TarSlämm in English – Vilde & Vine, Tartu

Before being invited to Tartu’s TarSlämm event by some writerly friends, I’d never actually attended a poetry slam (as opposed to, say, a public reading or book launch), so I wasn’t entirely sure of the format when I arrived at Vilde & Vine. Held every other month or so in Estonian, this particular edition was English-language, and dedicated to the international poetry conference that was in town that week. (Not to be confused with the Illustration Festival also happening – every weekend’s a good weekend to be a creative in Tartu).

What was explained in advance was that there would be two rounds: first, three minutes for a performance of original poetry, with the finalists getting a further two minutes to inspire and excite. What I was anticipating: conversations debating authorship in translation. What I did not expect: decimal-thin margins and arcane mathematics. Poetry slams are, in fact, an international circuit of not-quite-competitions, and the one in Tartu gave the stage to first-timers and past winners alike. Each poet brought their own spin to the mic, vigorous, theatrical, angry and profound, representing lives and experiences that transcend borders and languages.

I’ll confess, I’m a convert. What an engaging, playful way to bring poetry to life! Romance, intrigue, scandal and scansion, a wonderful way to love words. Regardless of their personal or professional experience, each brought unique thoughts and universal struggles to the stage – addiction, ars poetica, semiotics, puns and pettiness, a true celebration of how words taste, on the tongue and in the air. The show was capped by a performance from special guest Joonas Veelmaa, the 2023 European Poetry Slam Champion.

While the next English-language slam in Tartu isn’t until April, I know I’ll have an eye on the format in any language, whether Tartu or Tallinn, because I definitely need that experience again. 

Author: Laurie

Laurie likes alliteration, ambiance, and lists with three things.