Monthly Archives: May 2011

Hope – Benefit for Japan

Posted on May 28, 2011 by garylongden

The Public, West Bromwich THE Public has had a fairly rough ride since opening with criticism both of structure, and purpose. Fortunately, as time progresses, that identity is being found. The theatre and performance space is particularly impressive and was … Continue reading →

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Fizz 8 – The New Polewsorth Poets

Posted on May 19, 2011 by garylongden

This isn’t a review of the event. Bernadette O’Dwyer did a fine job of that for “Behind the Arras” (http://www.behindthearras.com/pubreviews.html). Instead it is a personal reflection on it , with no obligation to be comprehensive, complete, or objective. “Fizz 8” … Continue reading →

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J’Accuse

Posted on May 13, 2011 by garylongden

You fancied me once Fingering me lovingly Running your hands down my spine Stroking me You wanted me so much That you bought me Now I lie discarded Your interest has moved on Abandoned amongst the rest Your expressions of … Continue reading →

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Adelaide Crapsey

Posted on May 13, 2011 by garylongden

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of presenting a little of what I know about Adelaide Crapsey, commonly credited with inventing the Cinquain and being a founder of the Imagist movement to the Lichfield Poets. I post the keypoints, my … Continue reading →

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Parole Parlate

Posted on May 11, 2011 by garylongden

Little Venice, Worcester LAST month’s event was a resounding success with a strong contingent of imported Birmingham talent. This month, promoter Lisa Ventura focused on local talent, and produced a diverse and equally entertaining show. Parole Parlate prides itself on … Continue reading →

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“Hope” Benefit for Japan, The Public, West Bromwich

Posted on May 8, 2011 by garylongden

The Public has had a fairly rough ride since opening with criticism both of structure, and purpose. Fortunately, as time progresses , that identity is being found. The theatre and performance space is particularly impressive, and was a good venue … Continue reading →

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Hit the Ode

Posted on May 6, 2011 by garylongden

Victoria Pub, Birmingham The “Hit the Ode” soubriquet name-checks in parody a 1960’s hit made popular by Ray Charles. But maybe event impresario Bohdan Piasecki should think about re-branding it after Peter Frampton’s 1970’s hit “Something’s Happening” ? Because the … Continue reading →

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Spoken Worlds

Posted on May 6, 2011 by garylongden

Old Cottage pub, Burton-on-Trent This was the debut of the new venue for “Spoken Worlds” at the Old Cottage Public House, and very agreeable it was too. Organiser, MC, and Poet, Gary Carr had previously defied conventional wisdom by holding … Continue reading →

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Historic Poems

Posted on May 6, 2011 by garylongden

Why Do Performance Poets Speak So Fast? Why do performance poets speak so fast? As if each breath could be their last. A staccato onslaught of noise and chatter As if the words themselves don’t really matter. But for me … Continue reading →

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A Public Death

Posted on May 6, 2011 by garylongden

They arrived as shadows, silent fluid shapes Seventy men ,armed avengers No match for casual guards, wives and children Bullets drilled the fate of the five dead Played out on a screen in real time A lifeless corpse, drained of … Continue reading →

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