From south-west London, Deanna Rodger has performed all over the capital, including Dorchester Hotel, Queen Elizabeth Hall, RADA Theatre, BAC and Lyric Theatre, Soho Theatre, Roundhouse and various artist launch parties. Even though she has only been writing for just under three years, she has achieved the title of Farrago UK Poetry Slam Champion, toured Germany, and competed in Paris coming 5th in a world spoken word championship (despite being a tad drunk...). If that wasn't enough, Deanna was also a finalist in the BBC Radio 4 Poetry slam...

Her focus is to inspire her generation. Aside from her poetry, Deanna also works full-time in a secondary school, supporting and leading workshops, sports coaching and developing her own character through active participation in the school's youth projects. In the far future, actressing is on the cards, a career Deanna is ready to strive for stating how she fully understands the beauty of hard work, believing that her path is laid - she just needs to "follow the omens".

A ‘cool geek’ is how she, and her friends, would describe her - but we at Ctrl.Alt.Shift wanted to know more about this talented artist, her stance on the 'bigger' issues, and what should be the definitive steps for our generation:

How important is it for you to have a message in your poetry?
I write with emotion and feeling; feelings that are translated into messages so I’m very attached to my poetry. Having a message in my poems is key to me being a poet because I have this wonderful opportunity to share my thoughts and make people think differently about things.

What poets/artists have inspired you?
When I was younger, I listened to Mariah Carey and  used to look up all the big words she used [laughs]. I also wanted to be the female version of Dizzee Rascal.

In your opinion, what’s the best way to inspire young people to get involved in reducing poverty in developing countries?
Research global issues that you’re really interested in like poverty, gender inequality, corruption, fair trade, HIV/AIDS etc. Then maybe research organisations who deal with these issues and get in touch with them to see how you can help and also learn more too.

Have you ever done any volunteer work?
I started volunteering at a Greenhouse Schools project at the age of 17 and also did some volunteer work at uni and for a theatre. I’ve always felt that it’s not always about giving money - being active is also a major factor because it gives young people vital experience and maybe an idea about what direction they want to take.

Describe your poetry in three words...
Rhythmic, Engaging, Passionate.

What single thing would improve the world?
Respect for each other and our differences.

If you had a super power, what would it be?
To read people’s minds! To be really able to gain an insight into what people are thinking as people tend to mask what they really think.

What is the closest you’ve come to experiencing poverty?
I feel very fortunate. The closest I can think of was when I was at uni as a student living with a friend. I had no money but was grateful I had a roof over my head.

How often do you perform live? Have any of your gigs been overseas?
At the moment, I’m in a week of constant performing but on average, I perform probably 2-3 times a week.

"I do try to recycle, but unfortunately, we have been born into a world where convenience is the norm."

Sounds like you’re a busy girl! How do you manage to get so many gigs?
Mainly from Facebook, emails from promoters, friends and good old networking.

So Facebook isn’t 'the devil' as some people say then?
Nah, social networking sites are really good for getting your name out there to thousands of people. It’s a great way for people to get in touch with you as well so I totally support it in that sense.

What’s the trait you most dislike in others?
Disrespect and arrogance, especially people who look down on other people. Everyone is on the same level - no one person is better than the other.

What’s the worst type of corruption you have personally experienced?
The rising transport costs. There is definitely a dark side to politics that is affecting the majority of people living in the UK. We need to start being more assertive as opposed to being silent and polite; which British society is prone to be.

What’s your favourite word?
'Yo!' [laughs] - I used to work in a school and all the kids that knew me would call me ‘Miss Yo’. Though my mum would say my favourite word(s) are ‘erm’ and ‘like' [laughs].

What are your thoughts on climate change/global warming?
It exists 100%. It might be too late to bring it to a state that it should be, but that doesn’t mean we should give up. I do try to recycle, but unfortunately, we have been born into a world where convenience is the norm.

What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?
Reversing labels teachers put on me while at school. I was always told that I didn’t have any potential. Everyone is put here for a reason and I feel victorious that I have proven them all wrong.

What are you doing now? Any current projects going on at the moment?
I’m currently writing a play for a workshop and hope to get it published. I love working with young people, so would love to do a teaching degree. And after all, it is the younger generation who are going to lead the world in the future, so it’s really important to instil good morals, and get them engaged with what is really going on from a young age.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?
Believe in yourself. If you don’t, who will?

Words: Carissa Yeboah
Photos: First pic – Flickr user Ant Smith
Second pic – Flickr user Craig Thomas 83