HPS Magazine

Location.
Chicago, Il by way of Houston, Texas

What motivates you?
So it’s my goal to tell the stories of my community. That’s really the basics of it. Tell the stories that need to be told and stir hearts and minds. My hope is that the stories I tell help ignite people’s souls.

Company name: Resident Playwright of Chicago Dramatists, Artistic Director of New Voices Theatre

What is the biggest reward for doing what you do?

Reginal: When someone approaches me and tells me thank you for telling a story that helped heal some emotional wound that was buried deep inside. That’s the moment that I really feel complete. Is when I know that the play I just spent days, weeks, months, sometimes years on had helped somebody in some way shape or form.

I think too often people jump into this with their eyes clouded by the hunt of financial success. Get your play on broadway, get your play in American Theatre Magazine, or a sweeping cross country national regional blah blah blah world production in some 300 seat mega theatre like the Guthrie, Goodman, the Public, or the Taper. And that’s great to want those things, I’m relatively young to this business and believe me, even I want those things, but I think people have to realize that the greatest reward a writer can get out of this is knowing that at the end of the day that someone saw and heard those words written come to life and that if filled someones soul with light for just a little while in a world that is so dark and cruel to live in currently.

Have you ever put on a production where when its over you felt amazed? Why?

Reginald: I feel that way every time a production ends. For me seeing those words come to life and watching how the audience responds to it is perhaps one of the greatest highs I’ve ever experienced.

What is the tough part of doing what you do?

Reginald: I think the toughest part about this business, is that as a writer its such a lonely path, it doesn’t pay great, and a huge amount of it is all about waiting for something to happen, and it can be frustrating at time.

If you were on stage & was asked to play Shakespeare to Mrs. Obama would you be serious or act like Rupaul acting out Shakespeare & why?

Reginald: I won’t do either, cause I’m difficult like that. I’d write an adaption of a Shakespearean play but have it deal with the black experience.

What would you say to a person wanting to do what you do?

Reginald: I would say that if this is something you truly want to do deep down in your core then go for it. But I would warn that it hard going into the deep into the depth of one soul and writing something meaningful. I would also say that if you want to write then you should remember this one key thing. That every play that you write should be both a love note and a suicide note to the world, like its the last play you’ll ever write.

If you really wanted to convince someone to join your company what would you say to help them decide to come to you?

Reginald: I’d tell them that New Voices Theatre is a company dedicated to giving emerging playwrights of color opportunities to have their plays work-shopped, produced, and developed by any means necessary.

Why do you think its important for the arts to stay relevant for future generations?

Reginald: I just think that people should seriously start looking at art as a way that you can peek into the soul of American life. I think people have forgotten that fact. So often we write the pedestrian play, when there is a bigger world to capture. And audiences have gotten bored with the pedestrian. Time writers start digging deep into the core of humanity again, time for producers to get the balls to produce those plays, and its time for audiences to quit being lazy and applauding the mediocre and start saying give me a little heat to ignite my soul, and maybe those young audiences will start feeling like yeah maybe this theatre thing is relevant to my life after all and it’s not actually just a bunch of high dollar b.s. Too often audiences walk out the doors of theatres and they haven’t felt anything rock their world. Think its time we change that. Writers aren’t writing for change or for revolution in thought anymore, and the ones that are don’t get produced that often or at all.

Do you think the art of acting has been lost to media fame & the craft has been pushed aside for looks instead of talent? Why?

Reginald: Definitely, definitely, definitely!!! I just think that’s America, actually in general and that’s a sad truth. It’s that our values in this country has been thrown the hell off balance, and I’m not certain if that will ever get made right and that’s tragic. Until we collectively say we want to see stories about America from all perspectives then it will never happen, cause in the minds of the people in power within theatre and films, often its not about the art, its not about the soul of the community, all they care about is what’s going to sell tickets, what’s going to aid in the continued success. And placing some plastic celeb or a pretty person will do that. Will sell that ticket in the United States of America. Everywhere else I think they value talent above all else. I don’t know just a thought

A tell-all author speaks candid about her writing and one of her subjects expresses his feelings about being written about. Dec.2010

Corle’ On: How do you think you were portrayed in Miss Webb’s book? answer: First of all, thank you for allowing me to be apart of this interview and Honoring Poetic Society Magazine. I’m honored and flattered people want to know about my character (Todd) and Me (Corle). I have no complaints about my character. It is what it is! It’s cool. She kept it close to the truth. Webb: do you think you offended any of the people you wrote about even though you changed their names? answer: I think some men/women were offended if they’re into kidding their self. I was very honest. If any- thing a few people should be grateful for some details I may have left out…. Corle’On: what DIDN’T she say that you felt should have been said? answer: Nothing or than it’s based on 1999. It’s a true a story. I’m proud of Aquarius and wish her the best. I enjoyed it reading it. Webb: in your book you put your personal life out for all to see… do you think you put too much out and why not keep some things to yourself? answer: I have a strong belief in telling my side before anyone else does. I will not allow anyone to hang any- thing over my head. I’m Me! As for others, I did speak to the majority of the characters before My Life was released and everyone has told me, “I don’t care what you write as long as you write the truth.” Corle’ On: reading the book how did you feel reading about the other men in her life? answer: That’s Life! People fall in and out of love all the time. You can’t be mad at that. I’m glad through it all, we’re still friends. Webb: what do you want your children to understand about the content when they read it? answer: I’m in no hurry for my children to read my book. However, I can’ t keep it from them much longer. My children are bright, strong and supportive. I’d have to break it down simply by explaining, “Mommy had a Life before she had a family. My family adds to the story.” CCorle on knowing the life of the character how close was it to you then and to where you are now in your life? answer: It’s in my DNA to always be a hustla. The difference is I do more hustlin’ on a positive level. Then? I was about getting it done by any means! Now? I’m about my image but remaining focused. Webb: do you think after doing “a tell all” people will take you serious if you tried doing another book but in a different angle far from this one? answer: Yes I know I will be taken seriously. Before my book, I was known for writing blogs on Myspace. I wrote Poetry in Middle and High School. Writing is my passion. I don’t just write for you, I write for me. If I’m happy, I’m confident you’ll be happy. MY LIFE BY AQUARIUS 220 found on http://www.amazon.com http://www.barnes&noble.com http://www.xlibris.com $20. I have a 12 month calendar due summer 2011. I have a few satellite radio interviews lined up. I’m quite the busy bee. I can be found on Facebook- AQUARIUS W EBB and AQUARIUS 2-2-0 (writer). Myspace AQUARIUS 2-2-0. Thank you for your interest. Please be sure to keep in touch.

Corle’ On: what changes would you make to her character that you think she didn’t say about herself? answer: I wouldn’t change anything about her character …not one thing! I’ve always known her to tell EVERYTHING!!! I wouldn’t expect any thing less. Thank you for this interview. Some of my Network information is: THE LEGEND OF BLACK TONY and EP releasing later this year in December. On this particular album I’m working with Scarface (Houston) and Bernstein. It w ill be sold ITunes and in stores as well. Most sales will be digital. The actual album drops next summer. Consider it a foreplay. I’m using that to get you ready for what’s to come. I can be found on FACEBOOK under CORLE’ ON. Twitter CORLEBMT. Email ad- dress COR_LE@YAHOO.COM. Eventually, my video will have a second version. My Team and I are currently working on a project called the CORNER STONE. We are interested in making a cartoon based idea. My song called FINER THANGZ (Scarface& Berstein) can be found on YOUTUBE under COR’LE.

Lady d…how did you get started in radio?

Anderson…On the east coast at Norfolk State University as an intern

Lady d…what inspires your poetry?

Anderson…Emotions as i feel any strong emotions it drives me to express myself thru poetry.

Lady d…do you ever use your poetry on the air?

Anderson…Yes, All the time, in between my R&B sets I perform on air

Lady d….for those that don’t know give a little insight on your cd

Anderson…My current project, Sophisticated Hyphy mix cd is a collection of poetry & mu sic with a blend of hip – hop …. co-produced by DJSL . I set out to create a cd with a live lounge feel, like an artist jam session. We used a lot of live sound to create a soulful approach to hip – hip spoken work poetry … & we are current putting together a band to rock with me for upcoming shows.

Lady d…why do you think men seem to be noticed more in a lot of fields besides just entertainment?

Anderson…Men rule the material world, Women do not at the present time, however women are very influential in all aspects of life. Throughout history there has been great men, but there has never been a time where there wasn’t a great woman. Women are beautiful & connected to spir it much more than men are, a woman intuition is some- thing that is priceless. I have respect for all, especially women in business, so if that is your calling don’t let nothing stop u, just don’t lose yourself playing a game of completion that separates u from spirit. Did I mention I love women !!! There a four things I need to create heaven on earth for me 1) tea 2) honey 3) cannabis 4) women … & all the ladies are invited.

Lady d…if you could do your dream showcase and it could be aired any where…who would be in it.. where would it air and why?

Anderson…On HBO at Oakland, Ca Fox Theater, Live band ft Roots, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Too Short & Shake9169 hosted by Dave Chapelle Ld…what makes a poet stand out in your eyes?

Lady d…what is something that surprised people about you that makes you laugh and wonder why?

Anderson…Don’t know how u answer that… I do have a cannabis cookie named after me, I fine that funny.

Lady d….what’s the hardest thing about being you?

Anderson…Dealing with other peoples idea of what I am & what I am doing, feeling other peoples energy good or bad & dealing with any negative energy in a positive way.

Open Mic!!!!

My life is a song & everything I say is a quote, I surround myself in love & deliver positive information & encourage hope… So itz easy to see whose hating, I am a Love monster, I feed of energy especially negative vibrations, consume it, convert it, with creativity & show haters love … Now thatz what I mean when I say “Give evil a hug” – Shake9169 aka Gingerbread Man

How long have you been painting?

Hello, I have been painting seriously since November 2006. Yet, I’d like to think that we all started our creative paintings from our preschool years. So it’s been a lifetime. (smile)
 

what is your motivation for each piece that you create?

My motivation is my poetry and short stories. I have been writing since grade school, my writing started to become alive and in full vivid color and I began to paint my poems. I also am infatuated with beautiful people not just mere aesthetics, but inside, how they relate to me and others, sometimes in the most awful situations certain people can handle themselves so beautifully that it’s worth the attempt i make on canvas, be it the blues or being ecstatic. Emotions are displayed maybe in a color I choose, or a subject. A smile doesn’t have to be painted as a smile it can be painted as a flower because that is often what i do when i see them, i smile.

what is your biggest fear with your up incoming  showcase of your work?

oh man that’s a great question, i would have to say my biggest fear about my next showcase is not having enough beauty to share to satisfy my soul and others. So I usually paint like a mad woman until i feel satisfied that i have enough. And it usually is.

if you can do artwork for any person who and why?

another great question, i would do artwork for poets, spoken word or the poetry writers like myself. I love the way a great poem feels, it can get so deep inside of who you are in that little snatch of a moment that i just want to run home and paint that emotion before it escapes me. If i could bottle it up i would then get home and release it just to see what colors the  vapors would release and paint, paint, paint. No sleep just paint and be in my moment. So if i was limited to one person it would be Saul Williams.

What’s  something you wish people would ask you but never do?

people always ask me why i don’t perform my poetry on stage, but i want them to ask me to get on stage with the visual poetry i present to them at each exhibit, don’t just limit me to the walls in your museum or gallery or restaurant get me on stage while you dilly dally around looking at other art and eat your food, sip your coffee and watch me on stage while i paint my poetry in loud bold colors. i want them to ask why don’t you please ask me to have my poetry book be the next book at your book club meeting. I want and need that. I love deciphering poetry, i really wish that book clubs would look into that more.

Thank you so very much in advance

Denise D. Cooper
Art Relic

Cell: 682-225-1601

www.denisedcooperart.webs.com

Age: 27

Location: Houston

Goals: To do what I love… Forever.

Talents: Speaking and performing.

Motivation:  School loans mixed with my stubbornness to make this
(performance poet) work.

Present Projects:  Meta-Four Houston (Head coach of Houston’s youth
poetry slam: A project of Writers in the Schools).  Houston V.I.P.
Poetry Slam Team.  Converse (touring my one-man show). Continuously
producing work.

What’s a misconception about you? 

That I think of poetry as a hobby.

What do you like about slam?

  That it forces me to create new work
and get instant perspectives from an audience literally from around
the country.  Also, it is a great network.  I use slam as a tool to
better my craft.

How would you describe your work? 

Energetic. Passionate. Profound.
Intriguing. Eventually timeless will be added. I want people to be
engulfed within my work.

What do you like most about traveling? 

Getting there and meeting
people especially after a performance.

What achievements are you most known for?

Being ranked 9th in
Individual World Poetry Slam 2013. Being the spoken-word artist that
wasn’t published to be nominated for Texas Poet Laurette 2012. My
one-man show Converse premiering on 42nd Street in NYC for the
UnitedSolo Festival 2013.

If you had the opportunity to recite for our president which one of
your poems would you do and why that piece? 

Failure.  It’s my
favorite poem that I perform.  I feel that it will automatically
re-address some issues about our prison systems that need to change.
Here is the link–>  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eixI34pysM0

What’s one question you wish people would ask you?

What do I need?
lol But, for real.

What’s your fondest memory on stage so far? 

Too many

Age: 28

Name: LionHeart

Achievements: Multiple awards and spotlights

Goals: To publish a series of books and expand my nonprofit work

Inspiration: My family and my supporters

Passions: Performing, helping and uplifting others, community service.

Interview:

What makes your poetry stand out in your eyes?

A wise man told me that the definition of art is truth. So whatever form of art you choose is how you tell your truth. I tell my truth in a way that is abstract to most raw and unfiltered. With every poem I write and perform I guarantee you will feel it because I put my heart into every piece.

Why do you think your religion plays a big part in your work?

Spirituality plays a much bigger role than religion. They play a big role in my writings because it is what taught me to stand for my fellow man even when they can’t stand for themselves and love with everything in me. Factors I feel that are missing in this day and time.

Who inspires you in your life?

Wow, there are so many people for different reasons. First my family their love and support give me energy to push forward with them believing in me I can’t let them down. My team is another inspirational force behind me; they all have invested in me and depend on me to better myself and ascend so anything but success is not even a thought. My poetic family is just a force I am honored to know. Last and most important is everyone who took/takes the time to check out my work it feels good to know the very thing I pour my soul into is appreciated and loved and that ignites a fire that could never be extinguished.

What do you like about performing?

I love interacting with the people their reactions to what you lay before them is priceless. I love the realness of the situation meaning you are making yourself vulnerable on a stage giving everything you have and the crowd meets you halfway and they connect with what your saying is a bond no words can describe.

If you could create your own showcase who would star in it and why?

That would be the longest showcase ever lol. First is Sunni Patterson she is such a force on stage and you can literally feel what she speaks. That woman could read me the dictionary. Quise, Isly Mo, Anu Healing Jamie Bond, Kelligraphy Pens, D. Greaves, Twosenuf, Poco, Lyrical Movements, Steel Determination, Watcher of 13, Chyna Blue, Justplain Jodi, and this list goes on forever. These are some of the most dopest, lyrical artist I know and if you don’t know them find them.

What authors did you grow up reading that you feel influence you to this day?

Honestly not many because I used to think poetry was nothing more than cupcakes and fairy tales. One day in class we had to do a project on Edgar Allan Poe and my mind was blown. He single handedly showed me that poetry can be whatever you wish it to be. Another author is John Milton who wrote two of the longest poems in history Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained.

What’s your most embarrassing moment on stage thus far?

It was one of my first shows I was so nervous and this group of men were talking through my whole set and I lost it not meaning I went off but my mind went completely blank and I panicked and went impromptu through the rest of the set lol I felt so shamed the the host told me she was gonna rape me on the mic in front of the entire venue with a very colorful choice of vocabulary.

What’s one thing about you people would be surprised to know about you?

In High School I sung classical music in choir all 4 years.

What can the public look forward to from you?

I am in the process of publishing my first book, plenty of performances and a slew of events geared towards the community and showing love and support for those who are in need.

What do you want readers to experience from your work?

My only desire is that they feel what I speak and understand it in its sincerest form. All I do in my work is offer you my heart and every emotion that comes along with it so you can find a little bit of yourself in it and know you are not alone.

Ajali/ Cassandria Funches

46 years of age (July 17, 1967)

Born: Texarkana, TX 

Reside:  Houston, TX

Goals: To heal as many people as possible with my words.  To awaken the dead with thought provoking content. 

Talents:  Spoken Word Artist, Play Write, Singer, Graphic Design Artist, Emotional Coach, Mentor, Listener

Achievements: Giving birth to two beautiful children, Alvin & Breyana Funches-Thomas – who grew up to marry to beautiful people, Cerenthia Scott & Brandon Lowe. And then there are the typical things people say…Strong Family, Order of Eastern Star, Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, AWRT-American Women in Radio and Television, Manager of the Quarter – Radio One Houston.

Motivation:  My motivation comes every morning when I inhale, seriously! My family also motivates me – knowing that I make them proud and never bring shame to my family name.

Upcoming Projects:  Above the Rim pre-game show Rockets vs Pacers basketball game 3/7/14, Jen.e.sis at Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) 4/26/14, Rage of Passion the play, SOUL’D OUT the play and EYES WIDE OPEN the Cd project.

What do you believe your best known for?

Ajali: I believe I’m best known for my giving spirit.  Being there for others, in their time of need

How does it feel to know that whenever your name is mentioned its responded with smiles and positive feedback?

Ajali: It feels awesome! Knowing that I’m not in a space of yielding drama or discord.  I pride myself on that, seriously.

 In your eyes what are some positive aspect of Houston’s poetry scene?

Ajali: I love the Houston poetry scene and I’ve been around it since 1996, when I moved back to Houston!! One thing that I love the most is you can find a spot almost any given night.  

Using only 4 words how would you describe Lady Pariah?

Ajali: Loyal, Connected, Eclectic, Beautiful

If you could create a DVD for every home in this country to watch who would be on it and why?

Ajali: If we are talking about a movie and celebrity actors: Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Gabrielle Union, Taraji P Henson, Ving Rhames and Kerry Washington.  These actors bring very strong performances.  Most of their movies have touched my spirit in one way or another.

Why do you believe there are more men performing than women?

Ajali: believe a lot of women have a fear of failure and embarrassment.  Men on the other hand, have a tendency to lack the embarrassment gene, as do I.  There is also the factor, women find other things that will take their time away from their writing (family/children) and move in that direction, which will cause them to step away from the scene (which did I for a period of time).

What’s the toughest part about being a female poet?

Ajali: The most difficult thing about being a female poet is laying your foundation in the beginning.  You have to come hard and stand on what you’re writing.  You don’t want to get caught up as a victim in the scene.  What I mean by that is, you come with the soft little love pieces, male poets will try to hit you with “New Meat” lines.  So, you have to come with substance and walk with integrity.

Outside of poetry what other aspects of your life are you passionate about?

Ajali: Ajali Entertainment is the parent company of poACTry.  We are a group of poets/actors that write/perform Poetic Stage Plays.  We travel to perform our plays and hope to get on the big stage one day.  From my mouth to God’s ears.

Does your work and educational background interact with your writing?

Ajali: I think so…I’ve been in the media industry since 1996.  This environment breads creativity.  I love that!! In college, Texas Southern University, I studied Communication/Journalism.  I’ve been a writer since I was a small child (7-8yrs old).

What poets (from Houston or anywhere) inspires you?

Ajali: I get my most inspiration from my mentor, Angie G. (Angela Olivia Guillory).  From the first time I saw her perform, I gravitated to her.  It was her style, verbiage, walk and poise that drew me in completely.  Others that give me goose bumps are Rain the Poet, Kayenne Nebula, Lady Pariah, Karega Ani, Lyro, TimBuktu…I could go on and on…

Do you think our poetry community having a reputation for not being supportive of each other is founded?

Ajali: I think everyone should be where they can be and support who they want to support.  I know that you can be more than one place at a time, and supporting every poet gets very expensive.  I used to stress myself out about going to everyone’s sets and performances.  Now, I go where I can, when I can, and when I feel like it.  I think some poets take it personal and really shouldn’t.  One thing to remember, a lot of artist rely strictly on their hustle to eat, so spending $10-$20 to hit each venue and/or show is not going to happen ~ so, when I see anyone, I’m excited to see them and I don’t worry about the people that didn’t make it.  They have their reasons and it’s not for me to judge if those reasons are valid.

What are your first memories of Lady Pariah?

Ajali:  LOL…I love her so much…My first memories of Lady Pariah are at Harlon’s BBQ downtown.  This little white girl walks in with her backpack, journals, tablets and a bunch of bangles bracelets.  She looked so out of place and I wanted her to feel comfortable.  When she got on the mic, it was a different flow, but it had substance.  I could tell she had something to say.  I approached her and told her good job.  Our friendship grew from that moment!

You can find out other information at AjaliEntertainment.com, Fb: Ajali Entertainment, IG: AjaliPoet, Twitter: @AjaliPoet

There will be an interview airing the week of 2/17/14 on OLD GRUMPY RADIO HOUSTON & NEW YORK 

Thanks for the opportunity Deidre – I really appreciate it!!

Ajali
Ajali Entertainment
Events, Marketing & Promotions
832-868-8560

Ajali-Entertainment Facebook Fan Page

Lady d….what are your thoughts when you go into well known book stores and see little to no selections of poetry when you know there are thousands of books for readers?

Acey…I don’t think much about since we’re in the internet age. If someone’s a fan, they can easily purchase signed copies off their favorite poet’s website. I used to provide books to stores on consignment but it was often hard to collect the money once the books were sold. Without distribution, it proved too much of a hassle. Also, we often don’t hold the level of inventory that would justify having books sitting idle in a store that we could easily have sold at a show for one hundred percent of the proceeds.

Lady d…if you could ask someone you admire one question who and what would you ask?

Acey…I would ask Oprah what she felt ab out Spoken Word and what she thought could be done to expose it to more people.

Lady d…what awards that you received for your work you never saw coming?

Acey…Two films that I was associated with one Sundance Awards. Also, my books and CDs have received awards from poetry organizations around the country including the MNSWA (Minnesota National Spoken Word Awards), the NUSPA (National Underground Spoken word Poetry Awards) in D.C. and Poetry for the People in Baltimore.

Lady d…what is one place you haven’t traveled to but can’t wait to go?

Acey…I would love to visit Senegal. I’v e wanted to see it since my college days. I never thought I’d have spent time in Holland, Germany, the UK and Austria before ever once going to Africa.

Lady d…what is something people DON’T know about you?

Acey…Many people don’t know that my education is in business rather than literature. I have a B.S. in Accounting and an M.B.A. in Finance from Rutgers, where I subsequently taught.

Lady d…if you were allowed to make poetry more of a focus in the classroom what authors would you submit and why?

Acey…Gil Scott-Heron is my all time favorite. I would also choose Amiri Baraka because his work translates even better on page. I also believe Gwendolyn Brooks and June Jordan are amazing, lyrical writers.

Lady d…you have been on TV, magazines, live and every form possible right now… what other ways are you looking into showcasing yourself and your craft?

Acey…I would like to do more television work. It seems to be the best way to get my work in front of more people. The feedback I’ve received from BET and TV One’s support has proven very helpful over the years. Having a more pervasive television presence would significantly assist in exposing my art to the world.

Lady d…why do you think it’s important for African Americans to help keep poetry known for future generations?

Acey…Poetry is a journal of the way things are and have been. Reading the work from the Harlem Renaissance poets and the Black Arts Movement provide us with a window to what was going on at the time and what they thought about. The same is true with our work today and it holds a similar value for future generations.

Lady d…what made you decide to travel as much as you do instead of doing shows for a shorter length of time?

Acey…The market for poetry in an y given place can’t sustain a full time Spoken Word artist. This mandates that I travel from state to state and country to country in order to expose more people to my work. At this point however, I doubt I can expand much further without some sort of frequent television presence.

Lady d…what do you think is the motivation that you see when you travel and see other poets perform?

Acey…It differs depending on the poet. Some do it as a gateway to acting or perhaps even money. Others do it primarily because they were born to and those are the ones who move me the most. Genuine sincere emotion coupled with talent can be breathtaking

Lady d…do you think Obama will ever get a fair chance to prove what he can do while he is president?

Acey…No president truly does. Four years is too short of a time span to make significant changes particularly when a quarter of the way through you have to concern yourself with mid-term elections and halfway through you have to concern yourself with your own re-election. Even if given a second term, a sitting president has to mind the effect their decisions have on their party’s future elections. Long term problems call for long term solutions and presidents don’t get to serve long enough to face serious challenges.

Open Mic!!! All I would add is to check out my website take a free listen to my work and look at my videos and open your mind further to the possibilities of now.

Founder of the Punany Poets talks to us during her book tour and completes our 2 part series on the life of a Punany Poet. Dec.2010

Lady d…Why do you think people are surprised that in your shows you talk about awareness?

Holter…I did not realize that after 10 years it is still a surprise that The Punany Poets are dedicated to HIV / AIDS awareness and sexual health efficacy. When I conceived The Punany Project in 1995 is was just be- coming known that the virus was a problem for African Americans. As I read the infamous quote from rap- per Eric Easy E Wright, “… this thing is real and it doesn’t discriminate. It affects everyone,” I got chills, and knew that I needed to create an awareness effort that would be as shocking as rap music had become. Out first effort, was a book called Punany: The Hip Ho p Psalms, replete with erotic images, poetry, prose and sexual health public services announcements. It is this book that caught the attention of HBO Real Sex producers

Lady d…What has to stand out for a poet to become a Punany Poet?

Holter… In selecting poets, I look for artists who a re multi-talented, because the performances include elements of poetry, music and dance. Sometimes, I find poets that are so gifted, they can hold their own with just words. The Punany Poets are a group, however. Punany is a brand, and The Punany Poets is a theater company. The players change to offer variety to our many repeat clients. Poets wishing to participate must become members of our non-profit AFACTA.ORG. They are also required do a live audience audition.

Lady d… What is something people don’t really think matters when you travel to different cities but is a must for you?

Holter…We are independent, backed by the fans. So it is important that people get tickets early, so we can know who and how many people we will be entertaining.

Lady d…Traveling with LOVE the poet and Freedom must be fun. What can you count on from each of them when your having a bad day on the road?

Holter… LOVE the poet and Empress Freedom are very professional. I enjoy traveling with them because they keep the stresses of traveling to a minimum.

Lady d…What are something you look forward to in the future for The Punany Poets and your way of spreading awareness?

Holter: Right now I am very focused on completing and cataloging our products, books, DVD’s and music CD’s. All of our works include insightful information on sexual health. This year I hired adult film star Sinnamon Love to join our team. She is also a registered nurse. Her connection with The Know Now Organization has allowed us to encompass on the spot volunteer HIV testing during the show. TKNO is based in Texas. They offer Rapid HIV testing, same day AIDS testing with confidential or anonymous results in just 20 min. Their website is http://www.tkno.org.

sed that some historically Black colleges were afraid to let us on their stages. But we have been well received at schools like The University of Colorado, Cal State Hayward and UCLA. In fact, our work has been included in some college text and student dissertations, most notably “Representing’ the Forbidden” by Raquel L. Monroe, Ph.D. Her in depth examination of The Punany Poets compared the Punany brand of theater to Theater of the Oppressed.

Lady d…What is a funny moment you had that your glad can’t happen again?

Holter…Well, it’s not so funny, but two years ago, I fell 12 feet from a loft in a theater, trying to work my own sound and hurry does to make my mark for the next scene. I will never take my feet for granted again… and I will always hire a sound man.