Livia Kojo Alour is an award winning vocalist, poet, performer, published author and exhibited artist. With her many talents she creates exciting genre crossing work stretching between Theatre and Live Art. Livia is also well known for being one of only 4 black sword swallowers world wide and has toured many years with high end circus productions. Her minimalist art piece the ‘Female Sword Swallowing Moon Calendar’ commissioned originally in 2016 for Carnesky’s Incredible Bleeding Women show has been exhibited in museums around Europe. Her debut poetry collection was published by Polari press in October 2022. Livia’s award winning debut solo show Black Sheep will be back on tour in spring 2023.
Livia’s work has been presented by BBC Radio London, The Guardian & The Voice Newspaper and more press outlet. Her solo show Black Sheep archived critical acclaim during its run at Edinburgh Fringe ‘22. Livia spoke inspirationally on TEDx about overcoming fear and how a life threatening sword swallowing accident changed her perception of the artistic process and helped her become an activist interested in decolonising the arts and supporting queer performers of colour.
During the 2020 UK lockdowns Livia learned how to sing, produced a film, sold out several online shows, wrote her debut Poetry collection and became a recording artist.
- Poetry collection order now. Click here!
- Poetry collection review: The Mechanics’ Institute
Recent publications featuring Livia’s work:
- The Voice Online , Run Riot Article , Scene, The Guardian
- The Scotsman review
- Total Theatre review
- The Critical Review
- The List review
Redirect to Livia’s TEDx talk click here!
Notable achievements:
🏆 Birds of Paradise Exeptional Theatre Award 2022 for ‘Black Sheep’
🏆 Arts Council England Award for Black Sheep 2022
Debut Poetry collection published on 4.10 22
🏆 ONCA Award winner ‘22 with Showwomen show
Theatre debut with solo show ‘Black Sheep’ ‘21
🏆 Arts Council England Award for Black Sheep 2020
🏆 Voted No. 1 ‘Most influential Burlesque industry figure in Europe 2018
Exhibited Artist at The Museum for Contemporary Art Bordeaux 2019
🏆 Voted No. 21 ‘Most influential Burlesque industry figure world wide 2018
First sword swallower initiated to The Burlesque Hall of Fame Las Vegas 2018
Featured Interview on BBC4 Radio & BBC World Service 2018
Speaker on TEDx Germany 2017
🏆 Award winner ‘Pic of Fringe’ with ‘Fuego Carnal’, Adelaide Fringe, Australia 2017
🏆 Award winner ‘Pic of Fringe’ with ‘The Little Death Club’ Adelaide, Australia 2017
