Forget angsty teen poetry – these 40 high school students from eight Lower Island teams will prove to you that youth poetry is powerful, insightful and inspiring.
“These young poets speak their truth powerfully,” says Victorious Voices Founder and Director Jeremy Loveday. “Victoria is known nationally for our talented youth poets. This is a chance to celebrate the youth voice and the youth experience.”
A poetry slam is a competition where poets are judged by audience members on a scale of 0-10. Poets have three minutes and must perform original work, without costumes, props or music. Victorious Voices is a team competition, and teams may perform group pieces as well as individual poems.
“Vic Voices may be the only competition where you love your opponents as much as your teammates,” says Reynolds Secondary School Poet Hannah Berry. “The level of respect and support in the room is unparalleled as each individual speaks their own truth.”
This year’s celebrity judges include Youth Poet Laureate Zoe Duhaime, MP Murray Rankin, Poet Laureate Yvonne Blomer and National Slam Champion Lishaii. The festival will feature a performance by 2015 Victorious Voices Alumni of Honour Morgan Purvis. This is the sixth annual Victoria High School Youth Slam Championship. Last year’s winners, Reynolds Secondary will be looking to retain their City Championship title.
Victorious Voices – High School Slam Championships
Semi-Finals (8 teams compete in 2 bouts) at the Victoria Events Centre – April 13, 7pm
Still Victorious Volume 3 - Vic Voices Alumni Showcase at Lacey Lou's Tapas, featuring 2x Winnipeg Slam Champion and Victoria Indie Slam Champ Aaron Simm. April 14, 7pm
VIC VOICES FINALS (top 4 teams compete + performances by alumnus of honour, a showcase of our top semi finalists, and more) at Victoria Event Centre. Tickets, $5 High School students / $10 for adults. April 15, 7pm
Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad St
Lacey Lou’s Tapas, 1320 Broad St
Tickets are available at the door, first come, first serve.
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