Uncovering identities through performance poetry

<p>Research in the area of performance poetry is still relatively new to the field of communication. Using Hecht’s Communication Theory of Identity, this study explores performance poetry as a communicative tool for identity management. By observing the performances of five poets from six seasons of HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, a thematic analysis of the communication practices that occurred during the performances was used to code the processes of identity management. Additionally, this study explores how validation of enacted identity occurs between the poets and their audiences. Findings suggest that performance poetry could effectively be utilized as a tool in identity management that would offer both a macro and a micro evaluation of multiple identities on multiple levels; and validation occurred as either a natural or prompted response. Overall, this study demonstrates the usefulness of performance poetry in not only self-expression by also as valuable instrument in managing identity.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Communication, Media and Theatre Arts

Year dc:date.available

2014

Author dc:creator

• VanHook, Angela

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dennis Patrick
• Jeannette Kindred
• Doris J. Fields

• Communication
• Communication Theory of Identity
• CTI
• Identity
• Performance Poetry
• Spoken Word
• Arts and Humanities
• Theatre and Performance Studies

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/883

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-2261