On Nov. 10, Guelph will host an inaugural performance poetry competition with a $10,000 prize purse – the Ontario International Poetry Slam (OIPS). Presented by the not-for-profit Guelph Spoken Word, and spearheaded by local businessman and slam poetry enthusiast, Mark MacKinnon, OIPS launches at the River Run Centre.
Poetry slams have crossed the border into the hearts of Canadians from all walks of life since it was cooked up in the soul-soaked city of Chicago in a jazz lounge just over a quarter century ago. Slams were created to transform poetry from static readings for the artistic elite into stunning, interactive, dynamic, and competitive performances. Only original writing can be performed and no props or musical accompaniments are allowed. Members of the audience are selected to be judges at the slam.
With the most lucrative cash purse in open slam competition history, OIPS has attracted 60 world-class poets from Canada and the United States to share their art. Many local poets from Ontario will take the River Run Centre stage, engaging in a performance poetry battle with artists representing cities as diverse as Vancouver, Calgary, Oakland, Austin, Atlanta, Chicago, Halifax Montreal and St. John’s.
“This massive event is an unprecedented opportunity to establish Guelph as a world leading supporter of performance poetry excellence,” said OIPS creative director Mark MacKinnon.
OIPS will feature six preliminary two-round bouts throughout the day, running from 11am until 6pm interspersed with breaks. The two poets that earn the highest scores in each of the six preliminary bouts will advance to the 8pm final bout where they will compete in a three-round format for a chance to win a share of the $10,000 prize pool. $45 audience tickets provide access to all preliminary bouts as well as the grand slam finals.
For additional details about the Ontario International Poetry Slam, and to purchase tickets, visit www.oips.ca.
