BUSTIN’ A RHYME
Traveling show inspires youths to express themselves.

By Michael Grossberg - The Columbus Dispatch

For a new hipness in poetry, Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam deserves some of the credit.

‘‘We think there’s been a resurgence in poetry because there are many young people who are inspired by rap and want to express themselves," Stan Lathan said recently from Los Angeles.

Lathan directed the Broadway hit, which won the 2003 Tony award for special theatrical event.

The touring version, with many of the performers who wowed New York audiences, will open Saturday at the King Arts Complex.

‘‘Once people open up to the thought of the spoken word, they tune in and start to listen," Lathan said. ‘‘With rap, you’ve got to listen — regardless of whether the message is construed as negative.

‘‘For young people who have something to say, whether it’s personal or political or spiritual, it’s opened up the ability for them to write and express their feelings onstage."

Conceived and presented by Simmons and Lathan, who have created and produced various projects together since 1989, Def Poetry Jam grew out of Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry, their late-night HBO series.

One of the most prolific TV directors, Lathan has worked on Hill Street Blues, Miami Vice, Roc and Sanford and Son; and the pilots for Amen, Martin, Moesha, The Parkers and All of Us — a UPN sitcom and, for now, his primary project.

And he has directed Beat Street, one of the first hip-hop movies.

Def Poetry Jam remains closest to his heart.

"The show expresses the dreams and aspirations, pain and joy of growing up as a minority in these times," said Lathan, 58. "The poetry is very sincere, written from the heart."

Eight "performance poets" appear solo or as part of ensembles during the 95-minute touring show, which includes music provided by a disc jockey.

Reprising their New York roles are Lemon, from New York; Black Ice, from Philadelphia; Mayda del Valle, from Chicago; Suheir Hammad, from New York; Georgia Me, from Atlanta; Poetri, from Muskegon, Mich.; and Beau Sia, from Oklahoma City.

Joining the tour is Nigeria native Bassey Ikpi.

"Our show is so new and different that it’s hard to place it," Lemon said. "What makes Def Poetry Jam as good as a Broadway show is the writers onstage.

"In the poetry scene, we never had anybody help us out to edit it and make it a theatrical experience — and Stan brought that to the table."