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Spoken Word

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The paper burns, but the words fly away.   

~ Ben Joseph Akiba

Sheniz Janmohamed

New! Nature of Poetry

Grades 7 to 12 | minimum 2 half-days per class

SPW-6In this collective poetry writing exercise, students step into the natural world to draw inspiration from natural objects and then work together to weave poetic phrases into a cohesive performance piece. Students must have access to a natural setting such as a meadow, garden, pond, park or forested area.

Three Continents

Grades 7 to 8, 9 to 12 | maximum 300

“My heart lies in Africa/My spirit thrives in Canada/ My soul dreams of India” Sheniz speaks to her multicultural background, performing pieces that highlight the various cultures and traditions that make her who she is while providing an opportunity for students to reflect upon and celebrate their own diverse backgrounds and find strength in diversity.

One World, One Voice

Grade 7 to 8, 9 to 12 | 5 day residency, 1 class/session, maximum 3 sessions/day

“One World with One Light/One Mission for One Fight/ The Fight to be One”. With repetition, rhyme and rhythm to drive her hard hitting poetry home, this inspirational spoken word performance and workshop features the political, social and humanitarian elements of spoken word where students will experience how powerful one voice can be in giving voice to a cause. Following the performance, the Voice Is Power workshop is available as a single session to a 5-day residency leading to a student showcase where students are given the opportunity to write and recite their own spoken word pieces while learning the art of recitation, gesture and delivery. They will also learn how to fuel their passion for a cause through creativity and performance. Themes can include social justice and civil responsibility to battling bullying.

Michael St. George

From Whence Came Dub Poetry

Grades 4 to 8, 9 to 12 | maximum 100

SPW-3Students are introduced to Dub Poetry, the contemporary spoken word art form with roots in the African oral tradition of the griots, that is inspired with perceptive lyrics and is driven by the captivating cadence of the reggae beat. On its own or as a prelude to The Dub Poetry Train.

The Dub Poetry Train

Grades 6 to 8, 9 to 12 | minimum 3 sessions/class, 1 class/session | maximum 3 sessions/day

Students create their own dub poetry and learn about the art form with world dub artist Michael St. George. Minimum 3 sessions per class and also available as a residency including student showcase.

Dub Me With Poetry

Grades 6 to 8, 9 to 12 | maximum 250

Dub poetry is presented in its purest form through dance, chants, rhymes, scores of metaphors, drumbeats and heartbeats in a powerful performance that encourages and challenges young people to feel empathically, think critically and to take positive action for social change.

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