Kehatu luule kohandamisest lavale
Embodiment of poetry on the stage

Summary/Abstract: This article discusses the different possibilities of presenting oral poetry, concentrating on the various sign systems that can be expressed with orality. Exemplary material (focusing on voice variations, different presenting styles and intonations used) is collected from both theatre and radio broadcasts. Theoretical chapters give an insight into the relationship of body and voice, showing how oral expression is more individual and subjective. It is especially important to pay attention to it in today’s visual and computer-centred world. The analysis of voice covers also the sacral dimension in oral speech and the sacral comprehension of oral poetry — many of the directors have said that presenting poetry is a magical ritual or a rite, a sort of purgatory. This can be connected also with the older traditional understanding of poetry presentation — a creation of community and boundaries of a special magic space for the participants. Furthermore, attention is given to the importance of the styles of presenting poetry in different periods in performance history. The oral presentation and the individual interpretation are of course related to the personality of the speaker. The issue of possible interference of famous actors and their previous roles in the impression given by the oral presentation is also seen to.

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