Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
The West Coast Premiere of Poetry for the People: The June Jordan Experience by Raymond O. Caldwell & Adrienne Torf is not just a collection of Jordan’s poems, but a work of art in which the emphasis is on vigorous action: about respecting diversity, how to find your own poetic voice, how to write simple but effective poetry for everyone, and the importance of telling the truth (whatever that truth is for you) — because you can’t write a lie and a good poem. The power of our collective voices, combined with some great music, makes for a show that is relaxing and fun. And the best thing is to bring Jordan’s poetry into our community.
June Jordan was one of America’s best-known poets. As a dedicated and inspired teacher, her innovative and highly successful poetry program, Poetry for the People, emerged as a national phenomenon. Her vision and politics set her at the forefront of contemporary poetry, and her work has a far-reaching impact on all poets and readers of poetry today. The program provided a step-by-step guide for teachers and poets on how to inspire young people to become practicing poets.
“For those of us who have been in this building creating Poetry for the People, we’ve found a special kind of solace and solidarity in this work.” says Fountain managing director Johannah Maynard Edwards. The play is directed with passion and enthusiasm by Raymond O. Caldwell. “June reminds us that love must be at the center of every revolution,” says Caldwell. “We’re not just staging her work—we’re channeling her joy, her rage and her uncompromising vision.”
Produced by the Fountain Theatre with Lead Producers Carrie Menkel-Meadow & Robert Meadow, the play is presented by a cast of six women: America Covarrubias, Naseem Etemad, Savannah Schoenecker, Janet Song, Kita Grayson and Mackenzie Mondag. With sharp intensity and definite voices, movements and gestures, they work together like a clock, inspiring everyone to write poetry, express his/her individual style, take dazzling risks of sound, and become lovers of life. They pass notepads and pencils to everyone and offer quiet moments where everyone is encouraged to write something and then share if they so desire. Audience participation is fun and creative.
Poetry for the People: The June Jordan Experience opened on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 8 p.m., with performances continuing on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through March 29 (dark Monday, Feb. 23). Community Conversations, unique post-performance engagement opportunities for audiences including poetry writing workshops, take place every Friday. The performance on Friday, Feb. 13 is Black Out Affinity Night, an opportunity for an audience self-identifying as Black to experience the performance together in a safe and inclusive space.
On Tuesday, February 24, the production will travel to Berkeley for a performance at The Freight in collaboration with UC Berkeley, where Jordan founded her groundbreaking “Poetry for the People” program. The performance will anchor a week of campus programming to celebrate her legacy.
All tickets to Poetry for the People: The June Jordan Experience are Name Your Price. The Fountain Theatre is located at 5060 Fountain Avenue (at Normandie) in Los Angeles. Patrons are invited upstairs to relax before and after the show at the Fountain’s café. For reservations and information, call (323) 663–1525 or go to www.FountainTheatre.com