Spoken Word Poetry: Acting For Poets

Spoken word or performance poetry has been around for a long time, but is currently making waves with the younger generation. But what is it, and what makes it very special?

 Image source: ortcafe.co.uk

Spoken word is a kind of poetry that is meant to be performed in front of a live audience. It can be related to hip-hop and rap, modern storytelling and performance, monologue theater, and music.
Spoken word performers and artists usually write and perform pieces that contain socially relevant themes, so they can connect instantly with their audience.

How does one make or choose a piece? It is important to work with something that is true in one’s life (i.e., If a person is going through or has experienced heartbreak, it can be a good piece). Without the personal attitude, the piece may just feel like a declamation or an oratorical performance.

 Image source: rcah.msu.edu

For those who want to see if their pieces will be a hit, open mics are a good option for a debut performance. These events can be a stepping stone for one’s performance poetry career. Many open mics do not require advance booking, and anyone can join as a performer or an audience.

Just like theater acting, memorization and character personification are important elements in spoken word performance. When a performer is confident about his lines, his can act out and send his message across in a better way. Only after memorizing the piece can a performer tweak the performance with theme-appropriate gestures and other non-verbal expressions.

Are you an aspiring actor who wants to learn more about spoken word poetry and other stage performances? Follow me, Louis P. Habash, on Twitter for more tips.

Hamilton is Heating up the World of Theater

Hamilton Makes History with 16 Tony Nominations” –New York Times

Now, isn’t that headline enough reason to say that Hamilton is indeed heating up the world of theater? Hamilton has been the best Broadway musical in years. I have proven it when I decided to watch it a couple of weeks ago. The predominantly black and brown cast was utterly superb. The whole production just left me standing and clapping uncontrollably after the show.

Lin-Manuel Miranda is not only the playwright, lyricist, and ambassador of Hamilton, but also plays the title role in this revolutionary Broadway musical. Rolling Stone was right, this man is better than perfect.

Image source: feministprinceton.edu

Hamilton is a perfect mélange of musical form and hip hop. Some people might find it odd to infuse hip hop with classic theater to discuss American history and politics. Even so, the rap renditions of the characters’ oratorical discourses make the musical idiosyncratic. According to Alisa Solomon, the director of arts and culture in Columbia Journalism School, Hamilton is winning its loudest accolades as a “game changer” for bringing rap into the Broadway World.

image source: rollingstone.com

I have watched and acted in heaps of musicals for the past decades, and Hamilton is one of the best ones. It is earnestly brilliant. I have nothing but praises for this musical. Needless to say, it is a must-watch for everybody. Be ready to shed some cash, though! It is pricey, but it’s worth every penny, trust me.

I’m Louis P. Habash, a musical theater actor for over 20 years now. I consider the stage as my home. Follow my blog to immerse yourself in the world of theater!