Poetic Voices: A Global Journey
We’re seeking expressive, thoughtful performers to bring powerful poems from around the world to life. Each short will feature a dramatic performance of a poem, followed by insightful commentary from a subject-matter expert to explore its deeper meaning and cultural context. Some pieces will be solo performances, while others will involve two or more actors sharing lines to create a layered, dynamic delivery.
Poetry In Hollywood
In preparing for this project, I researched how poems are performed in films. One example that stood out was the film “The Postman” about the exile of the poet Pablo Neruda in Cecily and his friendship with a post office employee. After the film, several actors recorded some of Neruda’s poems. Their performances are powerful and diverse. From simple and understated, to powerful and emotional.
Sometimes directors use poetry in films as a dramatic element. Here are three examples from the Piano, Apocalypse Now, and Blade Runner.
The performance of each actor is unique and brings subtle feelings and thoughts. Here is one poem, “Funeral Blues” by W. H. Auden that is read by three actors. The three reads are by performed John Hannah, in a scene from the film “Four Weddings and Funeral”, Tom Hiddleston, and Lindsay Duncan.
I will be updating this page as the project progresses. Of course, the above list is not conclusive by any means. Rather these are only examples. If you know of great performance that you would like to share, please use the contact form below to send it to me.