In my April 2024 post I promised to revisit the topic of performance poetry in a future blog. I had stated that the tone with which my class instructor characterized my work as performative left a sour taste on my tongue. Now that I'm the playwright for an upcoming dance collaboration, performance is a central focus for me.
Merriam-Webster defines performative as "disapproving: made or done for show (as to bolster one's own image or make a positive impression on others)." However, an additional definition describes performative as "relating to or marked by public, often artistic performance." Given that my poem was well received by my classmates, I've come to believe my instructor's characterization of my work fits this second definition.
Performance poetry is a dynamic delivery of the spoken word that combines storytelling with performance. It's a special genus of poet who has the requisite on-stage comfort level to perform the written word. Not only have I been impressed by emphatic theatrical readings at live open mic sessions; but I've also been awestruck to see some poets recite their work without the assistance of notes. I've also listened to poets on Instagram who read their work with verve and emotion and deliver performances worthy of a talented actor.
We writers tend to be a shy, reclusive bunch, and there's a vulnerability inherent to a live reading. For some speakers, that vulnerability is magnified by the passion of the human spirit. The more poignant the poem, the more evident the humanity, which we all relate to in one form or another.
While I've increased my comfort level with being "on stage," I don't know if I'll ever be able to memorize and then recite a decent length poem in a forcefully captivating manner before a live audience without a set of crib notes. Fortunately, open mic sessions attract a welcoming audience of artists and supportive patrons who have an interest in hearing what poets have to say.
I've now gone from slightly intimidated by the label of "performative" to being inspired by the passion of the performance. I even look forward to my next open mic reading.