Spoken Word Ebony Steeples Spoken Word My Character

Spoken Word Ebony Steeples

Spoken Word – My Character � The act I have chosen to perform is spoken word, inspired by a youtuber called Ash Hardell. Her poem ‘Learning to be Ugly’, is a spoken word piece in which you can visualise the scenario she recites. It resonates with me as a young woman, and deals with issues of selfimage and worth, which is still a strong social issue. It’s a piece which not only offers morals but entertainment. � My persona will be passionate, energetic and perhaps a little older than myself. I feel that this character will spark the audience’s attention, as spoken word can have a poor reputation, and will help me immerse them into the world of the narrator of the poem, so they can see the issues that it highlights.

Spoken Word – A Brief History � � � - Spoken word has been around for centuries, although modern spoken word originated in the 1990’s. It was one of the first acts to be seen in cabaret clubs, with the first audience members to gather being poets and writers. It is an oral art form, which revolves around word play, intonation and voice inflection. Spoken word usually involves poetry but can also include monologues and comedy routines. This act is considered culturally acceptable, particularly because it was one of the first acts to ever be performed at cabaret venues. However at the time most poets and playwrights created pieces which spoke out against the government, creating a lot of problems for them at the time, but in modern society spoken word is very acceptable. Which is why I have chosen a piece that speaks out against social issues. In modern society Spoken Word can be seen being performed in Cabaret Clubs, festivals and ‘open-mic nights’ at pubs/nightclubs/cafes. Existing spoken word artists include: Buddy Wakefield LKJ (Linton Kwesi Johnson) Kate Tempest

Spoken Word – My Performance The Act During the performance I will begin by possibly introducing myself/character, and inform the audience that I will be reciting the poem ‘Learning to be Ugly’. My actions will follow the flow of the words, emphasising sections, words, rhymes that I feel will create a more engaging piece. � Lighting I think a simple spotlight would be best suited for this performance, as it allows the audience to purely focus on the words of the poem. Although I would like to experiment with lighting, according to the lyrics. � Costume My costume will be simple, either casual or all black, as I want the focus to be on the words poem itself. � Resources I shouldn’t need any resources as spoke word is usually performed without the use of props, however – much the lighting – I would like to experience with appropriate props to see if they enhance the performance. �

Spoken Word – Rehearsal Plan WEEK JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN 1 Memorising the poem. Attempt a run through of the performance so far, consider adjustments over half term. Easter Term Considering/researching different mediums / Power. Point, phones, music Bank Holiday Final Rehearsals prior to the exam. 2 Working on the emphasis of words, the story telling of the poem. Half Term Revising lines Easter Term Rehearsal, consider the effects of lightning, staging, voice and other mediums (making sure to use them effectively). Final Rehearsals prior to the exam. 3 Working on articulation and pace. Revise the performance. Consider: Projection, articulation, pace and articulation. If wanted work through spoken word with medium. If not consider the effectiveness of performance Rehearsing for Mock exam. Final Rehearsals prior to the exam. 4 Scribing the poem. Staging the poem. Thinking about whether to be stationary, or to move to enhance poetry performance. Receiving feedback on the performance so far. Making any changes needed. Technical Rehearsal Mock Exam date 5 Reading through the poem, annotating points of emphasis. Revising the staging of the poem. Consider use of props. Considering lighting, working through different ways of lighting the stage. Feedback on how the technical rehearsal went, make any changes necessary. Half Term Revise feedback.

Spoken Word – Annotated Piece