Watch Poetry in America

Poetry in America is a mesmerizing series that explores the power of poetry and the social impact of its language on the human mind, culture, and history. The show is produced by Verse Video Education and hosted by acclaimed Harvard professor Elisa New. The show features a diverse range of guests from the literary world and beyond, including renowned poets, writers, scholars, musicians, actors, and activists.

The show is divided into hour-long episodes, each focused on a single poem, ranging from the classics to contemporary works. The featured poems are carefully selected based on their relevance to the current social issues and their potential for sparking thought-provoking discussions. The show's masterful combination of poetry, music, and visual arts creates a captivating viewing experience that engages the viewer's imagination and emotions.

Throughout the series, Professor New guides the viewers through the literary analysis of each poem, breaking down its structure, language, symbolism, and overall significance. Her insightful commentary is accompanied by interviews with guests who offer a unique perspective on the poem's themes and relevance to their own personal experiences.

One of the most noteworthy episodes of Poetry in America features the rapper Nas, who reads and discusses his own rap song, "It Ain't Hard to Tell," alongside the classic poem, "Sonnet 18" by William Shakespeare. Nas, also known as Nasir Jones, shares his own experiences growing up in the Queensbridge housing project in New York City, and how poetry and music played a crucial role in his life. He discusses the connection between Shakespeare's timeless sonnet and the themes present in his own rap song, such as the struggle for self-expression and the quest for artistic validation.

Another memorable episode of the show features Tony Kushner, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, who reads and discusses the poignant poem, "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus. The poem, famously inscribed on the Statue of Liberty, speaks to the values of freedom and democracy that the United States was founded upon. Kushner shares his own thoughts on the meaning and relevance of the poem in today's political climate, particularly in regards to immigration and the treatment of refugees.

Throughout the series, the show's guests also perform readings of the featured poems, often accompanied by music and visual art. These performances bring the poems to life and showcase the beauty and power of language in a way that resonates with the viewer on a visceral level.

In addition to its entertainment value, Poetry in America offers an educational experience that is accessible to viewers of all ages and backgrounds. The show's engaging format and diverse range of guests foster critical thinking and encourage the viewer to explore their own personal connection to poetry and literature.

Overall, Poetry in America is a thought-provoking and inspiring series that celebrates the art of poetry and its ability to connect us to one another and to the world around us. With its dynamic format and insightful commentary, this show is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the power of language and its impact on our lives.

Poetry in America is a series that ran for 4 seasons (36 episodes) between March 28, 2018 and on Verse Video Education