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In 1984, a construction worker launched a poetry reading at a Chicago jazz club, breathing working-class life into the heretofore often rarified flavor of “open-mic” verse. Not long after, the “Poetry Slam” concept, in which people explore free self-expression through the medium of poetry and are judged both by a combination of panel judges and audience response, was born and spread across the nation, with regular events being held in nearly every state. Building on the Poetry Slam movement, the “Poetry Lounge” is one of the largest weekly “slams” in the country and formed the basis for the 2003 Tony award-winning show Def Poetry Jam. A taping of a live slam featuring the 2004 National Slam Champions performing their works and sharing thoughts about their pieces,
The Poetry Lounge, hosted by award-winning Def Poets Shihan and Poetri, serves up a blistering array of percussive, fast-paced, and emotionally-charged poetry that bears little resemblance to the stately odes and sonnets by Shakespeare, Keats, Wordsworth, and others. But the soul of poetry is evident here, which is why this title--filled with terrific performances by some of the country’s best talent--is excellent for introducing verse to teens and young adults. DVD extras include extended interviews, historical notes, and a classroom lesson plan. Highly recommended.