Poets Workshop

is there anyone who reads their work on 'open mic' or in anyway reads to Joe public?  I ask because I have been directed to sites just recently where poets have been reading their own work and, quite honestly, I was not impressed, even though such poets are regarded in high esteem.

Maybe I have been spoiled?  I use for reference the astounding performances of Sir Laurence Olivier, (and other actors) in such epics as Shakespeare penned and have since been screened for our delight, where the lines are delivered with such feeling and gut wrenching impact as to make me believe that we are not the best proclaimers of our own work and should employ others to do it for us? (sod the expense.)

I would dearly love to go 'open mic' but the thought of it scares me half to death, how does Pat do it?  Does she practice her acting ability in front of mirrors?  Does she down a half bottle of JD?  Does she stick her nose in the air and deliver the goods, or what?

I would love to know everybody's thoughts and feelings on this issue, and if you would dare to read in public.

P.S.  I truly believe that Will was an actor first and a poet second but if I really tell the truth then I don't give a sh...toss either way cos I love him to bits.

Hi Ray - being an exhibitionist helps -)

Having one drink of scotch or glass or wine helps. (Too much and it can get ugly)

Practice, practice, practice.

It helps to have been in front of people doing/reading/singing/performing/ whatever in the past. The more you do it, the easier it gets - so They say.

Yes, I have read some of my own stuff and other's stuff in public.  My hands shake, and I have to concentrate to get it right, but man! the adrenaline rush when you are applauded makes it all good.

Sometimes other readers are good and their stuff is good, sometimes they suck (or their work sucks) but to each their own...

Just look at it as going to have fun.

Margo

ROCLMAO!!!  I do stick my nose up in the air.  I also use props.  Eight times out of ten, I go for the laugh.

You can't compare us to Sir Laurence — we don't compare ourselves to Sir Laurence ... we wouldn't dare!  A lot of poets have a drink or two before taking the stage, and most of us get stage fright.  But Raymond, the "rush" is unbelievable!  Do it — I dare you.  Gotta warn you, though — it's addictive as all hell! 

P. S.  Before I'm through with this planet, I intend to try my hand at acting.  <wink>

 

"It is with a strange malice / That I distort the world." 
 -- from The Weeping Burgher by Wallace Stevens

Profile Site of Patricia Gomes

 

            

Jeeze Margo, you gone and went and done it then?

About the drink, I don't think that one of anything, (in the quantities you state) is anywhere near enough for me to perform in public; "ugly" is not a word that manifests itself when I am in my cups; "creative" is more like it, like now. (but that's my opinion)

I would just love to eperience that adrenaline rush.  Thanks for your input and fun Will be my watchword from here on in.

My so dear lady, I only used Sir Laurence to emphasize my point, I never expected  any of us mere mortals to come anywhere near to his performances but, the fact remains, as I have guessed, that there is more to a reading than just spouting words.

I don't need daring, all I want is the opportunity to do it and I know I'll go to it like a sex starved ram let loose in a field of sheep, or something like that.