‘Brave New Voices’ Take the Stage
Following the success of his 2001 HBO series "Def Poetry," Russell Simmons takes a second go at exposing the world to the art of spoken word — only this time, through the focused lens of a young, up-and-coming generation of poets.
Spoken word is something that is felt with the soul, etched into the heart and consciousness of both its poet and its audience. It is not so much a performance as it is a cathartic exploration of the issues, events and thoughts that stir discussion within the nation, expressed through the words of a single artist. And this is something that Russell Simmons, creator of HBO’s cult favorite “Def Poetry,“ understands all too well, which is why the entrepreneur has developed his latest series, “Brave New Voices,“ which premiered on HBO just two weeks ago.
“Brave New Voices” highlights a growing generation of young poets from seven different cities throughout the country (San Francisco, Philadelphia, New York, Santa Fe, Ft. Lauderdale, Honolulu and Ann Arbor) who are representing the thousands of teenagers who find solace through spoken word in today’s chaotic society. Poets from each of the seven teams competed in the Youth Speaks’ 2008 Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Finals, all hoping to walk away with top honors at the National Youth Poetry Slam.
Their stories are diverse and telling, and this collection of spoken word pieces is a clear reflection of the kind of untold American stories that even the best journalists could only hope to unearth. In its premiere episode, “Brave New Voices” follows B. Yung, a 19-year-old Brooklyn native who finds release from his unstable family life (he and his mother were homeless and living in shelters when he was in the fifth grade), and his internal journey to work through tough times to come out on top.
The episode also spotlights Britney Wilson, a young Brooklynite with cerebral palsy who perseveres against expectation with the audacity and determination of a true leader; her poem about her aspirations to one day become the president of the United States is a beautiful blend of sass and sensibility.
More amazing than the stories that these young poets tell, however, is the fact that they are all so driven in their quest to discover truth through narrative, and the ways in which each individual really grows and develops as a human being makes the show all the more poignant.
The seven-part series will showcase poets from every race, class, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation and economic background. With the world as their audience, the teens will have a chance to share in a kind of honesty and deep thinking that might otherwise be pushed to the wayside. The series is a testament to the idea that this generation is the one that will be making a difference and effecting change in the world.
By giving the youth a stage to stand upon, Simmons is also giving them something to stand for.
There is only one you.
You will pass this way only once.
Do it right.
Esther Akutekha
Apr 21st 09
05:39 PM