PUBLIC WORKSHOPS

Course Synopsis

If you’re new to spoken word, it may surprise you. This dynamic, energetic form of poetry is accessible, relatable, and growing in popularity. In this introductory course, performance poet and arts organiser Don Shiau will give you all the tools you need to get started writing, performing, and plugging into growing communities of practitioners. You will also gain an appreciation for the difference between written and spoken poetry, and learn ways of creating safe spaces for self-expression. This course is for (i) individuals who are looking for new ways of self-expression (ii) schoolteachers who are looking for ways to build self-confidence in their students.

Session 1:
WHY SPEAK POETRY? 
The first session makes a compelling case for spoken word as an art form. Live demonstrations and videos will give participants a flavour of the possibilities of spoken word, both in terms of the topics and their styles. They will be taken through brief histories of the genre, both local and global. Participants will identify a topic they want to write about, and begin building the content of their respective poems.

Session 2:
SAYING WHAT YOU WANT WITH STYLE
Participants will be given tools to shape the ideas they identified in the first session. These include various forms of spoken word, literary / narrative devices, framing, and more. Partcipants will receive individualised attention from the instructor as they create their pieces. They will also be introduced to how spoken word events operate, and how they have a culture of fostering safe spaces for vulnerable self-expression.

Session 3: SHOWTIME
In the final session, participants will get to try their hand at a poetry slam-style performance, and receive feedback as well as performance tips.

Course Runs