Work & Play Shops

A POETIC APPROACH TO STORYTELLING  

by Oni Lasana p.  288
  
Public Speaking, Reading, Listening, Writing, Visual Literacy, Theater, Language Arts, Visual Arts, American History.
National Standards: NCTE 1-6, 8, 9, 11, 12 

This performance workshop for students and adults, offers a unique opportunity to learn about the life and times of poet and writer Paul Laurence Dunbar(1872-1906), a major forerunner to the Harlem Renaissance literary era in America. 

Highly inter-active and enriching, it offers a diverse learning experience in the following areas of study; Language Arts - History - Theater - Performing and Visual Arts.   
Participants review, comprehend and perform the poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar for its historical, educational, entertainment and literary value.

Students are coached in reciting casually and  formally, allowing a complete overview of his poetry as it related to Dunbar’s life, his struggles as a writer and poet, and also the African American experience before and after the Civil War. 

Knowledge of Dunbar’s duel mastery of dialect and standard English aides students to express themselves poetically. They will give voice to his humorous and dramatic work in self-styled interpretations.
  
Participants perform and recite two of Dunbar’s poems, in southern and northern dialect.  Dramatically and over musical arrangements to Jazz, Reggae, Hip Hop, Classical, R&B & African Hi-Life.   
Culminating in a school assembly or public performance by students.  Sessions: 6 to 8 weeks.

TEACHING ARTIST KUDOS

"Oni Lasana brings energy to the stage and in the cases I have seen, the classroom. She is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, fun and competent. She engages the students and makes them proud to work with her. 

On a previous visit with my class she taught us all to rap "We Wear The Mask" which totally delighted my football players who had no idea that rap goes back that far. Seeing the young men and women light up with pride and knowledge was priceless." 

Poet, Author, Professor Nikki Giovanni, Virginia Tech University

PS: Thanks to Professor Giovanni, Oni recorded  Dunbar's poem, "We Wear The Mask"  in the award winning audio book, "Hip Hop Speaks To Children."

This highly creative workshop for anyone who desires to tap into the power of writing & reciting original poetry.  
Release the power within .....creative exercises will allow you to participate, create & activate what you want to say and how you want to say it.  Through the power of your spoken word.   

Allow Oni to be your poetic conduit & MC for creative expression in a "Spoken Word Cafe" setting.  
Learn to elevate your energy, expertise and stage delivery with all who desire to be  SELF-Inspired!  Empowered! Uplifted! Celebrated! & Creatively create with confidence and your unique style.

From the power within, from the flow of your pen. 

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