Gloria Anzaldua refers to
the experience of our mestizaje as "una herida abierta"
that cuts through our borderlands. There is continuum of pain
and celebration in this experience. Raza Spoken Here, a CD of
poetry is a vivid oral portrayal of this diversity of the Chicana/o
experience. It is an eclectic collection that ranges in style,
themes, and presentation. There are spellbinding declarations
of self, cries of rage against oppression, humorous looks at
ourselves, the immigrant experience, studies of historical injustice,
and many other themes. And although we may have heard similar
pieces before, most of the compositions are creative, passionate,
and original.
Sound effects, music, and
performance are integral to some of the works as in "The
Taco Shop Poets Manifesto," and pieces by Daniel Sánchez-Glazer,
Chuy Quintero, and Trago Amargo. The Taco Shop Poets have clearly
mastered performance poetry with their smooth presentation and
clever lyrics while Sánchez-Glazer and Quintero are both
characterized by a strong delivery reminiscent of rap, both painting
a harsh picture of our gente on the streets. The Rasquachi Performers
do not use music, but use their voices in harmony to emit a history
of raza struggles.
Other pieces are more traditional
in presentation like poems by Olga Angelina García Echeverría,
Mauel J. Vélez, Elba Rosario Sánchez, and Christian
Ramírez. A personal favorite, because of my preference
for humor and feminism, is Sandra C. Muñoz's description
of her plan to free the metal silhouette of a woman trapped on
tire flaps and windows of so many vehicles. "Free Metal
Woman" is simple and humorous yet ends on a serious reflection
of self.
This compilation represents
a range of talents and styles. Of course, it would be preferable
to see these gifted poets perform their art in person, but an
imaginative listener will get a glimpse of the beauty and diversity
of Chicano/a perfomers poetry.
Calaca Press can be reached
by email: calacapress@home.com
