Devised by Karin Coonrod in 2020, WoW! is the new hybrid event bringing living poets and film together, outdoors. A drive-in movie meets poetry slam. In response to the host of performance cancellations in 2020, Coonrod and Compagnia de' Colombari turned her original production of MORE OR LESS I AM into seven short films.

Whitman is the iconic New York poet whose radical poem, SONG OF MYSELF, shouts out with joy the inclusivity of democracy in the Americas. Recorded over three weeks, with over 50 performers from all over the world, the films embody Whitman's words. In a collaboration with institutional partners and living poets across the globe, WoW! activates us as a community in a collective celebration of freedom.

Each film is followed by a local poet who stands and "talks back to Whitman" in their own words, challenging or quarreling with him, thus weaving together film and live recitation. There is an opportunity to invite all kinds of spoken word artists and land acknowledgments into the event. The one-hour event is played at dark, just after sunset. Local food vendors are also encouraged to participate to encourage post performance convening and conversations amongst audience, poets and performers.

Coming to a city near you (stay tuned for additional dates):

May 28, 2022             Bolton Museum Art Gallery Bolton, UK

June 7, 2022              Conway Hall, London, UK

August 5, 2022          Congress Square, Portland, Maine

August 18, 2022         Everson Museum, Syracuse, NY

August 20, 2022        Venice Island Performing Arts Center, Philadelphia, PA

September 9, 2022    Manhattan College, Bronx, NY

September 22, 2022  The Custom House, Newburyport, MA