Two days ago I wrote a blog post about the production of poetry videos using musical scores as a backdrop along with creative, interpretive images that tell a story. Just for the record, if you got the impression that I don’t like Jazz, that would be incorrect. I do like Jazz, but it’s not the only music that is appropriate for accompanying poetry. I think the Beats got that notion stuck in people’s heads and it seems to be something that is almost taken for granted. But I think for my own poetry I’d like to experiment with some rock beats or alternative music.
At the end of this blog post you can see a video that I created myself for the poem “Siege.” It is nowhere near what I have in mind, but it’s a step (a small one) in that direction. This is a very raw production based on my limited skills, but it should give you some idea as to what I have in mind, sans the music score. All it really is is a video of an open mic poetry reading clipped to include a presentation of some photos that I took of the medieval walled fortress Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the subject of the poem. I don’t think I do it justice, but as I said, this is a start.
Dreamhouse Musical – An Off-Broadway
Poetic Experience
It has been brought to my attention that poet Barbara DeCesare’s book of poems jigsaweyesore is the basis of a new off-Broadway musical called “Dreamhouse.” The musical is a part of the Midtown International Theatre Festival and is the production of David Wolfson, who crafted the music, and Ari Laura Kreith, director. Other key people involved include:
- Musical Director/Piano: DANIEL FEYER
- Lighting Designer: JERI SYKES
- Stage Manager: LAUREN WALSH
- Publicity: SCOTTI RHODES
The musical’s cast are Suzan Postel, Maree Johnson, Jennie Eisenhower, Amy Hutchins, and Gayla D. Morgan. The musical promises to be full of wit and humor and observations on life, sex, love, and “the kind of soft sadness that never dips into maudlin theatrics” (Kessa De Santis).
The event is scheduled to run from July 21 to August 5, 2008 and will be held at The Workshop Mainstage located at 312 W. 36 St., 4th Floor, NYC. For more information you can call (212) 868-4444 or check out the website at www.smarttix.com.
Note: This information came to me via e-mail and I can’t vouch for its accuracy. I consider the source a credible source, but the website above currently doesn’t have any information on this event and I have another website address for the musical itself that currently doesn’t appear to be live. I will try to get more information on the event. It does look like one worthy of attendance.
Siege – Poetry Video
And now, without further ado, I bring you “Siege,” the video:
Correction: Dreamhouse Musical was a 2005 production. In the original e-mail I received on this production, I didn’t notice the year and have recently found out that the sender sent it to me as an FYI and not necessarily as a promotional release. Now that I know more about this, I wish I had seen it.
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I like you think that any music is well suited for background music to poetry. I applaud you for thinking outside the box. I am a big jazz fan myself but also enjoy many other musical genre’s.