The Massachusetts Poetry Festival 2017

William Shakespeare is the greatest writer the world has ever known. To celebrate his work and influence, literaryperformers and slam poetry champions, Regie Gibson and Marlon Carey (aka Shakespeare to Hiphop), have created "The Shakespeare Speakeasy": An all-new, original performance combining song, storytelling, spoken word and rap, with live jazz, funk, blues, hiphop and country music. "The Shakespeare Speakeasy" is a hip trip back and forth between the 16th and 21st centuries. This show is great for students, teachers and all who want to learn more about Shakespeare in a fun and funky forum. Come on and boogie with the "Bard"!

Visit the Poems to Order booth and receive a free poem on the subject of your choice. Name any topic, and within five minutes, GennaRose will type an original poem for you on her 1952 Hermes Rocket typewriter, read it aloud, and hand it to you to keep.

Elle Villanelle invites you to step into a world of auditory delights and playful sensuality. Visit the lustful linguists of the Bordello, tickle your own fancy or someone else’s at the game table, celebrate the flesh with our burlesque dance numbers, and engage in a private fantasy courtesy of our sexy poetry prompts. Enjoy cocktails and appetizers as Elle Villanelle and the bordello dwellers help you uncover poetry’s delicious naughtiness!

This concept was created by Stephanie Berger and Nicholas Adamski of The Poetry Society of New York.