Dr. John Cooper Clarke: Mastering Wordplay in Performance Poetry
Once known as the wild-haired poet laureate for Great Britain’s punk rock scene in the 1970s, fast-talking public speaker Dr. John Cooper Clarke has evolved into the UK’s most caustically comic social critic, fanciful storyteller, and performance poet. Rhyming in rhythm, astutely alliterative, and salaciously satirical in sometimes the silliest of ways, Cooper Clarke has built an impressive body of work over the years. He has released seven studio albums, four live DVDs, one prose-centric autobiography (‘I Wanna Be Yours’), and four volumes of poetry, including his latest book, ‘What’.
With his American tour on the horizon, Cooper Clarke is set to bring his unique blend of humor and insight to audiences in New York City on Sept. 18 and Philadelphia’s City Winery on Sept. 20. In a recent conversation with Metro from Dublin, he shared insights into his creative process, his views on aging, and his continued passion for live performance.
Aging, Observations, and Creativity
Cooper Clarke’s latest poem, ‘Things are Gonna Get Worse,’ touches on themes of aging, societal ills, and environmental concerns. When asked about the inspiration behind the piece, he explained, “If there’s something wrong with the planet, there’s nothing that I can do about it. That is a completely subjective piece of work about the creeping decrepitude of age… the connections to the senior life. Nothing more.” Despite its introspective nature, the poem also carries a sense of humor and resilience, reflecting Cooper Clarke’s own approach to the passage of time.
Acknowledging his own aging process, Cooper Clarke shared, “Let’s face it: we’re all under the clock. But let’s not get too miserable about things. I’ve never been sprightlier.” With a playful spirit and a keen eye for observation, he continues to find inspiration in everyday moments and experiences. His ability to blend personal reflections with social commentary has been a hallmark of his work, allowing audiences to connect with his poetry on a deeper level.
The Art of Writing and Performance
Despite his aversion to modern technology, Cooper Clarke remains dedicated to his craft, preferring pen and paper over laptops. Reflecting on his creative process, he explained, “If you write poetry, idleness is really your only ally. So, I think that I got what I wanted: idleness.” Embracing a sense of playfulness and curiosity, he sees poetry as a medium that thrives on live performances and oral storytelling.
Drawing inspiration from the monologue artists of the past, such as Stanley Holloway and Phil Harris, Cooper Clarke has carved out a unique niche for himself in the world of performance poetry. By blending elements of humor, wit, and social commentary, he has captivated audiences around the world with his distinctive style and delivery.
Reflections on Punk Rock and Empathy
While Cooper Clarke acknowledges his roots in the punk rock scene of the 1970s, he humorously downplays his status as a punk at his current age. However, he embraces the label as part of his artistic identity, recognizing the influence it has had on his work. Reflecting on the evolution of his writing style, he shared, “I’m writing more now in the first person. It’s a stylistic thing, so that I don’t sound like it’s about ‘him,’ ‘her,’ ‘she,’ ‘him,’ ‘it.’ It’s a bit accusatory.”
By adopting different perspectives and voices in his poetry, Cooper Clarke explores empathy and human experiences in a nuanced way. He navigates complex themes with wit and insight, inviting audiences to consider new perspectives and ideas. As he continues to evolve as an artist, his commitment to authenticity and creativity remains unwavering.
Dr. John Cooper Clarke’s upcoming performance at City Winery promises to be a captivating blend of humor, insight, and wordplay. With his unique style and unparalleled stage presence, he invites audiences to join him on a journey of exploration and discovery through the power of poetry. For more information and tickets, visit citywinery.com/philadelphia.