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Spoken word
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Spoken word is a form of literary art or artistic performance in which lyrics, poetry, or stories are spoken rather than sung. The category of spoken-word that is often done with a musical background is performance poetry. As a category, the term spoken word covers any type of spoken performance, even the reading of children's stories or the recording of a comic's routine.
One of the most popular sorts of spoken word performances is performance poetry, where a poet reads poems specifically written to be performed aloud.
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Encyclopedia
Spoken word is a form of literary art or artistic performance in which lyrics, poetry, or stories are spoken rather than sung. The category of spoken-word that is often done with a musical background is performance poetry. As a category, the term spoken word covers any type of spoken performance, even the reading of children's stories or the recording of a comic's routine.
One of the most popular sorts of spoken word performances is performance poetry, where a poet reads poems specifically written to be performed aloud. These use theatrical elements with or without music. Poetry readings, another form of spoken word poetry event, is the more traditional form that presents poets reading poems written for print publication or already published in books. Another kind that has gained popularity in recent years is political and social commentary, done in such a way that it is, while still prose, somewhat more artistic than a typical speech. Spoken word artists most often include story tellers who narrate first-person prose. One of the most significant monologue artists is Spalding Gray.
History
Spoken word did not evolve until the late 1980s and early 1990s with the emergence of "poetry slams," where spoken word artists would square off in cabaret-style duels. This type of competitive slam poetry event has been popular in India for centuries. In the United States, the competition of slam poetry probably arose from rap music and rapper competitions. The common element is protest and a critical or corrective tone. Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York City is one of the earliest venues where poets could protest the ills of society. Def Poets on HBO became the most visible venue for slam-type protest poets, but the poets did not necessarily compete against each other for audience approval.
Notable performers
Performance poetry
Actors and comedians
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