International Development Storytelling: Narrative, Poetry and Power
LSE Shaw Library, London, WC2A 2AE
Wednesday 18th November 2026 6:00PM
Who gets to tell the story of 'development'? Who owns that story? How might creativity, poetry and narrative play a role in changing the power and knowledge dynamics in international development? The event will examine how creativity can be used to shape perceptions, and ultimately outcomes, through real-world examples.
Speakers:
- Peter Kidi is a poet, writer, and refugee activist living in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. His work explores themes of displacement, justice, survival, and hope through storytelling and poetry. He is the author of the internationally renowned book of poetry Forgotten Faces.
- Jess Crombie is a researcher and innovator in the field of ethical storytelling, consultant for the development and humanitarian sector, author of ‘Who Owns The Story’ (2022) and 'Rethink, Reframe, Redefine' (2024). She is based at the University of the Arts London (UAL) and is a visiting fellow at FLIA, LSE.
- David Lewis is a protagonist of the emerging field of Development Humanities, co-editor of New Mediums, Better Messages? How Innovations in Translation, Engagement, and Advocacy are Changing International Development, and Professor of Anthropology & Development at LSE
Chair:
-Deborah James is an economic anthropologist, Professor of Anthropology and Interim Director of FLIA, LSE
Speakers:
- Peter Kidi is a poet, writer, and refugee activist living in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. His work explores themes of displacement, justice, survival, and hope through storytelling and poetry. He is the author of the internationally renowned book of poetry Forgotten Faces.
- Jess Crombie is a researcher and innovator in the field of ethical storytelling, consultant for the development and humanitarian sector, author of ‘Who Owns The Story’ (2022) and 'Rethink, Reframe, Redefine' (2024). She is based at the University of the Arts London (UAL) and is a visiting fellow at FLIA, LSE.
- David Lewis is a protagonist of the emerging field of Development Humanities, co-editor of New Mediums, Better Messages? How Innovations in Translation, Engagement, and Advocacy are Changing International Development, and Professor of Anthropology & Development at LSE
Chair:
-Deborah James is an economic anthropologist, Professor of Anthropology and Interim Director of FLIA, LSE
Event Details
Starts at 6:00PM
