This 6 week, 24-hour intensive workshop will focus on the multi-faceted aspects of spoken word and performance poetry as tools for educating and empowering participants in relation to COVID-19. By analyzing and educating participants in regards to all things relational to COVID-19 (i.e. PPE, Prevention, Vaccination, Health and safety, etc.) individuals will have an opportunity to empower, express, and perform what they learn about COVID-19.
Throughout the workshop, individuals will create performance poetry rooted in guidelines and confirmed education about COVID-19 that can be shared with their respective communities in the form of performance. Classes will be held in the beginning of the week, where Individuals will take material and learn how to incorporate various techniques of performance, as well as be able to write original material that is an immediate reflection of their unique, and individualized voice. At the end of each week, performances of original spoken word/performance poetry will be showcased as part of a weekly, curated Open Mic, with an emphasis on Participants performing the work they’ve created with tools they have learned for the week. Each week will emphasize a different aspect about COVID-19 prevention, education, and tools to combat exposure. The workshops will also provide an opportunity for participants to share their own personal experiences with COIVD- 19 as a way to relieve and process the many traumas and shame associated with the disease and the pandemic.
Workshop Facilitated by
ALEX ALPHARAOH
Alex Alpharaoh is a Guatemalan born, nationally recognized, award winning actor, writer, spoken word poet, solo performer, and teaching artist from Los Angeles, CA. Prior to Covid-19, He was on national tour with his autobiographical solo show titled WET: A DACAmented Journey, a story about what it means to be an American in every sense of the word except on paper. Alex is the recipient of the LADCC 2018 Solo Performance of the Year award for his work on WET. As a formerly undocumented citizen, Alpharaoh believes in the transformative power of sharing one’s truth and vulnerability, especially in the face of danger. Alpharaoh teaches a FunDaMentals of Spoken Word and Performance Poetry class where he fuses writing technique with experiential acting, creating a powerful toolset for self expression and healing. He is the founder of SP!T: Spoken Word Theatre, that focuses on telling stories about Los Angeles by fusing street culture with acting as the basis of his storytelling. Alpharaoh has been acting professionally for over a decade and has been a lyricist for over 25 years. He is currently in the process of writing his first memoir.
WORKSHOPS
Monday, May 17th thru Friday, June 25th
via ZOOM
Mondays workshops 7pm-9pm
Fridays open mic 7pm-9pm
Educate to Eradicate is generously funded by a grant from the Keck School of Medicine of USC through the Stay Connected Los Angeles initiative.
