Ancient Greek weaving and poetry that helped stop the Atlantic slave trade to the New World are being recreated in east London for a nationwide humanity festival.

East London Advertiser: Poetry that inspired anti-slavery campaign, early 18th century, performed at Museum of London Docklands November 18, 22 and 24. Picture credit: School of Advanced StudyPoetry that inspired anti-slavery campaign, early 18th century, performed at Museum of London Docklands November 18, 22 and 24. Picture credit: School of Advanced Study (Image: School of Advanced Study)

The events are part of the School of Advanced Study’s ‘Being Human’ annual festival when universities open their doors to the public.

Weaving women’s stories are being staged in Bethnal Green at St Margaret’s House in Old Ford Road on November 16 at 7.30pm and all day November 17 from 10am to 5.30pm. The tales of ‘subversive stitchers’ link storytelling and textile-making from ancient Greece to modern London, with artefacts and poetry from the past, introduced by experts in ancient crafts.

The power of poetry is also explored at the Museum of London Docklands on November 18, 22 and 24 in ‘Poetry Against Slavery’, 12-1pm and 3-4pm, showing how poetry galvanised the anti-slavery movement in the 18th century.

The ‘Being Human’ events are all over the country between November 15 and 24, including 39 in London.