Summary: Fifty year's after the publication of Allen Ginsberg's poem "Howl" and its subsequent obscenity trial, poets and friends look back at its origins, impact and relevance today.
This lively reflection on the origins of "Howl" manages to be both lyrical and analytical, and is a great way to commemorate the 10th year of Ginsberg's corporeal absence from the planet. Poets who knew and were inspired by Ginsberg remind us how powerfully his youthful rage at the constraints of the fifties resonates in our post-911 world. Stanzas of "Howl" flow throughout, read by Ginsberg and others, and the piece includes a heart-lifting chorale version, as well as a very musical blending of an international language "Howl." Ginsberg's courageous candor and compassion feel truly "good to eat a thousand years."
Comments for An Angel-headed Hipster's Howl
This piece belongs to the series "RN Documentaries"
Produced by David Swatling
Other pieces by Radio Netherlands Worldwide
Rating Summary
1 comment
Sydney Lewis
Posted on June 20, 2007 at 05:27 AM | Permalink
Review of An Angel-headed Hipster's Howl
This lively reflection on the origins of "Howl" manages to be both lyrical and analytical, and is a great way to commemorate the 10th year of Ginsberg's corporeal absence from the planet. Poets who knew and were inspired by Ginsberg remind us how powerfully his youthful rage at the constraints of the fifties resonates in our post-911 world. Stanzas of "Howl" flow throughout, read by Ginsberg and others, and the piece includes a heart-lifting chorale version, as well as a very musical blending of an international language "Howl." Ginsberg's courageous candor and compassion feel truly "good to eat a thousand years."