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The Slam Poets

How has the poetry slam taken over the world? Lemn Sissay discovers the secret of its success, and whether poetry can survive the raw competition at the heart of the slam.

Since it was invented in 1986, the poetry slam has spread all over the world. But what is it about putting one poet up against another that makes it so successful?

Lemn Sissay examines the natural drama at the heart of the slam and asks whether poetry can survive the judgment of the crowd. Kat Francois explains how winning the UK national slam transformed her career, while Marc Smith insists that the competition he invented was only ever meant as a game.

Written and presented by Lemn Sissay
Sound design by Charlie Brandon-King
Produced by Richard Lea and Joe Hallam

A Bafflegab production for 成人快手 Radio 4

Available now

14 minutes

Last on

Wed 9 Feb 2022 13:45

Broadcasts

  • Fri 17 Dec 2021 19:00
  • Wed 9 Feb 2022 13:45