Article
Anyone who only thinks of Heinrich Heine and verse forms when it comes to "poetry" should check out the Wuppertal stock exchange. Once a month, poets compete against each other in poetry competitions. And they have much more to offer than just melodious couplets. Ralph Michael Beyer and Wilko Gerber organize the so-called "Slam-Börse" in the cultural center. In an interview, the two moderators talk about the art of poetry slam. And they explain why Wuppertal is a particularly good place for it.
What exactly is Poetry Slam?
WG:
Poetry Slam is a poetry competition. Artists compete against each other with self-written texts. And the audience decides by vote who wins.
RMB:
Poetry Slam follows three simple rules: First, everyone must come on stage in everyday clothing. Funny costumes or hats are not allowed. Second, there is a time limit of six and a half minutes. And third, all texts, as mentioned, must be self-written.
Once a year, you organize a "city championship" in Wuppertal for poetry slam. How does it work exactly?
WG:
The city championship is the grand finale of the poetry slam season. All winners of a year compete against each other one more time. Those who win can then participate in the big NRW slam or even the German championship to represent Wuppertal.
RMB:
Wuppertal has produced the German champion in poetry slam four times – Jan Philipp Zymny has won twice, Patrick Salmen twice. Wuppertal is definitely a good place for it!
What is the special appeal of Poetry Slam for you personally?
WG:
Anyone can participate. Many people write for themselves and then put their texts away in a drawer. Sometimes, real gems are hidden there. The Poetry Slam gives such people a stage – and a voice.
RMB:
And indeed at any age. I only started myself at the age of 60. In East Germany, there is a slammer who is over 90 years old. The scene is incredibly tolerant, there are no fears of contact.
Should a poetry slammer ideally be a stage hog?
WG:
Basically, it helps, of course, if you feel comfortable in front of an audience and perhaps have already participated in a theater performance at school. But from my perspective, Poetry Slam is something that can really be mastered with a little practice. Some might need a bit more of a push to dare to get on stage.
RMB:
Speaking in front of strangers and revealing one's own thoughts – it can certainly make your heart race. Those who want to try can start on a smaller reading stage or at an Open Stage. Or test the texts in front of friends and acquaintances.
Are there topics that are particularly frequently "discussed" at poetry slams?
WG:
One can observe the spirit of the times of a society. The topics that are currently being discussed will sooner or later also find their way onto the stage. Some try to reach the audience with funny texts. Others reveal themselves completely, talking about their fears or depressions.
RMB:
Corona and the associated isolation was of course a big topic. Additionally, it often concerns relationships. Sometimes there's really a lot of 'Deep Shit' involved. But such texts are also well received. Because people tell very impressively about their personal experiences. There are often real goosebumps moments.
What is the poetic aspect of poetry slam?
WG:
It's always about good stories. Poetry has long detached itself from the medium of literature. You just have to take a look at music: There are many rappers who write well and perform their art in front of an audience. That's also a form of poetry.
What kind of place is the Börse in Wuppertal?
RMB:
The Börse is a socio-cultural center with a great tradition here in the Bergisches Land. There are incredibly many events – concerts, dance, magic shows, workshops, performances, group singing...
RMB:
Some stars took their first steps here and are now among the big names in the comedy scene. For example, Torsten Sträter, Sandra Da Vina, or Helene Bockhorst.
And how did you get into the scene?
WG:
For me, it was quite classic: I enjoyed watching the WDR Poetry Slam with Jörg Thadeusz on television as a child. At school, there was a poetry slam workshop, and I was immediately involved. In the end, there was a small competition. I won that and wanted to go to every slam afterwards.
RMB:
I have always enjoyed watching poetry slam on television. And I have always liked writing. However, I didn't find my way to the stage for a long time. It was always just a hypothetical for me – I could maybe do it, I would like to. Ten years ago, I was traveling in Mexico for a longer period and sent my friends little travel reports. They were always well received. That motivated me, and I finally dared to go on a reading stage. And shortly thereafter, I was already part of a big poetry slam with 350 audience members. Since then, I have been active in the scene and now co-host the Börsenslam with Wilko.
What role does Poetry Slam play for the cultural scene in Wuppertal?
RMB:
He is very important for youth work here in the city. Poetry Slam offers so many opportunities, especially for young people, to develop their own voice and express themselves creatively. Moreover, the community is very supportive and tolerant; one quickly feels at home. It's no wonder that people talk about the "Slamily." And it has a lot of power.
What do you still have planned for the Slam Börse in the future?
RMB:
The Corona time was not easy for us either. We are now working on inviting more people to us again. I dream of eventually hosting a slam in the Wuppertal suspension railway...
