THE EISEMANN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
RICHARDSON, TX
A SPOKENWORD PRODUCTION
POETRY
THEATER
DANCE
LIVE MUSIC
DATES SEPT 13, 2025
(additional dates TBA)
FOR. LOVE. OF. WORDS PRESENTS:
WORDS, WIT, & WISDOM - A BIPOC ODYSSEY
We are kicking off our 12th year of production with a new format! Join the award-winning Loc'd and Loaded Poetry Slam Team on a riveting journey through the complexities of life, love, and identity. This explosive fusion of spoken word, performance poetry, and raw emotion shatters the mold of traditional American narratives.
Five Unique Voices, One Unforgettable Story.
Meet the five nationally ranked poets who dare to bare their souls: Scholars turned activists, hustlers turned visionaries, immigrants turned bridge-builders lovers of love, seekers of truth, and warriors of justice. This is a mirror to the soul, A call to action. Through their combined stories, you'll find yourself reflected in: Heart-wrenching struggles and triumphant victories unrelenting passion and unapologetic truth-telling unflinching explorations of identity, culture, and social justice
ABOUT OUR NEW LIVE PRODUCTION
1
THE VENUE
The Bank of America Theatre at the Eisemann Performing Arts Center in Richardson, TX, is a versatile venue designed for a variety of performances, including theater, dance, and music. With a seating capacity of approximately 600, it offers an intimate setting that enhances the audience experience. The theater features state-of-the-art acoustics and lighting, making it suitable for both local and touring productions. The Eisemann Center itself is known for its commitment to the arts and community engagement, hosting numerous cultural events and performances throughout the year.
2
THE PERFORMANCES
The live spoken word show is a dynamic fusion of poetry, dance, and music, celebrating the richness of Black culture and the power of activism. Through powerful spoken word performances, talented poets express personal and collective experiences, addressing themes of identity, resilience, and social justice. The integration of theatrical elements—like dramatic lighting and movement—enhances the emotional depth of the pieces, while dancers interpret the spoken word through expressive choreography. Live music underscores the performances, adding layers of rhythm and emotion that resonate with the audience. It not only entertains but also inspires critical dialogue about the ongoing struggles and triumphs within the Black community, leaving a lasting impact on all who attend.
3
THE MISSION
"Our mission is to elevate the art of spoken word by fostering a vibrant community of artists and audiences dedicated to storytelling, self-expression, and social change. We strive to create spaces where powerful narratives and diverse voices converge, inspiring both the performers and the listeners. Through innovative collaborations and transformative experiences, we aim to leave a lasting legacy that honors the richness of language, culture, and activism, empowering future generations to continue the tradition of spoken word as a vital form of artistic expression."
SHOW TICKETS
BE SURE TO GET YOUR EARLY BIRD TICKETS! TICKETS ARE SELECTED BY FLOWSHOWCASE AT RANDOM. MUST RESERVE TOGETHER TO BE SEATED TOGETHER.
FEATURING LOC'D N LOADED POETRY SLAM TEAM
TERRY ODIS
Dallas TX
ASHLEE
CONNORS
North Carolina
JAVON RUSTIN
Maryland
Loc’d and Loaded Poetry Slam is a poetry slam team consisting of five writers and performers coming together to combine their talents and stories into wildly creative group pieces. Each member is nationally ranked and has been on numerous final stages in their own indie competitions. The five members include scholars turned activists, hustlers turned visionaries, immigrants turned bridge-builders, lovers of love, seekers of truth, and warriors of justice. Spanning across different areas of the country, the team came together by pure circumstance and grace. Wayne Henry, T. Odis, and Javon Rustin met and competed with each other in Texas. Wayne from Cali, T from Chicago, and Javon from North Carolina where he was introduced to Ashlee Connors. Ashlee hails from New York and was coaching Bri Esoteric who is also a North Carolinian and hails from overseas as a military brat. Wayne and T invited Javon who invited Ashlee who invited Bri. Together they went from being top 10 in the south in 2023 to being top 3 after ranking 3rd at the 2024 Southern Fried Regional Poetry Slam. While their stage presence is phenomenal, what sets this team apart is their love and passion for the arts and each other. Every member is a coach. Every member learns for the other members. Every member is family. That is the power of Loc’d and Loaded Poetry Slam - friendship, love, art, community.
BRI ESOTERIC
North Carolina
WAYNE HENRY
Dallas TX
