The lights dim…
A crowd of showgoers waits as a spotlight appears over a single mic on an empty black stage. There’s a quiet hush as the energy stills, making room for what’s yet to transpire. Out walks tonight’s performer. Steadily, they pause behind the microphone. Each split second that passes builds the anticipation.
Will they speak on race, religion, or sexism?
Who is on the chopping block tonight?
How will we feel after this artist has left everything they have on the stage?
Who will I be when I leave?
The questions swirl through the minds of the audience. The impacts of this show are yet to be revealed. Only one thing is certain. Before them stands a poet, ready to show how masterfully they can blend purpose, poetry, and performance to create a unique slam poetry piece.
What is Slam Poetry?
Slam poetry is a performance-based form of poetry. It is created by blending the written word, theatrical delivery, and often powerful subject matter. These words aren’t simply read. They’re felt and experienced through the speaker’s tone, presence, cadence, and gestures. Each movement holds as much meaning as the words themselves.
Originating in the 1980s, slam poetry got its name from its often aggressive and meaningful tone. Nearly every piece in this genre speaks against something. Bigotry, homophobia, toxic relationships, and dynamics are all fair game here. The name also stems from the audience’s participation. In a competitive poetry slam, the audience’s reaction determines the winner. The bigger the applause, the higher the score.
Over the years, slam poetry has gained momentum through TV shows, appearing at well-known clubs, and, most recently, going viral on social media. As a fierce way to connect with an audience, evoke immediate reactions, and challenge societal and political dialogue, slam poetry remains just as moving and pure as it was at the time of its conception.
The best way to understand slam poetry is to experience it firsthand. Until you find your way to an event in your area, here are six of our most loved slam poetry pieces for you to watch, listen to, and feel your way through.
Note: that the subject matter in these pieces is powerful, and most contain strong, potentially triggering language. So, listen with a centered and open heart when you are in a safe enough place to receive the piece with love for the speaker and yourself.
