Spoken word speaks out to Youth in London and across the world
Did you think poetry was a dead form of literature, reserved for those with simply too much time on their hands or with a slightly pretentious preoccupation with esoteric “self-expression”?
Then it’s time to enlighten yourself of the fastest growing art forms in the UK. It is a great time to explore this art as the Roundhouse theatre in Camden is holding some pioneering events.
Saturday 16 – Sunday 31 May
Beginning in 2008, the first ever Poetry Slam launched for those aged 16-25. The event is vibrant, full of passion and courageous voices.
Topics range from Depression, sexual misadventures, cultural identity, and just pure randomness.
Talent includes Words First Live, a partnership between BBC Radio 1Xtra and the Roundhouse, featuring Kate Tempest George The Poet who’ve racked up thousands of YouTube views. A Roundhouse spokesperson said: “The Roundhouse is so proud to be hosting this unique event, along with Helen and Colin David who are true pioneers of the art.” Tickets are available online.
The Pioneers- Helen and Colin David
Colin and Helen David, the inspirational funders and pioneers of the event describe how they fell in love with the art:
“Helen and I have been involved with the Roundhouse since it began its re-development phase in early 2000's.
We fell in love with the project and its aims to help young people.
One evening we were invited to a presentation of the work being produced by the young Roundhouse members.
Impressed; we were bowled over by a couple of young poets.
One told the story of his relationship with his father. It was beautifully told and very poignant.
This young man discussed issues in his poetry that he would probably never have discussed in any other form or in a conversation with any particular individual.
That is what attracted us; the willingness of young people to bring up and approach issues that are sometimes very difficult and air them in public. Much of the work is so relevant to the problems facing young people today. It takes courage and talent to do this.
The Slam itself is really tough: each participant has to prepare and present two 3 minute poems and deliver facing a large audience. It is sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic but always delivered with humanity, honesty and empathy .
What could be better than supporting this project?”
Spoken Word Poetry isn’t exactly new. It began with the “Harlem Renaissance” in 60’s America. The civil rights movement made it; influenced by famous speeches such as Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” and activist Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a woman?”.
In the UK, spoken word’s influenced musicians such as Blur and The Streets, and the popularity of slam poetry has resulted in slam poetry competitions holding across the world. S
The geniuses come from all backgrounds. Spoken word is even reaching music festivals such as Latitude. I was particularly moved by 22 year old YouTube US based poet, and her empowering rendition of “Like a woman”. Her video has over 200,000 views on YouTube.
“She is told that she should now behave a certain way.
“Like a woman,” they say.
She donates her boy shorts to Good Will, along with her bicycle helmet, her plastic dinosaurs, and her converse shoes.
She puts gloss on her lips,
And she lathers her body with Bain De Soleil, lying beneath the sun like a sugar-coated ham.
The crocodiles are watching her and they are starving.
She flips through her camera, deleting photographs of herself that she dislikes,
Telling herself, “you are not enough.”
And she feeds herself to the crocodiles.
Human beings are not a species who sit idly in the water.
It is not within our nature to submit ourselves as prey.
No, it is not within our nature at all.
She was only trying to behave a certain way.
“I first fell in love with writing by hearing it spoken aloud. That’s how we learn to read and write, after all. Some of my earliest memories are of my father reading to me. Every day I’d beg him to read to me. He read me chapter books at first; “To Kill a Mockingbird”, “The Old Man and The Sea”. The stories captivated me; fictional lands I could escape to. My father is a fisherman; he introduced me to poetry and poets who wrote about nature; Joy Harjo, Jim Harrison.
For my career I write novels and poetry. Spoken prose and poetry seemed a natural progression for me. “Like a Woman” was the first poem I ever performed. I wrote, rehearsed and recorded it in three days. The response to that poem still astonishes me; I never expected anyone to pay it much mind. I explore themes that are universal in: motherhood, femininity and coming of age. Spoken word is becoming more and more popular amongst the youth, around the globe.
I live in Fort Collins, Colorado. It’s a liberal, progressive little town that is home to Colorado State University. We have a vibrant art scene here. Many coffee shops and galleries host regular poetry slams. It’s a very supportive scene for independent authors like me. I am grateful to have my debut short story collection “The Unfolding” scattered on shelves throughout town.
I am only a writer with a deep appreciation for creative writing read aloud and gladly encourage any writer to give it a try.
I am twenty-two and a single mother to a daughter. I experienced a rather turbulent coming of age wrought with mental health issues, substance abuse and an eating disorder. When I fell pregnant, I began rebuilding myself. I adopted a very natural lifestyle with a high-emphasis on self-love and creativity. During the darkest times in my life, writing has been my safelight. It is the most healing tool I know. It’s simply prose and poetry read aloud with raw honesty and vulnerability. It’s inspired, and it’s moving. ”
London based Mina West has over 50,000 views on YouTube. Her most popular video “Let’s Be Honest” explores her feelings about her Christian faith and the moral dilemmas of self-respect and coming of age.
Mina: “I became interested in spoken word first around the age of 18, finding something on YouTube called "Def Jam Poetry", and was instantly hooked on how people can engage audiences by a simple sequence of words.
Life inspires my work, topics that affect me and others personally - I find that my poetry is my own personal outlet.
Spoken word poetry is different because of its vulnerability. It’s your words alone, and either people connect or they don’t.
The popularity increase for spoken word has been great. This is great since people are more engaged with my work.
My personal favourite piece is Prentice Powell – “Good Father”, I speak about it in my blog minawest.com. He is so raw and real!
Spoken word has introduced me to new people, a new scene. I'm learning a lot and expanding my mind.”
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in London:
Is A popular FREE spoken word open-mic night, every fourth Wednesday at Rich Mix in Shoreditch with guest artist slots and poetry film-shorts.
The Poetry Cafe
Regular readings poetrysociety.org.uk/poetry-cafe
The Southbank Centre Talking Doorsteps – classes that challenge young poets to put their words on film in online shorts about hidden locations.
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