Last Thursday and Friday, Ebony Readers/Onyx Theater (EROT) held auditions for their upcoming fall show, set to take place in November.
Founded in 1979, EROT is the oldest spoken word organization at the University of North Carolina (UNC). This collaboration brings together the talents of Ebony Readers and Onyx Theater to form a slam poetry and spoken word team.
Originally established as a historically Black organization, EROT welcomes all poets of color. The organization provides a platform for these artists to express themselves and share their cultural experiences and perspectives. EROT aims to uplift and refine members’ talents, creating a supportive environment where they can thrive.
Through their performances, EROT showcases underrepresented stories, allowing them to connect with audiences on various emotional levels. Each performer shares personal vulnerabilities to foster a sense of connection with their listeners.
Sierra Stubbs, treasurer of EROT, said, “How do we turn some of these ‘under focused topics’ into what’s the common language between different kinds of people? It can also vary through personal observations, taking a rather ordinary event and transforming it into something extraordinary.”
EROT offers performers a unique opportunity to share deep personal experiences and navigate their fears.
During last semester’s annual love show, a Valentine’s-themed event where audience members can buy roses and poems for loved ones, Stubbs expressed immense relief after sharing her poem. She felt a profound connection within the theater created by her words and the collective experiences of the audience.
Performers use their poetry to foster a sense of commonality among audience members.
Melodi Carty, secretary of EROT, said, “As much fun as it is to perform poetry and share it, there is this therapeutic release that happens when you get to express something dear to you. Performing is just as much for the audience as it is for me.”
Mariah Snuggs, president of EROT, shared her journey in the club. She recalled being called “squeaky toy” due to her shyness when she joined.
“I was afraid to take up space,” she said. “EROT knocked out my fear of being seen, whether in public, during performances, or even in regular conversations. Now, I have so much more confidence in communicating with people and in my identity.”
The organization fosters a creative atmosphere, encouraging collaboration and building a spoken-word community where members of all backgrounds are invited to share their voices.
EROT collaborates with various artistic communities on and off campus to showcase their talents. In previous events, they have partnered with groups like Blue Lightning Stomp & Shake and other Black Student Movement organizations.
The theme for this year’s fall show has yet to be decided. Last year’s theme focused on folklore and mythology.
On October 11, EROT will host an open mic night at the Campus Y in collaboration with the Asian American Writing Collective at UNC.
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