Leena Batchelor (1983-85), former Worcestershire Poet Laureate and current Poet-in-Residence for The Commandery in Worcester, is releasing a play asking humanity to take stock and consider their actions upon climate change and society before it's too late.

Combining poetry with dance and rock music, 'Out of the Darkness – Twilight of Humanity' offers a powerful and important message for all audiences. Born from a desire to show how poetry is an essential medium in our everyday lives for expression, following its debut performance the play will be offered gratis to schools around the country in an aim 'to encourage students to look at performing arts as a means to voice a message and develop self-confidence/esteem …..whether it be music, poetry, story-telling, art, performing arts is a powerful tool in all our lives not only for raising awareness of important issues, but also for our own emotional and mental well-being.' (Leena Batchelor)

'Out of the Darkness' features music by American rock supergroup Hollywood Vampires formed by Alice Cooper, Joe Perry, and Johnny Depp who commented: 'with 'Out of the Darkness', Leena has created a hugely important and timely piece of work, in which we are honoured to offer our own minor contribution. We salute all those involved, both in front of, and behind the scenes, for their expertise and good conscience in highlighting the concerns we all, as one species, face today. Sincerely, Alice, Joe & Johnny'. 

For its debut performance, the dance scenes are being performed by dance students from the Chase School, Malvern, led by dance teacher Sarah McVay. Headteacher Mike Fieldhouse said 'we are delighted and proud to be associated with this event, which is an incredible opportunity to not only showcase the work of our students, but also an opportunity for them to express their own voices and build confidence and self-esteem. The acknowledgment by the Hollywood Vampires is truly an honour; when well-known stars such as these support and encourage smaller performances such as this it goes a long way to encouraging students' belief that they, too, are important, can be successful, and have a role to play in our world'. 

'Out of the Darkness' will be performed at Worcester's Henry Sandon Hall, Royal Porcelain Works on 29th October, 7pm. Tickets will be available via Eventbrite from 9th August, priced £12.50. More details on the event and Leena's work are also available from www.pixiemuse.wordpress.com