Producing gritty, sexy, energetic, poetry slam competitions is how it all began five years ago for the poetry collective Metaphorically Speaking. Today the group has morphed into a major player in Dayton’s arts and entertainment community. The group has moved from producing monthly poetry slam competitions to producing full stage productions to nearly sell-out crowds. On Saturday, April 28 at Victoria Theatre Metaphorically Speaking will present I Love Sex & Poetry, a comedic tale about what happens when sex becomes the focus and center of our relationship goals.
I Love Sex & Poetry features Metaphorically Speaking founders/spoken word artists Tony “Ace Metaphor” Nalls and Jay Martinez. Spoken word artist LeRoy De’Vaughn Bean, actress/dancer Vanae Iesha, lyricist JiGi Deniro, and entrepreneur Gerard “Fly Guy” Williams, II round out the cast with Musical & Technical Director R. Allen Frost providing the soundtrack and backdrop for the show. “This show is different than what our fans have seen with the Love Sex & Poetry theme,” says co-founder Tony “Ace Metaphor” Nalls. “It’s a funny take on what we place value on in relationships, and how no one act or emotion equates to happiness. This production is a voyeuristic interaction with love, sex and all of the things in between.”
Metaphorically Speaking has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a monthly poetry slam competition. Early shows saw modest turnouts but commitment, hard work, and dedication have yielded significant growth for the group. Each performance at the Victoria Theatre has grown with a nearly sell out show in January 2017. The group seeks to sell out the venue for I Love Sex & Poetry. “This journey has been amazing,” said Natasha R. Moreland Spears, COO, “We are consistently pushing ourselves individually and collectively to deliver the best product, the best show to our audience. We are committed to artistry and excellence.”
Metaphorically Speaking is not a small, exclusive group of artists. It is a collective that incorporates all forms of art to support and engage the broadest aspects of the community. This is most evident in the group’s work with elementary and high school students through partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton, HRC and Dayton Public Schools, and the Montgomery County Juvenile Department. “Poetry is an amazing form of expression,” said co-founder Jay Martinez. “It’s a place to dump your secrets, your fears, and your hopes without judgement or vulnerability.” Metaphorically Speaking is creating movement of poetry and the arts that is expanding; broadening both its artistic and academic components.”
The four partners of Metaphorically Speaking, Tony Nalls, Jay Martinez, Natasha R. Moreland Spears, and Frank “Buddy” Pitts, are excited about the future of the collective. From the launch of an academic arm later this year to the growth of its entertainment endeavors, the collective is positioning itself for longevity. “We are methodically and consistently expanding our brand,” said Pitts, the company’s strategist and graphic designer. “As creatives, we are always looking at new and innovative ways to expand our territory while remaining true to who MS is and to our fans.”
Metaphorically Speaking’s I Love Sex & Poetry will take place Saturday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. at the Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main Street in Dayton. This show is rated mature for language and adult content. Tickets range from $33.50 to $83.50 and may be purchased at www.ticketcenterstage.com. To stay up to date on all things Metaphorically Speaking, check out their Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat pages @metaphoricallyspeakingdayton.
This guest post was written by by Ruthie Moreland
