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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.

REVIEWS
 

“Highly Recommended.  …this title-filled with terrific performances by some of the country's best talent-is excellent for introducing verse to teens and young adults.” – Video Librarian

 

“This film is recommended for high school and college literature collections and for diversity programs at all institutions.”
– Educational Media Reviews Online

 

“Each performance is breathtaking in its Insights and heartfelt and fervent delivery; the connection to the live audience is obvious.  Students will enjoy the performances and the program would be an ideal starting point to inspire them to write their own poetry.” -  School Library Journal

 

“In this young group of talent there is a great deal of poetic wisdom. They speak strongly about finding one's voice, acknowledging contemporary themes in poetry, and connecting with the audience.  [Poetry Lounge is] recommended for poetry and writing classes on any level.” – Library Journal

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 Though Spoken Word
Catalog # RM1801; ISBN 978-1-930545-98-4, NTSC 
30 Minutes; Copyright 2004; English

Digital Site License Info

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

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