Only one poem can be considered to have both changed a country and defined a generation. The year was 1955. The writer was Allen Ginsberg. His punchy prose, as first performed at the Six Gallery in San Francisco on October 7, was entitled 'Howl'.
That initial public explosion of words — soon earning a follow up, as well as making its way to print — electrified the beat movement, courted controversy and even became the subject of an obscenity trial. It's little wonder then that the occasion is something to celebrate via readings held all around the world.
In Brisbane, Avid Reader is doing their bit by bringing together Anthony Lawrence, Bronwyn Lea, Brentley Frazer and Eleanor Jackson, all under the guidance of master of ceremonies Adam Pettet, to lend their voices to Ginsberg's infamous text. Whether you have Howl and Other Poems committed to memory, have seen the James Franco-starring film about it, or even if you're a newcomer, this is something you want to experience in person and spoken aloud.