It is interesting to see how our voice lends to our words. This forms the cornerstone of Theatrical Poetry – that our words have the power to jump out of the paper and assume a life of their own. To me, both as a writer and a performer, it is a powerful source of empowerment. It tells me that I have the power to tell my story with emphasis, impact, and meaning. And in this pursuit, I won’t have to be phased by the rules of poetry, or spoken word, or theatre. I make my own rules with my own body. I endeavour to use all means necessary to connect with my audience. In that context and more, I am limitless.
When I explain the concept of theatrical poetry to younger students there is a sentence that helps me in its simplicity and engagement. When changed the emphasis, this sentence changes its meaning. Quite an effortless display of the power of the spoken word.
I never said that she stole my money.
Try it – out loud!
Another personal and less obvious display of the power of the spoken and the theatrical word, is this piece I wrote in my speaking voice. I welcome you to read the piece before you watch the video:
I know the world is failing you. I can tell by the way you treat others.
Every day you wake up early and demand the world tells you how much it has failed you since you last went to sleep. You turn to the news folks and demand they tell you how little fish remains in your oceans. You turn to the influencers and demand a stock of the besmirchment they carry. “Tell us tales of your abuse (vindicate us!). We know you’re hurt (give us the details!). We know the world has failed you too.” You turn to your television and demand to be told how the rich are burning your forests, along with some of your friends.
The numbers comfort you. They prove, empirically, that this is not the world you deserve.
There is a void you could shout into. But you don’t. Because it doesn’t echo your pain. All it does is tell you that you are alone. Now and Forever.
I wish I could offer you what you’re looking for but there so little I know. There is just so little I have ever known. I have known Love. And, Music. Well, Love is Music. I have known Sex, Death, and God. I don’t know what comes first, and to be honest, I wouldn’t be able to tell you what goes last either.
If you have any Theatrical Poetry related questions or wonder how you can get in touch with me, write to bedandbattlefield@gmail.com.
Theatrical Poetry India 