Poetic License

Teenage poets give spoken word performances that allow them to candidly and poignantly express what it's like growing up in today's America.

Poetic license 01
Premiere Date
April 1, 2001
Length
60 minutes
Funding Initiative
Open Call
Producer

David Yanofsky

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The Film

Performance poetry, or spoken word, is a growing force among teens. With roots as diverse as the West African Griot tradition, Native American oral storytelling and Beat Bebop, spoken word gives teens a chance to sort out complex issues, view their lives as a source of inspiration, and incorporate their own rhythms and language into art. Poetic License follows several young poets who mesmerize audiences as they candidly express what it's like to grow up in America today.

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