15 Jan

20:30

Theater Bellevue

Leidsekade 90, Amsterdam

An assembly of spoken word artists create and perform original works inspired by a theme, followed by an open mic for all forms of literary expression.

Velvet Verses: spoken word culture and a microphone

More info & tickets

Presented by Tuaca Kelly for Unwanted Words

Velvet Verses is an assembly of spoken word artists that will create original works - inspired by a thematic writing prompt. Join us to savor the fruits of their labor and be inspired through the intimate world of spoken word art and poetry.

“Just walk a mile in his moccasins
Before you abuse, criticize and accuse.
If just for one hour, you could find a way
To see through his eyes, instead of your own muse.” – Mary Torrans Lathrap, 1895

Theme: S H O E S

What does it mean to walk in someone's shoes? Were you forced to wear them as a child when you wanted to be barefoot? Were you raised in a home where shoes were forbidden to be worn indoors? What do shoes say about a person? Do they signal culture, status, activity and agility? Was there a pair of Jordan's, Dr. Marten’s or Van’s you coveted?

In our first volume of Velvet Verses, an assembly of spoken word artists will create original works - inspired by the theme: shoes.

Featuring

Elias Bučko
Nimruz De Castro
Paula Breuning
Salvador

Join host Tuaca Kelly as we enjoy the inspired and intimate world of spoken word art and poetry.

Open Mic

Following their performances, Velvet Verses powered by Unwanted Words Project, invites you to step up to the open mic and get your kicks – on any theme that makes you feel alive in your boots.

All forms of literary expression are welcome, and the performances can be in any language, as long as they stay within the 4-5-minute (maximum) time limit. Sign-ups will take place during the evening itself. First-timers encouraged to try.

More about the makers

Hailing from multiple generations of Irish poets and musicians, Tuaca Kelly is an American poet, spoken word artist and songwriter, most known for her unique wordplay, uncanny improvisation, unpredictable humor, presence and ability to connect with the audience. She's a collaborative creative producer and event host for Unwanted Words Project.

Stichting Unwanted Words Project is an award-winning platform for emerging queer poets and spoken word artists in the Netherlands. Our goal as a collective is to create spaces where LGBTQ+ talent can thrive and connect with like-minded communities. We are on a mission to provide more options for safe(r) spaces and opportunities for queer connection and growth. We do this through spoken word workshops & open mics such as our Queer Poetry Nights series. As well as initiatives to spotlight the best queer talent in our community such as our 1st & 2nd Queer & Feminist Poetry Awards and our Queer & Feminist Poetry Anthology.