Interdisciplinary Artist
Al Letson, Jacksonville, Florida

Poet, actor and playwright Al Letson has become nationally recognized for his soul-stirring, multidisciplinary work. In 2005, Letson was awarded the Individual Artist Fellowship by the State of Florida in conjunction with the NEA. “Griot: He Who Speaks the Sweet Word,” a 90-minute ensemble piece commissioned by the Baltimore Theatre Project, enjoyed its premiere in 2004. Written and performed by Letson and poet/actors Larry Knight, Jr., and David Girard Pugh, “Griot” follows the tradition of storytelling from the ancient Mali Empire to Hip-Hop America. Poetry, drama, movement, and music combine to create a theatrical experience that mines both the pathos and brilliance of black artistic creativity. This hip-hop choreopoematic play starts in pre-colonial West Africa and follows the word in its many manifestations, from pre-colonial African shores to the birth of modern Hip-Hop.

Letson’s teen drama “Chalk,” which was commissioned by the Baltimore School of the Arts, also premiered in 2004. Described as Mean Girls without the glam and triviality, the play features fourteen young actors and explores the reality of teenage aggression, especially amongst girls. The Ophelia Project, and organization dedicated to helping girls channel anger into healthy directions, reviewed the play in their quarterly publication: “Letson has an extraordinary gift of painting a realistic picture of the inner-landscapes of 14-year-old girls.” With “Chalk,” Letson created a new genre of theater he calls “The Poetical.” A Poetical works similar to a Musical, but instead of the dialogue leading into musical numbers, the characters perform poetry. These poems are akin to the type of poetry one would see at a poetry slam, and give insight into the characters’ inner conflicts.

In 2001, Letson first performed “Essential Personnel,” a one-man play that combines poetry, theater, and music. Written and performed by Al, this provocative piece explores the common humanity in all of us through the voices of eight distinct characters. “Essential Personnel” has received critical praise, and enjoyed runs in several theaters and colleges across the nation. The Baltimore Sun said, “Essential Personnel” is “evocative . . . but [his] acting ability is the real revelation of this show.” The Florida Times-Union wrote, “pathos and sumptuous detail come together to bring the audiences to silence…and then applause.”

Among his numerous accomplishments as a performance poet, in 2004 Al received the opportunity to perform a promotional spot for CBS that aired before the NCAA Final Four tip off, and was seen by over 45 million viewers. Letson won the 2000 Atlanta Grand Slam, and ranked 3rd at the National Poetry Slam that same year. His poem “Stoplights” was adapted into a critically acclaimed short film that was an official selection of the 2001 Urban World Film Festival.

In addition to writing and touring with “Essential Personnel” and “Griot,” Al works with grade school and college students, teaching and encouraging young people to let their voices be heard through writing and performance poetry.

Video Work Samples:

The Ball The Rim and Him, 4min.

"Second Planet from the Star" (Live Performance), 4min.

Related Links:
http://www.alletson.com/index.htm