ODE To Leeds is a powerful new play by Zodwa Nyoni inspired by the city’s renowned spoken word poetry group called Leeds Young Authors.

Spoken word, music and movement are celebrated as five young people find their voices and forge new friendships as they pursue their dream of reaching America’s Brave New Voices slam poetry competition in New York.

But their route to success is undermined by personal rivalries and inner demons, which threaten the team’s very foundations.

The play is described as powerful, passionate, angry and open-hearted, and an inspiring portrait of young people who care about their world and want to change it through art.

James Brining, artistic director of the West Yorkshire Playhouse, said when he heard about Leeds Young Authors’ annual trips to the US’s top slam poetry competition, he knew it was a story he wanted his theatre to tell.

He added: “Zodwa’s play takes the city we love in all of its diversity and finds in it the passion, anger and hope of youth.

“Its energy and vitality, as well as the power of its language, make this a poetic love letter to Leeds, where there are limitless stories and where its stories have no limits.

“Zodwa Nyoni is an exceptional talent whose rhythmic, lyrical writing makes this tale of the everyday into something epic. It inspires you to see the city anew; a moving portrayal of Leeds, language and love.”

Zodwa said: “Having a platform where you feel safe enough to express yourself is vital for young people. When I was 17, Leeds Young Authors was that platform for me.

“From there, I moved into theatre, exploring writing in a different form. My first full-length play, Boi Boi is Dead won the Channel 4 Playwright’s Scheme and I was made Writer in Residence at West Yorkshire Playhouse in 2014.”

“Ode to Leeds connects where I began [poetry] with where I am now [theatre]. It’s the story of a group of young people trying to make sense of the world, who find themselves and become the voice of their city.”

Visit wyp.org.uk or call 0113 2137700 to book tickets.