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THE POETRY LOUNGE

Self Expression Through Spoken Word

The Poetry Lounge: Self-Expression Through Spoken Word is a multicultural open-forum for self-expression, inspiring young people to find their own voice and let it be heard. Hosted by award-winning Def Poets Shihan and Poetri, the "Lounge" has become the largest weekly open mic forum in the country, and was one of the inspirations for Russell Simmons' Tony-winning show, Def Poetry Jam. Taken from a recent Poetry Lounge event, this program features National Slam Champions, performing their work and sharing their inspiration. Learn the fundamentals of writing and performing "spoken word" poetry from some of the most accomplished poets of the movement.

HISTORY

The Poetry Lounge DVD series is based on ‘Da Poetry Lounge, a free, multicultural open-forum for self-expression, inspiring young people to find their voice and let it be heard. Founded in 1996 by Dante Basco in his living room, the “Lounge” has become the largest weekly open mic forum in the country, and was one of the inspirations for Russell Simmons’ 2003 Tony-winning show, Def Poetry Jam. Hosting duties are shared by Def Poets Shihan Van Clief and Poetri and include monthly “slams,” or competitions where poets battle for an opportunity to compete nationally. Vital, controversial, socially conscious, raucous, and moving – participants (who are artists, writers, comedians and average people with something to say) perform on a circular center stage, combining spoken word, movement, and dance & song, in impassioned soul-baring. “Da’ Poetry Lounge” is co-produced by GREENWAY Arts Alliance, a non-profit theatre company whose dual mission is to entertain and inform -- to expand cultural awareness, and enrich people of all ages and backgrounds.

THE POETRY LOUNGE: SELF-EXPRESSION THROUGH SPOKEN WORD

Catalog # RM1801 ● ISBN: 978-1-930545-98-4 ● NTSC

30 Minutes ● Copyright 2004 ● English

For purchase orders, to book screenings and for other inquiries, please contact:
Larry Rattner - larry@epfmedia.com

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