How do those involved in contemporary “spoken word” characterize the movement and distinguish it from writing styles, purposes, or performance of the past? Let’s discuss poems from the first part of the Smith anthology : Troupe’s “Chicago” (14), Hirsch’s “Song” , Quickly (p. 43: track 10) and Saul Williams’ “Amethyst Rocks” (55; track 13).
Assignments: This week - choose a prior poem from our listening, prepare a transcription / score. Next week, prepare a “thick description” of a poetry performance (live or recorded).