Note: We have just posted video of last month’s show, MG: Wordplay, Fun With Words. Here is a report from that evening by MG Kids Correspondent Alyse Jefferson, with photos by MG Kids Photographer Ashley Jefferson.
By Alyse Jefferson, MG Kids correspondent
On May 17, we held an event called MG: Wordplay, Fun With Words. This event included 8- and 9-year-old orators, a series of poets, teen hip-hop artists, a one-women show and a teen improvisation group.
I got to talk with the young orators, Anjali Blow, 9, and Ariya Blow, 8, who enjoyed themselves at the event and thought they did a great job. Ariya recited a book by Barack Obama called Of thee I Sing: A Letter To My Daughters and Anjali spoke about Max Lucado’s I Am Special. These two did a remarkable job. I was amazed.
After the sisters performed, many poets went on stage after them. I got to talk with one of the poets, Diego Ortiz, and I wanted to know what inspired him to be a poet.
“The people who maybe haven’t been to school, who can’t read, who can’t write or can not speak English,” says Diego. “I am inspired to share their stories with everyone.”
To end off the evening, the Morristown High School teen improv group, Tomfoolery, came up and gave everyone a laugh. They had different improv games planned out, and the crowd had to come up with a scenario. For example, an Internet blind date and they are eating at the gas station — this is one of the scenarios the crowd came up with.
I caught up with Vicki Birmingham and asked what inspired her to get into improv. Her reply was: “Sport season ended and I liked acting, so I tried out and it was fun.” This is Vicki’s third year being in the improv group. The group’s next performance is June 13 at Morristown High School at 7 p.m.
At the end I also met up with another poet, Bimpe Fageyinbo, who actually published a memoir called So Maybe That’s the Bee’s Weakness. (To purchase the book, leave a message on her website here or e-mail her at Bimpe@bimpefageyinbo.com.)
Do you like to write? MG Kids welcomes junior reporters for our staff. We also encourage kids of all ages to submit artwork, poetry and fiction for publication on our site. Click here for more information.
VIDEO: ‘MG WORDPLAY, FUN WITH WORDS,’ FIRST HALF
VIDEO: ‘MG WORDPLAY, FUN WITH WORDS,’ SECOND HALF
COMPLETE COVERAGE OF ‘MG AT THE ECOCENTER’
A lesson in sustainable living from two bands at Morristown’s Festival Earth
Young artists brighten Morristown Ecocenter for first MG Kids Art Show
MG Wordplay: Thanks for an evening of Tomfoolery By the People in Morristown
Drawing on local talent: MG cartoonists discuss their art in Morristown
Musicians reveal the magic behind the music at MG Songwriters Night
Pros offer tips at ‘MG Video 101’ in Morristown