Poetry and improv: Shakespeare-styles
“Any reference to Shakespeare, no matter how tenuous, is all that is required to fit in its theme of Shakespeare in the City.”
City poets are being encouraged to pre-register for a Poetry Slam event being run as part of Shakespeare in the City later this month.
The Poetry Slam, at SIT Centrestage Theatre, offers some great prizes for those ready to hit the stage and share their work, including a one-night stay at The Langlands Hotel.
Shakespeare in the Park Charitable Trust chair Angela Newell said the performance needed to be of two original poems, both under three minutes long and spoken off by heart.
“After one round, three poets will be selected for the final round, which will need a second poem,” she said.
“Any reference to Shakespeare, no matter how tenuous, is all that is required to fit in its theme of Shakespeare in the City.”
The Poetry Slam is the second part of a double-header night of entertainment, with Improv Southland taking to the stage in the first half with an improvisation/Theatresports showcase, also Shakespeare-themed.
The Improv/Poetry night on Thursday, January 25 is one of three Shakespeare-inspired events for the CBD this year.
Penny Ashton’s comedy-musical theatre production, The Tempestuous, will be staged at SIT Centrestage Theatre, January 26-27, while the night food market, in Don St on Friday, January 26, will also include Shakespeare-based performances by roving actors, James Hargest College's Sheila Winn Shakespeare event, and a performance from international opera star, Deborah Wai-Kaphohe.
Wai-Kaphoe will also include jazz and pop in her repertoire and will be joined by local singer, Melissa Crennan.
Poets interested in pre-registering for the Poetry Slam can email organisers on Shakespearesouth@gmail.com, Newell said.