Author, poet, photographer, music producer, and mama Ovyuki has teamed up with the National Trust to bring a new family-friendly poetry and spoken word event to Sutton House and Breaker’s Yard in East London

Hidden Literature’s open mic events attract some of the capital’s most exciting poets, spoken word artists, and musicians. And now founder Ovyuki has teamed up with the National Trust to make poetry and the spoken word more accessible to families.

A published author, poet, photographer, and music producer herself, Ovyuki was inspired to create an event that would welcome parents and little ones after becoming a mum. She hosts ‘Say Sutt’n’ regularly at Sutton House and Breaker’s Yard in East London. Welcoming artists of all abilities, the intimate afternoon event at the historic 16th-century Tudor house has a relaxed atmosphere where parents and little ones alike can enjoy performances from some of London’s top poets, singers, and musicians – as well access family-friendly activities and facilities.

We caught up with Ovyuki to chat all things poetry and motherhood. Read on to find out more about her family friendly poetry and music event in London.

Hello Ovyuki, could you tell us a little bit about Hidden Literature and how you got into writing poetry and spoken word? 

I founded Hidden Literature in 2020, when the pandemic limited opportunities to share my poetry outdoors. What began as a poetry and music playlist to showcase some of my favourite poems quickly expanded into something bigger. I now host regular open mic events at venues like Grow, Hackney, and with the National Trust at Sutton House and Breaker’s Yard, and also lead workshops and other poetry-related projects.

I’ve always loved writing stories and songs, but it wasn’t until my GCSE years that I truly began to appreciate poetry. A few years later, I started writing my own poems and soon ventured into spoken word, sharing my work on SoundCloud. After getting noticed by producers and DJs, one of them advised me to get a microphone, which led to releasing spoken word tracks on streaming platforms. 

How did your collaboration with the National Trust happen and what made you want to create a poetry, music, and open mic event for mums and young families?

We are born creatives, it’s there from the very start. That belief has always driven me, especially as a poet and a mum. When I first worked with the National Trust, I was commissioned to create poetry prompts for one of their events. I brought my son along, and the experience was incredible. I thought, why not create a space where children and families can enjoy poetry and music?

At the time, I was already running a poetry and music open mic at Grow called MY WORD, which I still run monthly, but it’s for adults. After my son was born, I realised I wanted a place where he could not only join but be exposed to creativity and socialisation, in a meaningful way. My son loves attending these events, he’s even taken to playing the Steinway piano at Sutton House and Breaker’s Yard! It’s been amazing to see how being in that space nurtures his creativity, and I’m planning on getting him piano lessons.

There aren’t many events like this that welcome both adults and children, and I believe it’s so important to nurture creativity from childhood. In schools, we often don’t take poetry seriously until GCSEs, but with this event, families can experience literature and music together once a month. It’s a space where kids can start thinking creatively, and maybe even write their own poems or stories, and that’s what makes it so special to me.

What can families expect from the event? 

When creating this event, it was important to ensure families felt comfortable and well cared for. We have facilities for breastfeeding mothers, a play mat for babies who are crawling or learning to walk, and baby changing areas. The venue offers plenty of breakout rooms, as well as a beautiful courtyard and yard if you need to step outside.

We welcome all ages to perform at the open mic, so if your little one wants to get on the mic for the first time, they’re more than welcome! There’s also a table with activities for both kids and adults. Overall, it’s a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, and we hope you’ll join us for this wonderful experience.

How has your own motherhood journey inspired your writing? 

Motherhood has deeply inspired my writing. While I’ve referenced family and children in my past work, becoming a mother has completely shifted my perspective and brought new meaning to those themes. My son fills so many of my thoughts, and I often find myself breaking into poetry about those precious moments and the joys of motherhood. It’s uplifting to create, and it’s heartwarming to know that other mothers and parents can relate to it.

In fact, I’ve been so inspired that I’m currently working on a book about motherhood—stay tuned for more on that!

Do you think poetry and spoken word has helped you in the first year of motherhood?

I’ve always found myself writing during major life events, and motherhood has been no different. I enjoy writing as a way to relax, so these days, I usually write when my family is asleep. While I didn’t have much time for writing in the early newborn phase, I gradually worked my way back to it. Poetry has helped me continue my passion and process my experiences as a mother by capturing raw emotions and letting those moments live on. People often tell you that you won’t have time for yourself after becoming a mother, but having a strong support system, which I’m grateful for, has allowed me to continue my career as a poet and writer.

What would you say to other new mums who are looking for a creative outlet in the postpartum period, and are interested in poetry? 

The postpartum period is a wonderful time to explore creativity. Poetry has the power to convey deep emotions and lived experiences of this special time in a way that goes beyond photos. Finding time might be a challenge, but I encourage new mums to set aside just five minutes a day to write. Don’t put pressure on yourself, start by jotting down your thoughts and see where it leads. We regularly share poetry prompts on Hidden Literature’s social media, so if you need inspiration, check out our Instagram @hidden.literature or TikTok @hiddenliterature.

And finally, what are your most treasured moments of new motherhood?

Motherhood fills my heart with so much joy. When I look at my baby, everything feels right in the world. It’s amazing to watch him grow, sometimes I scroll through my camera roll and think, “Wow, how has he grown so much already?” It all happens right before your eyes. Sometimes, I look at my son and realise he’s grown in just one nap! I treasure those little moments, like when he looks for his dad and tries to open his office door or when he makes sure we’re all watching as he learns something new.

There isn’t just one treasured moment, there are countless. Each milestone, from sitting up to standing, walking, and talking is so exciting. My son has been talking since he was seven months old and hearing him say “hiya” to others is the cutest thing. Watching him grow into a little person, full of excitement for life, inspires me every day.

With thanks to Ovyuki and Hidden Literature. See all Hidden Literature events here.

Read more interviews here.