TO WEAVE OR NOT TO WEAVE THAT IS

TO WEAVE OR NOT TO WEAVE? THAT IS THE POETRY QUESTION By M’Liss S. Hindman

New 2007 -2008 Category B: EXPLORING POETRY n Wide Open

New 2007 -2008 Category B: EXPLORING POETRY n n Wide Open Poetry must be published

New 2007 -2008 Category B: EXPLORING POETRY n n n Wide Open Poetry must be published Poetry must be from a different poet than the contestant is using in Category A

New 2007 -2008 Category B: EXPLORING POETRY n n Wide Open Poetry must be published Poetry must be from a different poet than the contestant is using in Category A May perform single poem, excerpts, or a thematic collection of up to six poems

New 2007 -2008 Category B: EXPLORING POETRY Category specifically states that the contestant may WEAVE the poems!

What is Weaving? and How Does One Do It Effectively?

Purpose of Weaving n n n Not to create a new poem – not blending poetry It is a technique for program or thematic development Done well…it highlights each individual poem

Requirements for Weaving n Not all poetry can or should be woven

Purpose of Weaving n n Not all poetry can or should be woven If woven, each poem must retain its own individual ‘voice’

Requirements for Weaving n n n Not all poetry can or should be woven If woven, each poem must retain it’s own individual ‘voice’ Each poem must be performed in a manner that makes it distinct from the others

Requirements for Weaving n n n If woven, each poem must retain its own individual ‘voice’ Each poem must be performed in a manner that makes it distinct Weaving requires more work by the performer not only in programming, but in internalization & development of characters

HOW DO YOU PUT A WOVEN PROGRAM TOGETHER?

HOW DO YOU PUT A WOVEN PROGRAM TOGETHER? n Thematic Idea: Find a poem you like with a theme OR Think of theme first – then find poems

HOW DO YOU PUT A WOVEN PROGRAM TOGETHER? Make the THEME Specific

HOW DO YOU PUT A WOVEN PROGRAM TOGETHER? n n n Select your poems No hard and fast rules Almost an instinctive process

HOW TO PUT A WOVEN PROGRAM TOGETHER? n n Select your poems No hard and fast rules Almost an instinctive process Program should have a beginning, a middle, and an end

HOW TO PUT A WOVEN PROGRAM TOGETHER? n n n Select your poems No hard and fast rules Almost an instinctive process Program should have a beginning, a middle, and an end Keep thematic development clearly in mind – how are the poems furthering the arguments of your program?

ACTUAL WEAVING PROCESS n n Gather selected poems, pencil and paper Read and re-read poems

ACTUAL WEAVING PROCESS n n Gather selected poems, pencil and paper Read and re-read poems Mark possible places for splices Choose an anchor or central poem

ACTUAL WEAVING PROCESS n n n Gather selected poems, pencil and paper Read and re-read poems Mark possible places for splices Choose an anchor or central poem Decide if you are alternating poems in a sequence OR if you are doing a more random weave due to theme development

See the new UIL Prose/Poetry Handbook Sample of How to Divide A Poem

QUESTIONS? Contact UIL Speech Consultant M’Liss S. Hindman

Contact Information M’Liss S. Hindman Tyler Junior College mhin@tjc. edu 903. 510. 2206