Feature: The Ensemble Theatre Presents DRAMA-TRY: A DRAMATIC NIGHT OF POETRY

This weekend-Saturday, April 16-an Ensemble Theatre auxiliary group, Act One Young Professionals, presents DRAMA-TRY: A DRAMATIC NIGHT OF POETRY. Here to talk about the poetry showcase with BroadwayWorld are Andrea Browne and Henry Mosley, Co-Chairs of the Act One Young Professionals Steering Committee, and event host/emcee, the poet Se7en.

---

DRAMA-TRY is an important event for black expression, says Browne. "[P]oetry is a form of expression where these artist are telling stories, and in some instances chronicling what they see in our communities and in society as a whole through their craft." Se7en agrees. As the host, "my intention, as always, is to enlighten, educate and entertain."

Poets Bar None, D.E.E.P, The Fluent One, and Miss Pinky round out the roster. Se7en sings their praises. "The level of talent that will be presented that evening is intellectually and creatively phenomenal," he says. "[The audience] may find themselves laughing, crying or angry enough to fight all in a three to four minute time span."

This line-up is the best of the best. "Since Act One is celebrating its 5-year anniversary we thought it would be great to ask some of the poets who've really set the mic on fire to return," says Mosley. "We've had at least 20 different poets perform in DRAMA-TRY since we started it."

Mosley admits, however, that some of the greats will be missing, including audience favorite Joe P. Or maybe he won't, teases Mosley. Joe P. performs in DETROIT '67, which is currently running on the company stage. Since the two productions are in the same space, it would be a happy coincidence for the poet to make an appearance.

The DRAMA-TRY dress code is Hip Hop Chic. "Hip Hop is cool, expressive and fun," says Browne. "There's always the element of the unexpected like mixing elements of casual, throwback, and dress attire into one ensemble." The chosen attire is to provoke creativity in audience members. "Hip Hop Chic is just everyone's unique way of expressing themselves through the way they dress, with a little attitude or swag if you will," explains Mosley. "You can bet I will rock my fedora or bowtie depending on my mood for the day." Se7en ups the ante. "Grunge, runway, European cut, Afro-centric, rebelliousness" are all welcome. This is a day about individualism in style and in thought.

But the event is more important than appearances. Se7en makes this clear when I remark on his effortless cool. "Effortless cool? I'm not sure where that comes from but I assure you that my efforts are effortless." In his ribbing, Se7en clarifies the meaning and intentions of the event. There won't be any "video vixens, bottle poppin or super producer beats," he says. But "simply intellectually superior, multi-faceted griot, pulpit, streets."

Act One grants the dais to Houston poets each year, in celebration of poets, poetry, and National Poetry Month (April). "For many years poetry has had a stereotype that has plagued and pigeon holed the art form," says Se7en. "We are not all angry, anti government, racist, militant, romantics, sexually charged, tree huggers that do drugs while wearing dashikis and beads as we burn incense." While militant sexually charged treehuggers possess talent and deserve a voice like any other poet, Se7en wants to see a wider spectrum of representation. "[W]e are much more." As is the general public. Poetry is for both the quiet, simple moments in life as well. Se7en hopes this event will "convert people into poetry lovers by exposing them to what we do."

That said, poets in Houston are doing just fine. "The career prospects for poets in our city are limitless," says Se7en. Cities like LA, New York, and Atlanta pale in comparison. "We are one of the largest poetry communities in the nation," he boasts. "I challenge anyone to dance with the talent in my city!"

The organization also hopes the showcase will expose younger audiences to poetry and the theater. "[I]n order to sustain, you've got to be able to look ahead," Mosley says. In his experiences leading similar organizations and as a business owner, Mosley has learned that "you are always working on multiple levels of awareness to sustain for the future." Generational support is essential to The Ensemble Theatre. "We already see some families have two to three generations who come see the shows, participated or had children who participated in its youth programs, and have been donors for years."

Conversely, a portion of DRAMA-TRY's proceeds fund a scholarship for The Ensemble Theatre's Young Performers Program, which provides entertainment arts education for children and teens age 6-17. With programming like DRAMA-TRY, Act One ensures the longevity of The Ensemble Theatre as it fosters local talent, creating a symbiotic relationship between theater and community.

---

DRAMA-TRY: A DRAMATIC NIGHT OF POETRY is on Saturday, April 16, 2017, 7:00pm - Midnight. The Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main Street. ensemblehouston.com/ActOne/index. $15-$20.

To post a comment, you must register and login.