poetry slams

   These are open-floor events in which poets compete by performing their poetry for prizes such as cash or theatre tickets. Each competitor reads three minutes of poetry to an audience that includes a panel of five judges with score cards. The scores are added up as the ‘slam’ develops, and usually first, second and third prizes are awarded. Some events are sponsored by book shops or literary festivals, and book tokens or festival tickets may be given to all entrants. ‘Hungry’ poets often arrive early to ensure they make the list of readers. At the UK National Poetry Slam in London there are both individual and team competitions (in the latter, a group of poets read a combination of their work on a particular theme).

   See also: black performance poets; Johnson, Linton Kwesi; performance poetry

   EUGENE LANGE