Poetry in Motion a 'Feast of the Performing Arts'

In the past 11 years, central Jamaica has developed its own Feast of the Performing Arts, aptly dubbed Poetry in Motion, which has become a staple on the Jamaican cultural and entertainment (edutainment) calendar.

The annual Poetry in Motion, which is the brainchild of Yasus Afari, was first staged on February 29, 2004, showcasing music, dance, comedy, storytelling, fashion, and poetry into what has become known as 'The Feast of the Performing Arts'.

The event will also celebrate Black History as well as The Year of Poetree, and will pay special tribute to Una Marson and our beloved Jamaican women. After a break of more than 50 years, Jamaica has reintroduced a Poet Laureate, and will acknowledge the soon-to-be-announced Poet Laureate of Jamaica.

cultural luminaries

Over the years, Poetry in Motion has presented cultural luminaries such as Toots and the Maytals, Mutabaruka, Ken Boothe, Joan Andrea Hutchinson, Fae Ellington, Ernie Ranglin, Yasus Afari, Ernie Smith, Dr Michael Abrahams, Karen Smith, Amina Blackwood Meeks, Steppa, Blakka, Dufton Shephers, Dr Leahcim Semaj, Prof Mervyn Morris, Wayne Chen, Prof Barry Chevannes, Prof Rupert Lewis, Boris Gardiner, Dr Sonjah Nyah, Kai Falconer, Della Manley, Lorna Bennett, Ann-Marie Wilmot, Charmaine Gooden Monteith and Ashley Little, among others.

Ashley Little was inspired to write poetry at the inaugural staging, when she was only eight years old. Ashley, a first-year medical student at UWI, is now one of the highly anticipated acts at Poetry in Motion 2014.

Poetry in Motion galvanised central Jamaica with 'clean, intelligent fun for the entire family', and has presented a charity cheque at each staging. Several charities have benefited, such as the Manchester Infirmary, Ebenezer, Hanbury Home, New Green Children's Home, Candle in the Dark, 3Ds, Mandeville Boy's Scout, among others.

Line-Up

This year, Poetry in Motion 2014 will present an amazing line-up of artistes and presenters, including Dr Michael Abrahams, Francois St Juste, Kellie Magnus, Dufton Shepherd, Ashley Little, Ann-Marie Wilmot, Charmaine Gooden Monteith, Prof Verene Shepherd, Reggie's African Link, Yasus Afari. This year, there will be an added treat with our performing arts fare with special guest artiste Leroy Sibbles.

Event organisers are grateful for all the exceptional performers presented over the years, dubbed the Poetry in Motion Family. Sponsors include patrons Dr and Mrs Gilbert Allen, Manchester Parish Council, VW Investment Cambio, Fontana Pharmacy, Little Ochie Seafood Restaurant, Mona Graphic Printers, and JIIC, who are still supportive of our Poetry in Motion Social Renewal and Transformation Initiative.

Tickets are available at Fontana Pharmacy, Heaven's Texaco, Manchester Golf Club, Villa Gardens, Mandeview, VW Cambio (Christiana), and Junction Pharmacy, as well as the Poetry in Motion Family Network.