PRESS STATEMENT: WORLD AIDS DAY EVENT HOSTED BY SLAM POETRY OPERATION TEAM

In recognition of the critical role that the literary, visual and performing artists can play in combating the spread of HIV\AIDS in the country and specifically in Kwazulu-Natal, which has escalating numbers of people living with HIV\AIDS, HIV\AIDS Orphans and child-headed families, the Slam Poetry Showcase, a sub-project of the Slam Poetry Operation Team (SPOT) hosts Be Positive & Stay Negative Slamjam on the 1st December 2006 from 17:00 to 20:00 at the Open Air Theatre, Drama Department –Howard College-UKZ.

The event is aimed at using the spoken word to highlight the escalation of the scourge of HIV\AIDS in the province and to promote pro-active measures towards combating the spread disease and also explore ways of ameliorating the conditions of people living with HIV\AIDS and of offering support and care to families affected by the disease. It will feature Spoken Word performances by Miracle, Blaq Hitla, Uninvited Guests and a Slam poetry jam in which four poets will battle in four rounds, each round centered on a theme related to HIV\AIDS.

The Slamjam will feature HipHop Mc, Lexicon, seasoned slam poet, Leo Jansen and three Durban-based rising stars in the Spoken word scene, Pygmy, Sakhile and Ayanda. In the first round the slam poets will express themselves on the spread of HI\AIDS in Kwazulu-Natal, focusing on the numbers of people living with HIV\AIDS, the mortality rate of people living with HIV\AIS, the number of HIV\AIDS orphans and child headed families in the province.

In round two they will articulate themselves on pro-active initiatives and choices people can make to combat the spread of the disease, and in round three they will focus on how to help people living with HIV\AIDS to cope in society, focusing on de-stigmatization of the disease, support and care, life skills and access to treatment and other social services.

In round four the audience will choose a topic for each poet and the poets will do impromptu performances\recitals on the topic suggested by the audience. The choice of the medium of entertainment to pass the message is in itself a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit and aimed at emphasizing that people living with HIV\AIDS can still enjoy life and live long if, they choose to live positively and have the support of the society and the government.

The interactive format of the Slamjam will be helpful in getting the community to have a sense of ownership of this project geared at increasing the participation of the community in initiatives aimed at halting the spread of HIV\AIDS.

Issued by the SPOT on 08\11\06 For more information contact:
Wandile: 0723092411 Cool fire: 0733511405 Mphutlane: 0765586123\ 031 306 2427
Slam Poetry Showcase – A division of the Slam Poetry Operation Team Presents Be Positive & Stay Negative

Slamjam 1st December 2006 @ Open Air Theatre, Drama Department –Howard College-UKZ Venue: 17:00 to 20:00 Featuring Slam Poetry Show (Leo Jansen, Pygmy, Ayanda, Lexicon, Sakhile) Spoken Word Hip Hop: Miracle, Bullet, Blaq Hitla, Uninvited Guests, and more. Deejays