Spring Poetry Slam

Join emcee Amira Abouelalla and compete to win or join the open mic at the end of the night. Come listen and/or share at this friendly all-ages event. Do it for enjoyment, snaps, the chance to parade with PRPL’s SLAM MEDALLION and CASH PRIZES collected by optional donation at the door by the qathet Friends of the Library.

Drop-in to take in the action or register at the door and bring two poems to compete. Don’t want to compete? Join the before-SLAM open mic. Come early to secure your spot, doors open at 5:45 pm! 

Details for open-mic performers: Subject to availability, a maximum of 5 participants can share one poem, lasting for a maximum duration of 5 minutes each.

Details for SLAM competitors: SLAM is a spoken word competition. Bring 2 poems on any theme. All regular SLAM rules apply. 3-minute limit per poem.

A SLAM is carried out in a series of two rounds. A maximum of 12 poets in round one, and five in the final round. If you’d like to compete, have at least two poems ready that are under three minutes each. You are docked points over three minutes. Poems do NOT have to be memorized, but it is encouraged.

PRPL’s Slam’s follow the format and regulations and code of honour laid down by Vancouver Poetry House. To learn more visit: https://www.vancouverpoetryhouse.com/hullabaloo/rules/

Important guidelines to remember include:

• The Golden Rule of Poetry Slam: The points are not the point. The point is poetry!
• The poem may NOT include sexist, racist, homophobic, or transphobic comments.
• The poet may not use props, costumes, pre-recorded/taped music, or musical instruments while performing. It’s just you and your poem on stage. BUT you are allowed to sing or beat box or make any other sounds with your body in your performance.

So get writing, or join  PRPL’s ongoing Poetry Circle with Amira Abouelalla.

About Emcee Amira Abouelalla

Amira is from Toronto, Ontario where she was born and raised until the age of 12. That same year, she moved to Egypt with her family where she lived and went to school for 5 years. Living in Egypt, Amira was able to learn and speak her father-tongue– Arabic– and reconnect with her Egyptian culture. Amira is also Ojibway from Keeseekoowenin First Nations in Manitoba and has Black ancestry from Nova Scotia.

Poetry is something that has always resonated with Amira. She expresses, “it’s how I see and move through the world.”

In addition to reading and writing poetry, Amira also enjoys travelling, reading classic literature, kayaking, and cycling. You might remember Amira as facilitator of PRPL’s Poetry Circle, or as PRPL’s 2023 SLAM Champ!