reading from memory – Robin Houghton

03/12/2015

Should poems be read from memory?

By Robin Houghton03/12/2015Categories: Blog, Events, Inspiration, Performing, Poet's Tips, ReadingsTags: gilli bloodaxe, memorisation, peter kenny, poetry reading, reading from memory, tony gill21 Comments

I’ve only really started reading poems from memory this year, but rarely an entire set. I admire those poets who not only memorise long, often VERY long poems, but communicate them with panache and seeming ease. But is reading from memory a requirement of a memorable reading? Does reading from memory always enhance the listener’s experience? Just howRead more ⟶

23/04/2015

Reading from memory – the sequel

By Robin Houghton23/04/2015Categories: Blog, Books, Events, Pamphlets, Performing, Places, Poet's Tips, ReadingsTags: alan murray, geraldine paine, Lauderdale HOuse, memorising poems, mona arshi, philip hancock, Poetry in the House, reading from memory, richard skinner, Shanta AcharyaLeave a comment

Well I did it. Yesterday evening at Lauderdale House in Highgate I recited two of my poems from memory. It was actually the perfect set-up – no microphone (which I usually like having, but in this case I was concerned it would prevent me from moving freely), the chairs set out in a semi circle,Read more ⟶