By Jessie Hethcoat
Some of University of Portland's most provocative and outspoken clubs are coming together to host the Bluff Poetry Slam on Friday, April 3 at 7 p.m. in St. Mary's Student Center.
The English Society, Feminist Discussion Group, Philosophy Club and UP's improv troupe, ActUP are cosponsoring the event, the first slam poetry event that has happened on the UP campus.
Slam poetry is performance poetry. Senior Avi Saban, president of the English Society, and junior Emily Douglas, the head of the UP Feminist Discussion Group, explained that the distinction between slam and regular poetry is that slam poetry must be performed, rather than on paper.
"It is a very visceral experience," Douglas said. "Slam poetry needs to be out loud, which makes it more emotional."
Sophomore Matthew Vanderlaan came up with the idea of holding a slam poetry event.
While searching for people to book for campus events, Vanderlaan found Shihan van Clief, a slam poet based out of Los Angeles who has appeared on HBO's Def Poetry Jam eight times.
Shihan is in the middle of a United States college tour. The four clubs that are putting on the event are funding his appearance together.
"Personally, some of my favorite hip-hop artists are slam poets because they're speaking out about issues like poverty, racism and sexism," Douglas said. "They recognize that patriarchy is hurting everyone."
A slam poetry performance is, at its longest, three minutes.Vanderlaan describes it as "hard-hitting."
For such a short length of time, a slam poem often makes a large emotional impact. The impact of the poems can be of any emotion and is not limited to something angry or unpleasent.
"Slam poetry is essentially a mix between literature and acting," Vanderlaan said.
Freshman Gabby Hansen is interested in participating in the event. Hansen enjoys all kinds of self-expression.
She does not write her own poetry, but plans on performing a piece of slam poetry that she finds interesting.
"I'm looking for something to perform," Hansen said. "I think it's important to choose something that hits close to home when it comes to reading someone else's poetry."
Walking away from poetry slams, Vanderlaan said, people feel amazing.
Douglas emphasizes that these events create a safe place for people to express themselves. A poetry slam is a safe venue where students can share what's on their minds.
Students who wish to participate in the Bluff Poetry Slam can e-mail their name, the category of their poem (Solo or Group Slam) and, if possible, the name of their piece to bluffpoetryslam09@gmail.com.
