Buzz Builds for Poetry

By Liz Wassmann

Spoken word is a simple, yet beautiful language-based performance art. It's also well suited for competition, with participants writing an original poem and performing it in an engaging, moving way. Here on campus, there is an opportunity to see this kind of art performed.

Tonight, contestants will present original poetry and use dramatic performance skills to enhance their reading. After an official competition, the floor will  open to anyone who wants to participate. The event, cosponsored by the Santa Clara Review and the creative writing program, will be complete with coffee and music.

Tim Myers, a creative writing lecturer, will host the event and The JurassiC, a student band, will perform. The event will feature passionate, honest language made public in an entertaining and engaging format. 

Senior English major Joanne Santomauro is thrilled to see the revival of spoken word on campus. "When I came as a freshman," said Santomauro, "there was not a thriving slam poetry scene. But I'm excited that I've been able to watch it grow over my four years here." 

Santomauro was part of the planning committee for the event, and can't wait to see how the Santa Clara community responds. There are more slam poetry and spoken word events planned for later in the year as well, and popularity is only expected to grow. 

Spoken word poetry reflects real issues and ideas in an understandable, relatable and interesting way. 

Slam poetry has been a feature of Love Jones, the performance put on by Igwebuike and the Multicultural Center featuring a large array of talents over the past several years. However, tonight's event really focuses on appreciating poetry being read aloud. 

This has been a big showcase week for writing talent on campus, with the Santa Clara Review's release of their 100th volume and the competition tonight. Everyone is encouraged to come out at 8 p.m. to the Williman Room in Benson Memorial Center to watch 15 performers compete and give it their all. 

The competition will let us see the creative talent that our peers have to offer and perhaps even be inspired to participate someday.