schedule
Scream Blue Murmur
The Morning After the Summer of Love
Fri., Jul. 31 @ 7:00 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 2 @ 10:00 p.m.
Thu., Aug. 6 @ 7:00 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 8 @ 1:00 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 9 @ 7:00 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 9 @ 8:30 p.m.
Warning! Adult language
Venue Intermedia Arts
For ages 16+
Created by Scream Blue Murmur
From Northern Ireland
Web site www.myspace.com/screambluemurmur
genres Spoken word
subjects Multicultural, Political
features Audience participation, Multimedia, Regional premiere (Minneapolis-St. Paul), Original script/choreography, Original music
Overall rating
User reviews
What a Way To Finish
by Joshua Humphrey Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This was the final show I saw for the fringe and it was totally deserving of it's encore slot. Poignant, moving and lyrical, I couldn't have chosen a better show to sooth my fringe ills. Lovely folks, hope to see them again in someplace, somewhen.
Go See? Aye.
by Nick Decker Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Scream Blue Murmur's exploration of the tumultuous issues surrounding the year 1968 and its repercussions forty years later provides the Irish poets with a broad range of emotions and imagery for poetic material. Their works, while powerful, never connected with me emotionally, though that may be due to my lack of connection to the era of the '60s. The grasp they had on the audience was unmistakable, though, as they are still master storytellers with distinct voices.
Best show of the Fringe (that I saw)
by Susan Roberts Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I saw this group two years ago at the Fringe and loved their work. I was excited to see that they had been drawn to come back again this year. After seeing two "worst" shows of the Fringe over the last weekend, I was delighted and thrilled to see their Sunday 7PM show - my last show of the Fringe. I wasn't disappointed. Far from it - it was great!! The group was as I remembered them - moving, relevant and engaging. They connected with the audience immediately and held us in their lyrical hold the entire 60 minutes of the show. Bravo and cheers for another great show! Looking forward to seeing them at future Fringe Festival shows! Picked up their CD at the end of the show - listened to it on the way to work this morning - fantastic. My little fix.
The underestimated power of poetry
by Florence Brammer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
We live in such a high-tech, multi-media world, it's easy to overlook the enduring power of poetry. These artists' material is fabulous and their straightforward delivery is evocative and unforgettable.
Time Travel
by Richard Shields Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show spans 40 years using music, poetry, spoken work and film to examine the ups and downs of those times. It talks of war, music and social justice with charm and wit. You leave wanting more. The show moves fast and while full of political comments never seems preachy or self-righteous.
Controlled cacophony
by Dave Romm Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The lilt of Irish poetry combines with bongo rhythms in this examination of the peace movement and the civil rights movement then and now. A dash of audience sing-a-long spices up the show. Four and a half kitties, rounded up for the CD and to encourage them to come back to the Minnesota Fringe. A Shockwave Radio Theater Review.
Longer reviews with pictures at Baron Dave's LiveJournal and snarky comments on Facebook.
More interesting than this headline
by Fluffy Singler Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I am a poet and spoken word performer, so believe me, I am the LAST person you want to go with to a poetry show! I loved this, not only for the poetry, but for the tight way they wove it together, and for the performances themselves. They included poetic harmonies, simultaneous poems and music, in addition to sometimes just one person at a mic reading a poem. The work was touching and funny. It also reminded me of what I believe in and what was worth standing up for.
One more opportunity
by Marilyn Swanson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
If your experience with poetry is limited to memorizing "Trees" in the 2nd grade, and if the name Emily Dickinson only vaguely rings a bell, then you need a refresher. You've one more change to see/hear The Morning after the Summer of Love at Intermedia Arts. Try not to miss Scream Blue Murmur before they return to Ireland.
brilliant.
by michael freiert Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
A contemplative and cacophonous retrospective of progress, regress, apathy and violence that will painfully remind you that the more things change that more change is compelling. Beautiful texts dance with charming delivery and you're left wanting more.
-the bloke in the kilt.
The Morning After the Summer of Love
by Janis Wrich Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Brilliant melding of poetry, song, narravive -- moving easily from humorous to somber -- on love, war, civil rights. And an added delight -- those beautiful Irish accents.
Go raibh maith agat
by David Trudeau Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
means "thank you" in Gaelic, to these republican stalwarts who universalize the struggle for acceptance and equality in the land of "the troubles." The North of Ireland could be Selma in 1962, and their poetry takes us tripping through the little victories. This is the kind of poetry that is sung in bars with gusto, in the greatest of bardic traditions.
Grand and Memorable
by Marilyn Klug Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The words and sounds immediately grabbed me and took me on a ride that brought forth memories and a freshness of now.
A "Wow" performance.
Loved it all
by Karen Pedersen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Great thought provoking performances. Very timely look at today's issues through the lense of 1968.
:)
by Val Rigsbee Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I stumbled across this company on Twitter because of a cocktail contest they were having (which I won!) I had never heard of them before and honestly didn't know what to expect when I went to the show. I have now fallen in love with this group. So different from anything else I've ever seen - I was 100% engaged. The time flew by. So so so so so so so so so happy I stumbled across these guys. Get to Intermedia to see them now. You won't regret it.
Don't Miss
by J Emily Peabody Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I always thought poetry was boring, but not after seeing the Blue Mummers. I'm totally wowed and absolutely converted. Thanks!
Not Impressed
by Ruth Alkons Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
I really wanted to like this show after all the great reviews, but it fell flat. I could imagine the show working in a more intimate setting (think 10 people). I didn't feel the performers had charisma, or maybe it just didn't reach me up on the top row.
Solid
by Waylon Werner Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Spoken Word at it's best. One of the only shows that has actually made me think about my place and lack of involvement in what really matters in the world. One of the only shows that actually gave me a great take away. Here's hoping they come back again and again.
Absolutely Brilliant
by A. Lewis Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
What I love most about Fringe is how it provokes, inspires, and delights me. Scream Blue Murmur does all of that. I agree with Swizzy about being wrapped in a spell. Each poet has such an interesting story to tell.
It's not so much about poetry as experience, and experience portrayed so sublimely.
This is a show you must see!
Get lost in the spell of words
by Swizzy Wizzlecheeks Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Fringe Fest awoke an appreciation of theatre I thought long dead. Scream Blue Murmur may have opened my eyes to poetry once again.
There is something magical about people who can wrap you in a spell of words. It's easy to forget language can be so elegant and so powerful.
In between poems, they were casual and engaging. Too much so, perhaps, I sometimes wish they hadn't broken the spell their words were weaving.
If you haven't, check this show out. A must see.
summer of love
by martha jordan Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
this was a wonderful show, Very creative, fresh and appreciated.
Loved this show. Go see it.
by mariy giesen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Very memorable show, moving. My growing up years were relived. It is renewed my hope for the future.
Powerful and Lovely
by Brian Columbus Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Saw these folks when they were here a couple years ago, and fell in love with their flowing words and images and energy and depth. Saw them tonight and fell in love again. (And when I go to Ireland, I'm going to look them up and see them in a bar and have a pint with them after.) Lovely piece about 1968 - love, war and civil rights. Powerfully current. Go see them - you will not be disappointed!
Loved It!
by Carney Gray Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I loved this show. I love this group. I loved them the last time they were here. (Although I liked the name 'Belfast Poets' better). Great energy, great urgency, very compelling and dynamic. And I must confess, I'm a sucker for that wonderful accent.
All that said, I was a little disappointed that there weren't more Irish themes to the poetry. Maybe they're tired of Irish themes. But there are many important Irish events and people worth writing about. Legendary Irish heroes that the USA never really hears about. 1968 saws a hell of a lot of important events in Ireland -- these were only briefly hinted at. And glorifying boxers? Or any athlete for that matter? What about poets, statesmen, rebels? So much material in Irish events and history, it seems a shame to neglect them.
Totally unpretentious
by Michael Sauve Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I was reluctant to see this piece after a long day. I didn't want to be preached to like so much art house poetry is apt to do. But I stuck around anyhow, and I'm so glad I did! This piece is full of emotionally volatile material, but these poets are the real deal, and they are sensitive to the needs of their audience and never overdo it. I was hanging on the end of every word. Don't believe me? Check out the rest of the reviews!
Then & Now=1968-2008
by dixie treichel Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Political poetry composed with unabashed commentary on revolution, bigotry, social change and the after effects of the summer of love. Great performance mixing music, poetry, polyphony and audience sing-a-long. Let the Sun Shine In!
Brilliant!
by Dennis Duncan Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I loved their show in 2007 and this year they are even better with the addition of the music. This is a must see!
Run to This Show!
by Dr John Drozdal Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I am now an unabashed Scream Blue Murmur fan! As someone who came of age in 1968, I found this performance extremely moving. One of the best shows I've seen in a long while. You will be disappointed if you miss this!
Poetry Plus
by Marvin Joel Rubin Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
As usual Belfast's gift to The Minnesota Fringe deliver.
The show was particularly fun, for someone like me, who was right in the middle of the 1968 period of changes. It was fascinating seeing 1968 played out, through 2009 eyes.
Hopefully when they return to Minnesota again, it won't be so long as before. Minnesota is their second home.
Amazing poetry and performance
by Kelly Glader Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
You need to see this show. Every single performer of this show knows, understands, and delivers excellent poetry with classic and modern influence to a T. The content of the poems is relevant just as much today as it was in '68.
Also, audience participation is recommended--actually, encouraged--but us Minnesotans shouldn't be afraid to sing and shout along. It adds to the powerfulness of the show.
well versed
by steve legas Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A group of wonderful poetperformers.Each with their own voice and style.Together they make you think,laugh and appreciate what our world has to offer and what we still need to aspire to.
Brilliant.
Wonderful!
by Graeme Anfinson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I left the show feeling realistically optimistic. The glass was half full, but the water looked dirty and I'm pretty sure I don't want to drink it.
This is poetry for those who really aren't all that interested in poetry (as well as those who are). I loved the videos, guitar playing, and especially the percussion. (The dude on the drums stole the show.) Wonderful! Go see this show.
This is why I attend
by Jeff Miller Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
So crisp and clear (even with the thick accent). I loved the rhythms and the words. This show rocked my world and I didn't even know I liked poetry until I married one, now I can't get enough. These folks are the real deal. Excellent, don't miss. Also, extra kudos to this troupe for working up a special mix/adaptation for the out of towner's showcase last Wednesday instead of just doing a 3 minute blip from the show.
If you love poetry you shouldn't miss!
by Eric Meininger Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I won't be the one to give them less than 5 stars. I truly enjoyed the performance on race and politics and war -how far we've come, and yet how little has changed. Truly timely with even the recent events with Dr. Gates chronicled.
The only negative for my partner was that the accents were a little thick for him to follow as a non native speaker.
Go see this show. You'll enjoy it and it's audience participation will draw you in.
Always Worth Seeing!
by Julie Stone Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Glad they put MN Fringe on their world tour; the poets from the Emerald Isle are entertaining and thought-provoking as ever ... and leave the audience whispering 'no fat Bob ... yes fat Bob ... as they each deal with their own post-9/11 angst in the war on terror ... Don't miss this!
Go See This Show!!!
by Eric Herr Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
These poets from Northern Ireland are truly amazing! Two years ago I was near Red Eye and had a gap in my schedule and took a chance on this group! I have been talking about this experience for the past 2 years and am thrilled they are back with a new show...and in top form! Love, War, Civil Rights...they've got a bit of everything, including current topics in the news. Go see them today! Don't miss this incredible opportunity to find out why you'll be quoting: "Nooo, Phat Bob, Nooo" for the rest of the Fringe!
Pick of the Night
by CT Toll Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Truly fantastic! I love that each player is a great performer individually and yet their different styles come together so well. Big topics embraced - love and war and civil rights. "Ménage a trios" kept us laughing all night.
Not just for poetry lovers
by Lisa Berg Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show looks at the turmoil, tragedy and craziness of 1968 without resorting to drippy nostalgia. For those who love language and a polished production by true professionals. Makes me want to see what they come up with next year.
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