Jordan Stephens Discusses Performance Poetry and Emotional Expression at More Fire Event

Stephens has cultivated a diverse career that spans music, acting, writing, and advocacy, focusing on creativity, masculinity, and emotional expression. He will participate in More Fire, a performance poetry event presented by Apples and Snakes at Woolwich Works in London, sharing the stage with the influential spoken word collective The Last Poets and various contemporary poets.

In discussing the significance of spoken word, he emphasized its liberating nature, noting, "When you feel like you’re talking to a person, there’s a different energy to it... It’s slightly more liberating having the freedom to dictate how something is said and delivered."

Reflecting on The Last Poets, who laid the groundwork for hip-hop before many current artists were born, Stephens mentioned, "I think my mum would have probably played them. Their presence is complex. It just lends itself to the power of this shit." He highlighted that poetry can be so impactful that it garners censorship, saying, "You hear about poets who end up in prison, or who have their books banned. It’s gotta be pretty powerful if people are gonna legislate against it."

On the pressures faced by men in expressing emotions, particularly young Black men, Stephens asserted that spoken word can offer a space to explore vulnerability often restricted by traditional masculinity. He stated, "There are a lot of incredible young Black male poets. The short form can be more accessible. You can just get something down in the moment."

As More Fire coincides with Bonfire Night, he was asked about his creative inspirations. He expressed an obsession with pivotal moments that change lives, reflecting on how a single sentence can alter someone's reality.

In a personal reflection, Stephens shared insights into his emotional journey, mentioning moments of sadness and satisfaction in his life this week. He noted his enjoyment of music, specifically praising Coldplay's album Parachutes and Kendrick Lamar's Mr Morale & the Big Steppers.

Currently, he is reading Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass and his friend Thomas Page McBee’s upcoming book, Trans Time Travel: Our Shared History.

Stephens last attended a live music event featuring James Blake, whom he described as having "the best voice in the world."

Fans can find Stephens on Instagram and TikTok @JordanFStephens, and he will perform at More Fire on Thursday, November 5, with doors opening at 7:30 PM.