“Linton Kwesi Johnson’s impact on the cultural landscape over the last half-century has been colossal and multi-generational.”
—The Guardian
—The Guardian
Born in Jamaica, poet, reggae artist, and activist Linton Kwesi Johnson (LKJ) moved to England in 1963, and by the late 70s attained iconic status with his robust voice, passionate activism, and fervent verse set to heavy dub. Marking the 50th anniversary of Johnson’s groundbreaking 1975 eponymous poem, the potent documentary portrait Dread Beat an Blood by Franco Rosso—director of the incendiary Babylon, screening in September at BAM Rose Cinemas after previous engagements in 2012, 2019, and 2024—comes to the Steinberg Screen in a beautiful new restoration from the original 16mm elements by the British Film Institute.
After the screening, Johnson takes the stage in person, reciting his poetry in his first US theatrical appearance in close to two decades and participating in a moderated conversation with Vann R. Newkirk II, senior editor at The Atlantic. More than a timely retrospective, this singular event celebrates a militant artist still raising his voice for justice.
Learn more about The Atlantic Festival at TheAtlanticFestival.com.
Evening curated by Gabriele Caroti
North American Premiere of Restoration
A Seventy-Seven film
After the screening, Johnson takes the stage in person, reciting his poetry in his first US theatrical appearance in close to two decades and participating in a moderated conversation with Vann R. Newkirk II, senior editor at The Atlantic. More than a timely retrospective, this singular event celebrates a militant artist still raising his voice for justice.
Learn more about The Atlantic Festival at TheAtlanticFestival.com.
Evening curated by Gabriele Caroti
North American Premiere of Restoration
A Seventy-Seven film
“Linton Kwesi Johnson’s impact on the cultural landscape over the last half-century has been colossal and multi-generational.”
—The Guardian
—The Guardian
ONSALE DATES
Thu, May 15 at 1pm
BAM Member and Patrons
Thu, May 22 at 1pm
General Public
BAM Member and Patrons
Thu, May 22 at 1pm
General Public
UPCOMING Screenings
RUNNING TIME
approximately 95 minutes (film screening 45 minutes, plus 25-minute spoken word performance and 25-minute moderated conversation.)
VENUE
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets start at $24
Please note: All online and phone orders are subject to a $3 facility fee and an $8 handling fee per ticket. All orders at the box office are subject to a $3 facility fee per ticket.
BAM Members and Patrons get first access and save 20% on tickets through July 31, 2025
Please note: All online and phone orders are subject to a $3 facility fee and an $8 handling fee per ticket. All orders at the box office are subject to a $3 facility fee per ticket.
BAM Members and Patrons get first access and save 20% on tickets through July 31, 2025
All performances will adhere to protocols developed in accordance with New York State regulations and in consultation with medical professionals for the safety of our artists, audiences, and staff.
Leadership support for
BAM’s strategic initiatives provided by:
Leadership support for
BAM Access Programs provided by
the Jerome L. Greene Foundation
Leadership support for
BAM programming provided by:
Steinberg Screen at the Harvey Theater made possible by:
Leadership support for
BAM Film provided by
The Thompson Family Foundation
