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Poetry

Colleen Farrell
Bridgewater State College

Subject Listing - Poetry
Advisor: Dr. Ann Brunjes

Friday, Performing Arts Session 4, Presentation 1, Carol Belk Theatre

SPOKEN WORD PERFORMANCE

My presentation consists of 6 performed poems of my own composition. Within performance poetry the focus is on the sound of the poem as well as the words themselves. This kind of poetry is known as SLAM Poetry. Each SLAM poem must be under three minutes long and cannot involve the use of props or music. The focus is solely on the subject matter of the poem and the tone through which it is conveyed. Inspired by such contemporary performance poets as Regie Gibson, Alvin Lau, and Saul Williams, I will turn sound into image. In this way the poetry becomes not only a literary demonstration but a theatrical performance of poetry. The poems I will perform differ in their themes, yet the unifying tie is human development. Most are reflections on past events, including suicide, family struggle, comical sexual acceptance, and an evolution of character. Their titles are: "The Effects of the Amazon", "20", "Piloting", "The Effects of Hendrix on Abusers", "The Murder of a Prince", and "Crowned". This performance is significant because it further explores this frequently overlooked genre: poetry that is meant to be heard out loud.

Advisor: Dr. Ann Brunjes, Associate Professor, English, Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, MA