Beat Generation performer captivates audience with 'language of poetry'

By Megan Sonderegger

March 3, 2006 | The bright lights and expressively dynamic poetry readings of Anne Waldman, one of the Beat Generation performers, drew audience members to the edge of their seats in Thursday nights Tanner Symposium performance.

Accompanied by saxophonist Matt Bailey, Waldman used her bright, exotic apparel, bold imitational body language and extremely dynamic voice to "speak the language of poetry."

"She was very expressive; it was hard to not pay attention" said Jeremy Toone, a student at Utah State.

Several audience members said they felt Waldman, who considers herself a cultural activist, expressed political and cultural ideals on war, animal rights and feminism through the literature she performed.

"People communicate through poetry," Waldman said.

Waldman said she began performing on stage in the 1950s when she had "a very small voice" but finally found her inner voice after bearing her first child.

"I found a deeper voice, and different dynamics," Waldman said, impressing this revelation by howling loudly and than hissing softly.

Waldman said she loves language and feels it is an incredible time for the expansion of literature through the expression of brilliant younger generations.

The Tanner Symposium on the Beat Generation continues in the Performance Hall through Friday.

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