THE POETRY LOUNGE 2

The Power of Poetics

The Poetry Lounge 2: The Power of Poetics focuses on the skillful use of language forms and poetic devices. Viewers will learn how the use of various poetic devices can make their own poetry more powerful and more clearly illustrate the universal meaning they are trying to convey. Watch the artists perform work focusing on such topics as dealing with a dying family member, personal faith, urban issues and more. Candid interviews reveal what inspires each artist, how they edit their poems, and what advice they have for aspiring writers. Filmed before a live audience and produced in collaboration with respected educational advisors, The Poetry Lounge is an engaging and inspiring series for all who seek to understand the power of the spoken word.

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 theater company whose dual mission is to entertain and inform -- to expand cultural awareness, and enrich people of all ages and backgrounds.

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