Art Is Poetic

It’s an art form that extends beyond Shakespearean times; a tradition that began before print even existed. It’s the spoken word—the memorization and recitation of words to create an emotional response—and it’s taking Baton Rouge by storm thanks to efforts by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge to support performance-poetry programs. 

One such program is Poetry Out Loud, a nationwide effort to expose high school students to spoken-word poetry, providing them a chance to compete locally and potentially progress to the national championship in Washington, D.C. The Arts Council’s new Poetry Project Director Anna Schwab said it’s her job to inform Louisiana schools and teachers about Poetry Out Loud. “One of the changes I hope to make is to go into schools and recruit on behalf of Poetry Out Loud,” she said. “There are a lot of teachers who I’m sure would love to participate but just don’t know that it exists.” 

The experience provides exposure to a necessary skill-set, too. Schwab said, “The ability to stand up with a microphone in front of an audience of people and speak eloquently is a skill that everyone needs. It’s a beautiful experience for them in so many ways. These poems are ones that these young people will remember forever.” 

Helping youth and adults build their writing and poetry-performing skills is Donney Rose’s line of work. As the marketing director and teaching artist for Forward Arts, a nonprofit spoken-word organization in Baton Rouge, Rose teaches in-school creative writing workshops to elementary and high school students as well as leads an after-school teen writing collective. He also teaches an adult creative writing workshop at the Arts Council. Rose considers that through these workshops and monthly teen open-mic and poetry slams, teens are able to find their identity. “I’ve seen young people come into their own through spoken word,” he said. “They may not be the most popular student or the athlete or cheerleader, but poetry has given them their identity.” 

Many students from Forward Arts bring their talent to Eclectic Truth, a poetry-slam and open-mic event held at the Arts Council every Tuesday night. Desireé Dallagiacomo, program director for Forward Arts and the slam master for Eclectic Truth, said that these events identify representatives for the national slam competition and give folks an outlet for their thoughts. “It allows people to get in front of an audience and say, ‘I’m going to tell you exactly who I am,’ and the audience says, ‘I hear you and I support you,’” said Dallagiacomo. 

As for those who haven’t heard of spoken word, Rose said, “It’s a very underground movement, but if you’re in the know, it’s big.” And, clearly, there are opportunities to learn in Baton Rouge.