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On the week of May 12th through 18th, Barcelona swells up with poetry and thousands of activities, promoting and spreading the magic of the written and recited verse.
But Barcelona is poetry all year long. The truth is that, throughout history, the Catalan capital has been home to many poets who made it their muse, giving it a bohemian and evocative air thick with rhymes that resonate in our memory to this day.
The relationship between Barcelona and poetry is such a well-established one that it’s no surprise that the last few years have borne witness to the birth of myriad initiatives around this art form. Today we want to show you Barcelona’s most poetic side. A stroll through rhyme, rhythm and rhetoric that will surely win you over.
Expendeduría Poética. Take Away Poetry
What would it be like to take part in a poet’s creative process, being able to walk out with your very own poem? At Expendeduría Poética, typewriter wielding Poetógrafas Performáticas (something along the lines of Perfomantic Poetographesses), enact a happening and performance of sorts, in which the visitor becomes the main protagonist in the birthing of an art work that he can later take home in exchange for a small donation. Instant poetry, they call it.
The idea here is as follows: one walks in and finds a number of English words to choose from. After picking 3, he stamps then on an official document which he then hands to Poetographess number 1. She, in turn, starts creating a poem around the chosen words. Next, the document is passed on to Poetographess number 2, who finishes writing the poem, and hands it back to its rightful initial creator (the visitor) in exchange for the corresponding fee. The idea couldn’t ooze more creativity. Without a doubt, a unique and personalized souvenir from Barcelona.
And if hunger strikes… you can always eat your poem! They have their own wafer machine where you can print out your poem with edible ink to get a belly full of poetry.
Where? Cotoners, 8
Further info: http://expendeduriapoetica.com/
Cronopios. The Meeting Place for Freethinkers
Home to Barcelona’s creative spirits and a meeting point for poets, actors, writers and other endangered creatures. It derives its name from Julio Cortázar’s Cronopios and Famas (1962) storybook, where he writes, “A cronopio is a drawing out of range, a poem without rhymes”.
This unpretentious venue in the depths of the Raval neighborhood is the headquarters for all types of activities that take poetry and literature as their point of reference. From writing workshops, to open mic sessions where one can step onto the stage to present and share his creations or those of others. Musical, theatrical and cinematic events are also hosted by this small cultural association, which aims to be a space for free expression always open to new proposals.
Where? Ferlandina 16
Further info: https://clubcronopiosblog.wordpress.com/
Prostíbulo Poético. Intellectual Sex
With its roots in New York, it came to Barcelona in 2009, and has since revolutionized the concept of recited poetry. Under the guise of burlesque, they offer various workshops and events, all of them related to poetry. Private parties, poetry on wheels, chocolate and poetry tastings, aphrodisiac dinners… and a never-ending load of provocative suggestions where the only condition is that one delves in experimentation and words. Everything that goes on in this poetry brothel is carefully recorded in the Red Book, a compilation of the many nights of irreverent, daring and profane stanzas. A new way to bring poetry closer to the audience, through entertainment and the most politically incorrect of games.
Where? At Teatreneu, Carrer de Terol, 35
Further Info: http://prostibulopoetico.com/
Poetry Slam. One, Two, Three, Slam!
And last but not least, the initiative that has been blowing audiences away the last few years and reinstating poetry in its right place as indispensable urban cultural material: Slam Poetry Battles. Inspired in boxing matches, slams are 50% poetry and 50% execution. The idea was born nearly 30 years ago in Chicago, but it has only really gained momentum in the last 5 years, earning the praise of audiences in Madrid, Catalonia, Valencia, Andalusia, etc.
Words steal the spotlight and their creators take the stage to defend their lines before a jury chosen at random, who award each participant points until they find their winner- the True Master of the Spoken Word. A dynamic show that is always exciting to witness, and that never fails to bring out the poet we all carry inside.
When and where? Once a month at CCCB, Montalegre, 5
More info: https://www.facebook.com/PoetrySlamBarcelona
