Goodness, writers are a hyperbolic bunch. Sure, they’re calling this thing “Literary Death Match,” but we’re guessing the bloodletting will be kept to a minimum. Still, “Literary Death Match” does convey a, hmmm, certain scrappiness of the spirit that’s to be admired. And the night’s sponsored by Opium? Juicier and juicier…
Okay, Opium Magazine. So, to recap: No body count, no poppy in the pipe. Just what’s this Literary Death Match all about, huh?
Let’s go to the press release:
“It’s an event that combines the literary and performative aspects of Def Poetry Jam, rapier-witted quips of American Idol‘s judging (without any meanness), and the ridiculousness and hilarity of Double Dare. Literary Death Match features a thrilling mix of four famous and emerging authors (all representing a literary publication, press or concern – either online or in print) who perform their most electric writing (in seven minutes or less) before a lively audience and a panel of three all-star judges.”
Yup, they name-checked Double Dare. We can’t decide if that’s a point deduction or addition.
By the by, the brawling writers include Spike Gillespie, Anna Mitchael, Tyler Stoddard Smith, and Les McGehee. Judges include Owen Egerton, Sara Hickman, and John Pipkin.
The joint Writers League of Texas/Opium Magazine event takes place tomorrow (Thursday, 4/22) at the Speakeasy (412-D Congress Ave.). Doors open at 7pm, Death Match starts promptly at 8:05pm.
This article appears in April 16 • 2010.
