“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, which screened at BAM Rose Cinemas 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. More than a timely retrospective, this singular event celebrates a militant artist still raising his voice for justice.
Evening curated by Gabriele Caroti
New York 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. More than a timely retrospective, this singular event celebrates a militant artist still raising his voice for justice.
Evening curated by Gabriele Caroti
New York 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 70 minutes (the film is 45 minutes plus a 25 minute spoken word performance.)
VENUE
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets start at $20
Please note: All online orders are subject to a $2 facility fee and $7.50 handling fee per ticket; all orders at the box office are subject to a $2 facility fee per ticket.
BAM Members & Patrons receive 20% off tickets through June 30, 2025. No promo code needed.
Please note: All online orders are subject to a $2 facility fee and $7.50 handling fee per ticket; all orders at the box office are subject to a $2 facility fee per ticket.
BAM Members & Patrons receive 20% off tickets through June 30, 2025. No promo code needed.
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
