found the nature of the writing opened up difficult conversations about modern conflict and our shared global experience of war. Musician Luke Wilmshurst will take to the stage before the main event to showcase his band, Gooddevilskin’s powerful song “As I Bleed”. “It’s an honour to play at this event that commemorates remembrance, hope, freedom, indomitable spirit and an unwavering belief in something better for everyone.”
From Sword to Utah has attracted enormous support from charities and organisations including Combined Operations and The Royal British Legion. The RBL and Pompey Poetry Party have also encouraged local school children to craft their own D-Day poems in a citywide competition. Pupils at St Thomas More’s Catholic Primary have worked hard to bring history to life during their creative writing classes, demonstrating enormous talent and imagination. The children’s poems will be shared at the event and displayed at the cinema alongside historical artefacts such as gas masks and military uniform. Social Historian and co-ordinator Ellie Stenning-Stride is delighted at the level of community support. “We are incredibly lucky to be loaned some authentic Royal Marine WW2 uniform from Andy Whincup who runs Past Participants to dress the window at Southsea Cinema. He has been instrumental in making sure the display is authentic as possible for the commemoration.”
Southsea Cinema and Arts Centre is honoured to pay homage to the bravery and resilience of those who changed the course of history. The cinema will run a series of free screenings alongside the event including, “The Longest Day,” “D-Day, 6th June” and “Dad’s Army” with the Royal Armouries. Director of Portsmouth Film Society, Aysegul Epengin says, “For the first time we are organising the events and activities for D-Day 80 Commemorations voluntarily. Southsea Cinema and Arts Centre is delighted to contribute to our city’s cultural and historical celebrations.”
From Sword to Utah takes place at Southsea Cinema and Arts Centre
June 2nd 3:00-5:30pm and June 4th 6:00-8:30pm.
Gooddevilskin will be performing their musical tribute “As I Bleed” at 2pm and 5pm respectively.
Written by Caroline Brennan
