Spoken word with Shane Koyczan

Only groundbreaking Canadian spoken-word artist Shane Koyczan can turn a fart into an insightful slam piece about being human. In fact, this was one of my favorite pieces that he presented on Friday night at Alix Goolden Hall to a sold-out audience. Koyczan, the first Canadian to win the Individual Championship title at the U.S.-based National Poetry Slam, knows how to make the audience respond. The performance was a glimpse into his life and a narration of universal raw experiences. 

This three-hour taster of human emotion provoked thoughts that made me reflect on my own experiences. But of course Koyczan didn’t just succeed at thought provoking material; he blew the audience away with quick and witty humor. His slam pieces were woven together by high quality stand-up-comedy-style introductions. It was almost as though by making the audience laugh, he was able to make people more receptive to the true meaning of his pieces. His pieces themselves were sprinkled with comedic gold, perfect timing, and perfect delivery. If you ever have a chance to experience one of Koyczan’s performances, he will definitely make you laugh until you cry and cry until you laugh.