Finding my voice: expression to action

Lyv peforming at the Love to Love You Baby, Donna Summer Reimagined show at the Roundhouse April 2025

Olivia ‘Lyv’ Opara’s journey of creativity, community and self-discovery through spoken word

Exposure, where I contribute and mentor, was one of the first platforms through which I began to creatively express myself about issues that matter to me, my peers and community. That safe, supported space gave me the confidence and skills to explore other creative mediums, develop my voice and use creativity to help both myself and others.

I’ve written for the Pioneers Post and Haringey Community Press. I’ve performed at the Roundhouse’s Donna Summer show as part of the brand new Three Sixty Festival, a vibrant celebration of music, dance, spoken word and culture. I’ve also performed at Frameless’ The Art of Expression alongside brilliant poets such as George The Poet, experiences that have shown me how powerful voice can be in helping myself grow and lift others.

I’ve led youth initiatives with the Haringey Youth Advisory Board, The Diana Award, and the London Violence Reduction Unit. Every step has been about using creativity to inspire, connect, and make a difference in my community.

At the end of last year I was commissioned by Queen Mary University and the Violence Reduction Academy to perform a spoken-word piece at the NHS England Violence Reduction Symposium Conference. This piece explores the idea of ‘Hard to Reach Young People,’ challenges listeners to question that label and shares the experiences and perspectives of young people to enlighten and inspire others to reflect and take action.

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