Undramatised poetry: a concept without meaning?

The fresh approach towards poetry and prose in the new NEA Prospectus highlights the fact that one can become so accustomed to established practises and circumstances, etc. that one does not bother to apply some creative thinking! And once it does happen, it does seem to turn everything upside down!

The reality is: this approach is actually simplifying things, bringing the focus back to where it belongs: CREATIVITY! Rather than to think DRAMATISED POEM! or "DON'T MOVE OR YOU'RE DEAD' POEM! or I MUST MOVE! or I NEED PROPS! MANY OF THEM! just ask yourself the following simple question:

"What is the poem asking for? What "colours of saying" is necessary to bring the poem to life? What "colours of saying" would help me to express the poets thoughts as if it were my own?

Let's now all forget about the artificial "mannerisms" on stage and search for MEANING and HONESTY in every peformance!

NEA Anthology

The NEA is celebrating its tenth year of contributing towards youth development in the arts this year and we would like to see as many learners as possible taking part in the Eisteddfod during September/October, experiencing the magic of the performing arts.

In celebrating this first decade, the National Eisteddfod Academy made history recently by publishing the very first publication that contains graded examples of poetry in all 11 official languages. This publication is not restricted for use at the annual NEA Eisteddfod only, but can be used by any one searching for examples of poetry to present at an eisteddfod or festival. It is also a useful resource book for teachers involved in the teaching of language and literacy. The current special offer of R116 per copy on this publication (below cost) expires on 30 June 2007.

For more information regarding participation in the eisteddfod or the newly released Anthology, contact the NEA office on 011-886-6005 or e-mail the NEA at info@eisteddfod.co.za. Web page: http://www.eisteddfod.co.za/.