SPOKEN WORD TODAY

 

The re-emergence of Spoken Word and the value of Performance Poetry in the 21st Century

 

A Documentary Treatment draft

by pc (Friday, 30 March 2007)

 

Overview

 

This is an open-ended project until such time as the producers feel that enough material has been obtained. The estimated time period is between 12 and 24 months, but should take no longer than that.

 

As such, equipment will be rented periodically, with special attention given to consistency of technology used (camera settings, etc.). There should be between 20 and 40 hours of material filmed and from this will be edited one full-length ‘feature’ documentary at around 90 minutes in length. The same material will ideally provide enough variation to produce one television-oriented documentary at around 50 minutes in length and between 10 and 20 Twenty-minute interview collages to appeal to a wider market worldwide. They will be edited in this order unless opportunity alters the priority. The initial priority is given to the full-length ‘feature’ documentary.

 

Aside from interviewees answering questions, performed poetry will be filmed, as well as scenery appropriate to the poetry and interview themes (Street scenes, etc.). Some stock footage may also be required. Release forms will be drafted and an application will be made to the film board for funding in the next few weeks.

 

 

Interim Budget

 

Camera with boom         @ 21 Days                    €4 200

Travel                            @ 21 Days                    €   420

Accommodation             @ 21 Days                    €   420

Editing and Stock Footage                                  to be advised

Telephone                                                         €   100

Miscellaneous (tba)                                            €   500

 

TOTAL                                                              € 5 680

 

 

Themes to Explore

 

History of Spoken Word – Decline and Re-emergence

Modern Value and Importance to Art

Popularity

Exclusivity

Spiritual Value

Preaching vs. Teaching

Value to Youth

Confidence and Character building

 

 

Interviewees

 

Poets

Teachers

Professors

Education Department

Poetry Ireland

Arts Council

MCs and Poetry Facilitators

Vox Pops (streets, pubs, festivals, etc.)

Artists (various)

Storytellers

Theatre Groups

 

 

Questions

 

What makes a performance poet?

What is the story with performance poetry?

Why are there so few performance poets?

Should this form of expression be taught at school?

Would spoken poetry benefit school children?

How can performance poetry be use as a teaching tool?

What is the value of performance poetry?

How can it be made more popular?

What did we lose with the decline?

What makes it worthwhile in the modern era?

How can people benefit from it?

How can it help other forms of art?

How is it different from written poetry?

Is the creative approach the same?

What can be done to improve the art?

What kinds of performance poetry are there?

What is peculiar to it?

How closely knit is the spoken word community?

How far can it reach?

What line exists between preaching and performing?

Why don’t we see any on TV?

Could we benefit from a TV show?

What future can a performance poet look forward to?

Can a living be made out of it?

If not, what is the attraction?

How has performance poetry changed?

Some countries’ presidents have their own personal praise poets who also criticise their leader and reveal his/her character to the public. Could we benefit from this? (as in the past)

How do poets improve the world?

Will the world benefit from more spoken poetry?