Biography

Born in Manila, Philippines, writer and poet Lerah Mae Barcenilla grew up in a small province full of magic, tradition and superstition. Currently based in Birmingham, her work touches on topics of the diaspora, memory, mythology and the state of duality. She particularly enjoys breaking apart narrative structures and exploring how words exist on and outside of the page. 

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Prose and poetry published (2015–) on The Alchemy Spoon, Verve Poetry Press, The Student Wordsmith, The Purple Breakfast Review, PETRie Inventory and Disclaimer Magazine.

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2014-2017 BA English (2.1), University of Leicester

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Previous Publications

2021 The Alchemy Spoon, Issue 3: Spell – poetry | performance | publication

2020 “30 Synonyms for Emerging” (Verve Poetry Press) – performance | publication

2020 “When The Sun Stood Still”, commissioned by Punch Records for Culture Central’s #ItGetsLighterFromHere – –spoken word

2020 Verse First’s Alone Together podcast (Episode 2: “Arboretum”) – spoken word

Awards

2021 Highly Commended, The Literary Consultancy Pen Factor (Novel)

Residencies

2019-2020 Hippodrome Young Poets inaugural cohort, Birmingham

2018 Punch Record Gallery37, Spoken Word Camp, Birmingham

2017-2018 Writing West Midlands’ Room 204 Writer Development Scheme, Birmingham

2018 BMAG Remixed: Hack The Archive Hackathon with Rebel Uncut, Birmingham Museum.

2016 UKYA Residency: TEXTure Theatre Devising with John Berkavitch, Derby Theatre, Derby.

Performances / Screenings

2020 Hippodrome Young Poets Showcase, Birmingham

2018 Gallery 27 Spoken Word Camp, Medicine Gallery, Birmingham.

Group Exhibitions

2017 ‘Transition’ with Pop My Mind, The Storey, Lancaster.