Get ready for an unforgettable evening dedicated to the legendary Allen Ginsberg! A night that will celebrate his life, work, and enduring impact on art and culture.
On December 2, 2025, at 7 pm, e-flux Screening Room in Brooklyn, NY, will host a unique event featuring a live performance, poetry reading, and film screening. This special evening, curated by Conor Williams, will explore how Ginsberg's voice continues to resonate across music, cinema, and contemporary art.
The program kicks off with a live interpretation of Ginsberg's punk masterpiece, "Capitol Air." Written in the early '80s and later performed with The Clash, this song showcases Ginsberg's dual identity as a poet and musician. Emily Greenberg, Daniel Cooke, and Williams will bring this composition to life, setting the tone for the evening.
Next, we delve into Ginsberg's poetry with a reading by Hannah Beerman, Lynne Sachs, Terrence Arjoon, and A. S. Hamrah. These talented artists will bring Ginsberg's words to the forefront, reminding us of his powerful voice and unique perspective.
But here's where it gets controversial... The evening concludes with a screening of two works by Jonas Mekas, a renowned filmmaker and Ginsberg's contemporary. The first film, "Scenes from Allen's Last Three Days on Earth as a Spirit," captures the Buddhist Wake ceremony held at Ginsberg's East Village loft shortly after his death in 1997. It's an intimate look at Ginsberg's final days and the impact he had on those around him. The second film, an untitled video portrait, bridges footage from 1987 and Mekas's reflections in 1997, offering a unique perspective on Ginsberg's life and work.
And this is the part most people miss... Ginsberg's influence extended far beyond his poetry. He was an activist, a performer, and a teacher, leaving an indelible mark on postwar American literature and the international counterculture. His collaborations with artists, musicians, and filmmakers across generations are a testament to his enduring legacy.
Join us at e-flux Screening Room for an evening that celebrates the life and work of Allen Ginsberg. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $7 for students. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of this iconic artist and explore the many facets of his genius.
For more information and to secure your spot, visit [Event Link].
Accessibility information is available on the website, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this special event. We look forward to seeing you there!
About Allen Ginsberg:
Born in Newark and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, Allen Ginsberg became one of the principal figures of the Beat Generation alongside Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs. His breakthrough poem, "Howl" (1956), not only brought national attention but also sparked an obscenity trial, solidifying his place as a leading voice of experimental poetics and political dissent. Over the years, Ginsberg published numerous works, including "Kaddish" (1961), "Reality Sandwiches" (1963), "Planet News" (1968), and "The Fall of America" (1973), which earned him the National Book Award. Ginsberg was deeply involved in civil rights, anti-war, and gay liberation movements, and his collaborations with artists and musicians across generations left an indelible mark on American culture.
About Jonas Mekas:
Jonas Mekas, a filmmaker, poet, teacher, and archivist, escaped a Nazi labor camp in Germany with his brother Adolfas. After studying philosophy at the University of Mainz, they relocated to New York City as United Nations refugees in 1949. Mekas quickly became an influential figure in the film community, founding the Film-Makers' Cooperative and the Film-Makers' Cinematheque, which later evolved into the renowned Anthology Film Archives. Mekas made over sixty films and film installations, and his contributions to avant-garde cinema and diaristic forms are widely recognized. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 96, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of film and literature.
Curator and Performers:
Conor Williams, a filmmaker and critic, has curated this special evening, bringing together a talented group of performers and artists. Daniel Cooke, a research scientist with a passion for music, will join Emily Greenberg, a filmmaker and musician, and Williams to perform "Capitol Air." The poetry reading will feature Hannah Beerman, Lynne Sachs, Terrence Arjoon, and A. S. Hamrah, each bringing their unique interpretations to Ginsberg's work.
This event promises to be a thought-provoking and immersive experience, celebrating the life and work of Allen Ginsberg. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the many facets of his genius and the impact he had on art, culture, and society. Join us at e-flux Screening Room and be a part of this special tribute.
What do you think about Ginsberg's impact on contemporary art and culture? Do you believe his work still resonates with audiences today? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the comments below!
