Beneath the Cracks: Listening Party

Beneath the Cracks is an audio-drama that traces the history of eugenics at UCL. It explores how harmful ideas - often soft-pedalled or hidden - persist and shape contemporary systems around knowledge, belonging and identity. It tells the story of Liam Murphy, a promising young poet who turns the humiliation of a university open-mic performance into the spark that propels him to the top of the UK poetry scene. As he navigates setbacks, self-doubt, and unexpected hostility, he uncovers unsettling truths about the world around him and must confront his own values and the price of success. While fictional, the narrative interweaves real life experiences and historical fact, encouraging listeners to reflect on the enduring legacy and broader impact of eugenics on existing structures through themes of genetics, social status and the persistence of discriminatory ideologies.

Beneath the Cracks is accompanied by a poem of the same name, which amplifies these themes.

The event is FREE. Parental guidance is advised.

Beneath the Cracks is written, directed and produced by Liam Spencer, Starring Liam Spencer, Belal Stitan, Alice Boland and Noor Iman. Featuring Subhadra Das, George Kelly, Maria Valentina and Paul Fisk. With additional voices by Victor Amzie.

Liam Spencer is a writer, director and performer. His work aims to raise awareness of important and underrepresented social issues, provoke imagination and dialogue, and fuel creative expression. In 2022, he headlined TNT Sport's first-ever spoken word show with a tribute to boxing legend, Muhammad Ali.

Words Matter is a multi-disciplinary exhibition showcasing the works of twelve artists who participated in a six-month knowledge exchange programme, exploring UCL’s historic role in promoting the pseudoscience of eugenics. The exhibition is free and open to all at UCL East campus, Marshgate building, E20 2AE.

Parking

There is no parking at on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park or across the UCL East campus. There are a limited number of Blue Badge holder parking spaces. Please specify whether you need one of these parking spaces in the order when confirming your ticket, and we will make arrangement for you

Wheelchair Access

Entry into the Marshgate building is step-free access. The listening party is taking place in the Lecture Theatre (room 118) which is on thefirst floor. The first floor can be accessed by stairs or a lift. There are wheelchair accessible toilets on each floor.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

UCL East - Marshgate, 7 Sidings Street, London, United Kingdom

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