‘Instead of a love poem’ is a spoken word and music event, that tells the story behind the most prominent poet in Israel, and one of the leading figures in world poetry since the mid-1960s.
In this show we will be telling captivating anecdotes of the poet’s life and work, as well as read his humane, powerful and sometimes ironic poems. We will also perform his poems on cello and voice and compliment some of the readings with background music.
How would you describe your sound in food form and why?
Dark chocolate Mousse – smooth, somewhat feminine and bitter-sweet.
Which of your songs resonate most strongly and why?
The poem Such as sorrow by Yehuda Amichai deals with a breakup. The words are very accurate and can speak to anyone. I think the relationship between the cello and voice in the song it was made into, help to convey the sorrow and longing of the two people in the poem.
Tell us a quick, on the road, anecdote.
On my way from Israel to Australia there was a transit in Aman, Jordan. I was asked to open my bag, as the x-ray showed something that resembled a shot gun…the three armed man had a good lough when they eventually realised it was my music stand.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from my relationships and art in all its forms. Poetry is one of the art forms that is especially close to my heart. Putting poetry and music together make me want to sing.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
A case of you by Joni Mitchell
What’s next for you?
I am currently in Run Stop Sound studio, recording the poems made into songs from the show, to be released soon.
What’s your scene?
I love the little alleys of a big city where you can catch up with close friends and enjoy a glass of wine and a live show.
About Adi Sappir
Following the success of their previous poetry reading, storytelling and music event, featured by The Jewish Writers Festival and Glen Eira Storytelling Festival, musician Adi Sappir and author Lee Kofman are taking it to The Butterfly Club.
The show is to celebrate the profound and subtly provocative work of the great Israeli poet, Yehuda Amichai.
Since the day it was established Israel has been in a constant state of conflict. Therefore it is no surprise that sometimes it is being perceived as a war zone, and is associated with violence.
Growing up in Israel, Lee and Adi share a broader perspective on this place and its culture. They felt an urgency to shine a light on a positive aspect of Israeli culture through the work of a truly wonderful poet- Yehuda Amichai.
Amichai received the prestigious Israel Prize for Poetry for effecting “a revolutionary change in poetry’s language.” Among his many other honours and awards, he was nominated for the Noble Prize.
Amichai became known as an accessible poet whose work translated into many languages. American poet Ed Hirsch stated that Amichai “is a representative man with unusual gifts who in telling his own story also relates the larger story of his people.”
In this show, Amichai’s life story and poetry themes will be told and discussed by Lee while Adi will be performing his composed poems on cello and voice and provide musical accompaniment to some of the readings.
Instead of a love poem will play on Thursday 12 of November 7pm
at the Butterfly Club, Carson Place, off Little Collins St, Melbourne.
Mandy is a music photographer & writer. She runs Mandy Hall Media, which includes Photography, Social Media marketing, PR & Graphic Design for the music industry. She is also a web developer - she created and supports this website.
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