Want to go?
What: “The Signature: The Art of Word”
Where: Loft Theatre of the Metropolitan Arts Center, 126 N. Main St., Dayton
When: May 6; 9 p.m. Next Friday
Cost: $25 in advance
Tickets: Call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com
More info: Visit www.tripplecroxxent.com
Urban creative arts has an edgy, enlightening and secure foundation in Oral Funk Poetry Productions, which launches the ninth season of its stellar off-Broadway revue “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show” with a special fundraiser Friday, April 29, at the Loft Theatre.
The fundraiser will showcase the elements which routinely display the entertaining flavors and thought-provoking essence derived from the troupe’s explorations of music and spoken word. The event will particularly preview performances from the upcoming season in addition to featuring live music, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and more.
“When you’re nine, everyone knows the anticipating that comes from knowing you’ll soon be in double digits,” exclaimed Sierra Leone of Oral Funk Poetry Productions. “But in the meantime, you have to find a way to transform, which is what season nine is for us. We’re evaluating what we’ve gained. And we’ve realized the way you stay kind, the way you stay alive, is to continue to become. By no means are we the first organization in Dayton to celebrate diversity in the arts. But when we’re specifically talking about spoken word, something that hasn’t always been appreciated from the urban spoken word perspective, and really celebrating it by including other dynamic genres like dance and visual arts, we are unique.”
Leone remains particularly grateful for the numerous collaborations Oral Funk Poetry Productions has acquired since its inception including such organizations as the Human Race Theatre Company and the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet. She’s also excited about broadening The Signature’s programming this season.
“As part of The Signature’s transformation, we are no longer leaving literature out of the storyline,” she said. “Instead of shying away from literature, I think we need to be more inclusive. It provides a generational bridge into the experience. Our goal is to continue to introduce generations of people to different perspectives they may not have previously taken into consideration.”
The Signature’s ninth season includes “Poetic Transformation and Identity” (July 15), “The Last Poet Standing” competition (Aug. 19) and a “Tribute to the Black Arts Movement and Nina Simone” (Sept. 16).
The Art of Word
Atlanta-based poet, playwright and Emmy-nominated spoken word artist Jon Goode and author/journalist Mahogany Browne of New York City headline The Signature’s season opener “The Art of Word” Friday, May 6 co-sponsored by the Human Race Theatre Company at the Loft Theatre.
In 2015, Goode’s debut collection of poem and short stories, “Conduit,” was the No. 1 African-American poetry title on Amazon for 12 weeks. He’s been featured on CNN’s “Black in America,” HBO’s “Def Poetry,” BET’s “Lyric Café,” and TV One’s “Verses and Flow.” Browne is the founder of Women Writers of Color, co-editor of Haymarket Anthology, and co-producer of SoundBites Poetry Festival, NYC’s first performance poetry festival. She is also an Urban Word NYC mentor as seen on HBO’s “Brave New Voices.”
“Poetry saved me,” Browne said. “It is the reason I am alive today. It is the reason I am able to walk into a classroom and talk to young women and men about the necessity of their voice. In a world where we are continuously reminded that we aren’t enough – our voices are too loud or our skin is too dark or we don’t come from a place of prestige (or) a place where our votes matter – poetry is the answer. It has taken me around the world and introduced me to the woman I never thought would exist.”
“One of the reasons spoken word is so important is that it simply runs the gamut and allows you to reach an audience wherever they may be, whatever they’re going through,” Goode said. “When a comedian steps in front of an audience, he or she must tell a funny joke and if it isn’t funny they’ve failed. But as a poet, I can take an audience deeper on a completely different level.”
At the moment, Goode, who has shared the stage with such artists as Mos Def, Kanye West, Jamie Foxx and Alicia Keys, is examining many topics worth exploring in his performance from gentrification and homelessness to the water crisis in Flint, Mich. But above all, he wants to provide commentary that will be impactful for the audience.
“Spoken word must entertain or be compelling,” he explained. “People want to be moved in some way. They want to laugh, cry or think. What they’re experiencing cannot be stagnant. It’s up to the poet to tap into that mindset so the audience can take an unforgettable journey.”
In addition to a variety of local poets, singers and visual artists, the production features Dayton band Vibe5 who will perform an eclectic mix of classical, jazz, polka, gospel, hip-hop, and R&B.
“Jon Goode and Mahogany Browne are poetic, artistic giants,” Leone added. “Jon is bringing something to Dayton that is unique and an experience unto itself. In the literary world, Mahogany, supplying a Harlem/Brooklyn café vibe, is becoming a part of the fabric of literature. She’s making a name for herself that will live beyond her years.”
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