Bringing Words to Life

In the interest of disclosure, since this piece was written, the author has been hired as a freelance blogger for the GetLit players. All reporting and writing for this piece took place before the author was hired by them.

Literacy is a big issue across America. According to statistics, one fifth of graduates cannot read their diploma, 20% of seniors can be classified as functionally illiterate when they graduate and 85% of juvenile offenders have a reading problem. Los Angeles next to last among the 58 counties in Calfornia in basic literary skills according to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy.

One organization, called GetLit, is working to change the poor literacy rate among teens in Los Angeles. Founded by Diane Luby Lane, the GetLit Players are a group of teens who go to schools around Los Angeles performing original and classic works of poetry, as well as classic literature to engage other teens in the power words have to express what they feel every day. By reciting pieces from classical writers, the GetLit Players are able to illustrate how relevant the writings of Shakespeare or Walt Whitman are to teens today.

Lane became interested in literacy through her own love of books and her self-education of classic literature. Using an example of a Walt Whitman piece she explains the importance of books in her life and the lives of teens who are looking for more than the life that’s in front of them every day. (Click to hear Diane talk about what books have meant in her life).

The GetLit Players feel that it is important for teens to realize that classic literature is something they need to know. Ryan Jafar explained how he sees similarities between raps he creates and the structure of poetry created by Shakespeare. (Click to hear Ryan talk about the relevance of classic literature).

Teens who perform with the GetLit are impacted in a large way by the group as well. (Click the video to hear Jasmine, Dario and Yani talk about what people should know about GetLit).

While the issue of teen literacy may seem overwhelming, GetLit illustrates what a difference someone can make if they simply begin to help. (Click to hear Diane talk about teen literacy).

Interview with: Azure Antoinette, Artistic Director – GetLit

See the GetLit Players rehearse (some may find some of the language offensive):