Blank Page Poetry

This original and innovative mixed-media performance event presents poetry like you’ve never seen it before: combining poetic recitals, cast shadows set in motion, digitally projected words, customized sound, and choreographed dance. The primary component of the Blank Page Poetry event is a large sheet of seamless white paper suspended from a height of at least 9 feet, with the performers positioned behind it and blocked from direct view. The shadow of the performer is cast upon this surface, varying in size, quantity, clarity and gesture. These shadows thus serve as a visual instigator, transforming the performer into an artifice set in expressive motion. In addition, key phrases from each poem are simultaneously projected onto the paper as they are spoken, further enhancing the visual impact and one’s perception of the text. Audible components are integrated into the performance, serving as sound bridges between each of the 2 – 3 minute recitals.

This program is presented as a part of Charleston’s NEA Big Read. NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) designed to broaden our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. The NEA presents NEA Big Read in partnership with Arts Midwest.