PENANCE is a monthly poetry workshop that brings together poets to produce automatic poetry under deliberately restricted conditions in North London.
Over the course of three hours, participants respond to three-minute prompts and immediately perform their poems to the room. Poets are limited to pen, paper, and water. Choosing to use a phone, drink alcohol, smoke, or otherwise distract oneself results in becoming an audience member. None have failed yet.
Following the workshop there is refreshments provided based on participants dietary needs. All included with the ticket.
Since its inception, PENANCE has generated over 200 poems performed by more than 30 poets. The workshop has become a small but intense microcosm of the London poetry scene, bringing together poets from a wide range of backgrounds. Through shared discomfort, attention, and repetition, a committed community has formed and radical, confessional poetry continues to emerge.
Access - to enter the workshop participants must navigate 4 flights of stairs, handrails are provided. We will be hosting more accessible workshops in the spring.
About the facilitator - Nols Nathankski (He/Hmmm)
• Poet • podcast host - Facilitator • Event & Space Manager
London n5
Email: nols@makepoetryweirdagain.com
PROFILE
neurodivergent poet and facilitator with extensive experience using non-traditional and atmospherically charged spaces as sites for live making, research, and public access. Practice centres on holding space for others through careful facilitation, clear boundaries, and adaptable programming. Experienced in working around existing schedules, responding to last-minute changes, and keeping spaces open without requiring exhibition infrastructure.
FACILITATION & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
PENANCE – Poetry Workshop (Founder & Facilitator)
Designed and facilitated recurring poetry workshops focused on automatic writing, constraint, and live performance. Facilitated mixed-experience groups, maintained clear participation rules, and supported public-facing process-led activity.
MAKE POETRY WEIRD AGAIN – Spoken Word Project & Podcast (Founder & Host)
Facilitated low-tech audio conversations and creative exercises with poets, artists, and members of the public. Created accessible, drop-in formats suitable for shared and public spaces.
EVENT HOSTING & PROGRAMMING (AGES 18–36)
Over 15 years’ experience hosting poetry readings, workshops, talks, and live events in flexible and unconventional spaces.