Mark Eleveld, editor of the Spoken Word revolution books, has arrange a meeting of the supposedly opposing camps of Page and Stage, but from what Keven Stein says there’s not much opposition, at least, on the philosophical front.
I believe all poetry is at root performative — whether for page or stage. To be honest, I never think of my poems as made only for the page — how limiting that would be — and have always been keen on sound and the musical phrase. How else do we think and feel?
Now if only other establishment institutions could follow suit and drop their prejudices against performance poetry and the slam movement that has garnered more audience for poetry than such institutions ever dreamed possible.
Kevin has expressed these hopes for Tuesday night’s performance:
We’ve a chance to show what matters about poetry is in the music and the performance and the pleasures therein, including those of mind and body. Let’s make our event a model for what other poets of supposedly different ilks can do together to enliven our shared poetic heritage.
Come and see how it all shakes out.
When: Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Who: Illinois Poet Laureate Kevin Stein v. Poetry Slam founder Marc Kelly Smith
What: Page v. Stage! This reading/performance brings together two poets from completely different worlds, one who writes primarily for the STAGE and one who writes primarily for the PAGE. The two toss poems, comments, and performances back and forth for an hour’s worth vibe and joy. It is not a slam or competition, just a good spirited, entertaining poetry evening from different poetic genres.
Where: Cliff Dwellers Club, 22nd Floor, 200 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Time: Social hour at 6:00 (cash bar) program at 7:00.
Open to all: Five dollar cover for non-members.
