Tradewinds Slam Poetry Night
The Tradewinds is holding a Slam Poetry Night on Tuesday, November 29th in the OAR, from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. All students wishing to perform their piece must inform Ms. Pavelka in Room 415. This event is a fantastic chance for all Sea Kings to present their literary and emotive skills. Don’t miss this date!
Tradewinds is the Literary Publication class at PV High, and is taught by Ms. Pavelka. With the expressed interest in literary and artistic writing, Tradewinds has decided to hold a Slam Poetry Night for poetry-loving students and adults to attend. And unlike normal poetry, members must go up to the mike to express their works in slam poetry form.
Sea Kings may ask, what is slam poetry exactly? Slam poetry is similar to open mike night – but in this case, poets prepare their works ahead of time, fully memorized. When they take the stage, the goal is not to just recite what they have produced. Rather, slam poetry ties into the theatrical aspect of the stage – in order to express the personal story of the person who has written it. Shouting, whispering, and heavy enunciation are all encouraged.
The purpose of slam poetry is for catharsis, to express hidden emotions and frustrations in a jarring art form. The poems produced by Tradewinds members range from self-identity, education, and personal struggles. These poems are meant to show the vulnerable side of the poet – to show what is often eschewed by societal norms. Even more painful topics such as mental illness are also explored by PV students in this upcoming event.
The interesting part of slam poetry is that it features a wide range of voices, styles, and cultural traditions. Slam poetry isn’t restricted to only hipsters or art-elite. It is meant to give a voice to the voiceless, to go against the grain, and to address social issues in a constructive and artistic manner.
So don’t be afraid to participate Sea Kings. Write your slam poem today!