If it weren't for the internet, specifically youtube, I wouldn't encounter poetry outside of an English classroom. But because we have youtube, because people can record and share videos from anywhere, poetry (in a form) is part of my daily life <-- mostly thanks to facebook.
Slam poetry is a competition where poets read or perform original work. I think the main reason that I like it is because it is performed, being a theatre major and all. They are similar to monologues in a way.
It came about in the 90s and "revitalized interest in poetry in performance" - if you want to know anymore information about it, I found a website with a brief description.
Slam poetry, because it is performed typically by the author or creator, has a lot of emotion. I want to share with you my two favorites that I have ever seen. Both made me cry a little bit.
Katie Makkai - Pretty
***Warning*** There is some language!
Taylor Mali - What Teachers Make (he is one of the most well-known slam poets)
I like the performative nature of slam poetry. I like the emotion and the story that it tells. It's great that the developments in media allow for anyone access to these. I don't know that I will ever go to a slam poetry competition, but I appreciate being able to watch them regardless.
This is the kind of poetry that moves me.
I had to stop the first video with my wife and daughter being present. I liked the second video, with Mali talking about being a teacher. I liked his stuff. This is the first time I've ever heard of slam poetry.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry. I did say there was language, those its just the one word. I apologize for that!
DeleteThis is a really interesting perception on poetry. I always think of passages that make absolutely no sense to me. To think of it as a dramatic performance and something that can be so modern makes it more interesting. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteKirsten! I love this post and I love these poems! I had seen "Pretty" before, and it's one of my absolute favorites. I'm glad you posted it even with the swearing.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard the Taylor Mali poem, but I really liked it. I especially like that at parts it becomes comedic, but it never loses its focus. I think that's one of the great things about slam poetry and spoken word. The artist can make the crowd laugh, or gasp, or cry (I definitely get teary-eyed sometimes).
I totally agree! There is so much more emotion in poetry when it is performed!! I'm glad we both posted these.
DeleteI don't know about slam poetry but they do have storytelling performances in Provo. See http://utahporch.org.
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