Upcoming Event: Roundhouse Poetry Slam 2012
If you think that poetry belongs in the days of Wordsworth, then prepare for a re-education.
The Roundhouse Poetry Slam returns to air the UK's hottest contemporary talent in spoken word. There is a cash prize up for grabs, as well as the accolade of being crowned poetry slam champion - and stars of the art will be present to judge the young newcomers, including Inua Ellams, Kat Francois and the mighty grammarman, Polarbear (pictured).
Originating in the US back in the 80s, the poetry slam event draws on a variety of influences and styles. It may have all begun in a Jazz club in Chicago but performances range from hip hop and rap deliveries to dub poetry and un-rhyming narrative formulas.
The content of the performances can be anything from politicised verse to current events (could there be some Olympic references in there too?).
Since the performers will be aged between 16 and 25 the subject matter is likely to be more politicised than ever, just like the days of Alan Ginsberg and the beat poets.
So it's sure to be a great event, at a venue that always concerns itself with pushing the boundaries, and we just can't resist that!
The Poetry Slam runs from August 15 to August 29
Words: Laura Thornley
